Imagine taking two of your all-time favorite comfort foods—creamy mac and cheese and a juicy bacon cheeseburger—and wrapping them up in a taco shell. Sounds like the ultimate food dream, right? That’s exactly what you get with Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Tacos, a dish that delivers the rich, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese alongside the bold, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger, all tucked inside a soft taco. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or even a fun weeknight meal when you’re craving something extra satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or even try a plant-based alternative to make it vegetarian. Add your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes for a fresh crunch, or kick up the heat with some jalapeños or hot sauce. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, these tacos are guaranteed to please!
Ingredients:
- 8 soft taco shells 🌮
- 1 lb ground beef 🍔
- 6 strips crispy bacon 🥓 (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni 🍝
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 cup milk 🥛
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, jalapeños 🍅🥬🌶️
How to Prepare:
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the cheese sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth and golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine the beef, bacon, and mac & cheese
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Add the browned ground beef and crumbled bacon, mixing everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Fill the taco shells
Spoon the bacon macaroni cheeseburger mixture into each soft taco shell. Top with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or jalapeños if you want an extra kick!
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
Serves: 4 (makes about 8 tacos)
FAQs:
Q: Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter option, and you can even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese and brown the ground beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, just reheat the mac and cheese, combine with the beef and bacon, and fill your taco shells.
Q: What other toppings can I add?
Get creative! In addition to the classic burger toppings, you can add avocado slices, sour cream, or a drizzle of ranch or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
Store the bacon mac and cheeseburger filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before filling fresh taco shells.
Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Tacos are a quick, fun, and oh-so-satisfying way to combine two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable meal. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner. Whether you’re serving it for family taco night or bringing a creative twist to a party, these tacos will impress with their cheesy, bacon-filled goodness. So grab your ingredients, whip up these tacos, and get ready to be the taco hero of your home!
Enjoy! 🌮🍔
