Description
This Creamy Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, bold ranch seasoning, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something irresistibly cheesy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned and fully cooked, drain excess grease and set aside. -
Prepare the Bacon:
In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble it and set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking until combined. Mix in the ranch seasoning. -
Add the Cheese:
Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. -
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine. -
Mix with Pasta:
Toss the drained macaroni into the sauce mixture. Stir until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve:
Enjoy hot, garnished with extra bacon or cheese if desired!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Want a little spice? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- This dish reheats well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg