Step 1 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Step 2 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Lay two sheets of paper towels on a large plate. Set aside.
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Step 3 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
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Step 4 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Using a cheese grater or food processor fitted with a grating attachment, grate the Cheddar, Gouda, and American cheeses. Set aside.
PRO TIP In a hurry? Use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly-grated cheese.
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Step 5 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Finely dice the onion. Set aside.
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Step 6 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Finely chop the bacon. Set aside.
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Step 7 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Step 8 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Set a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and crispy.
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Step 9 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Use a slotted spoon or spatula to transfer the bacon pieces to the paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the pan, then return the pan to the stove.
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Step 10 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Add the elbow macaroni to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
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Step 11 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Add the diced onion to the pan used to cook the bacon. Saute until translucent, 5-6 minutes.
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Step 12 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions. Cook until browned, 4-5 minutes.
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Step 13 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic powder, ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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Step 14 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Add the bacon to the beef mixture and continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, and set aside.
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Step 15 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Step 16 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Once melted, add the flour. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Continue whisking until the roux turns slightly golden and begins to smell toasty, 1-2 minutes.
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Step 17 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Slowly stream the milk into the pot while continuing to whisk. Cook the mixture, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, 4-5 minutes.
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Step 18 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Once bubbling, turn off the heat. Add the ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Step 19 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Add the cheeses to the pot a handful at a time, whisking slowly after each addition.
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Step 20 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Once the sauce is smooth, add the drained pasta noodles and beef mixture to the pot. Stir until combined.
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Step 21 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
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Step 22 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Bake the mac and cheese on middle rack of oven until bubbling at the edges, 25-28 minutes.
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Step 23 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Check to see that mac and cheese is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 24 of 24
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Allow mac and cheese to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve with ketchup, if desired.