Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger

These golden tortillas stuffed with creamy mac and cheese, savory beef, and crispy bacon create the ultimate comfort food mashup, perfect for a weeknight treat or party snack your whole family will love

I whipped these up when friends came over on game night and they disappeared before halftime Everyone asked for the recipe and now it is a favorite for family movie nights

Ingredients

• Ground beef: look for eighty twenty blend for rich flavor and moist texture
• Salt: brings out all the savory notes in the beef
• Black pepper: adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning
• Garlic powder: makes the filling more aromatic and robust
• Onion powder: builds a subtle sweetness and extra depth
• Large flour tortillas: choose fresh pliable tortillas so they roll without tearing
• Cooked macaroni pasta: elbows work best and should be just tender not mushy
• Shredded cheddar cheese: opt for sharp cheddar for bold cheesy flavor and good melt
• Cooked crispy bacon: go for thick cut bacon cooked until deeply crisp for intense flavor
• Ketchup: delivers a tangy hint that balances the richness
• Mustard: adds zip and brightness
• Butter: melted for brushing the outside of each roll amps up the crisp and golden exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

In a skillet over medium heat cook ground beef with salt black pepper garlic powder and onion powder until meat is browned and crumbly This takes about eight minutes Be sure to drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting soggy

Make the Cheesy Filling:

In a large bowl combine the freshly cooked macaroni pasta shredded cheddar cheese crispy bacon ketchup and mustard Stir everything together then fold in the cooked beef mixture until you get a cohesive filling

Fill and Roll the Tortillas:

Lay out your large flour tortillas on a clean surface Spoon a generous portion of the mac and cheese beef mixture down the center of each tortilla Tuck in the sides then roll up tightly like a burrito so the filling stays inside

Toast the Rolls:

Brush the outsides of each filled tortilla with melted butter Then heat a nonstick skillet over medium Place rolls seam side down and toast for two or three minutes on each side until golden brown and crunchy all over

Serve:

Slice each roll in half if you like Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or extra ketchup

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I always look forward to the deep smoky bite that bacon brings to this recipe My youngest once declared this dinner was better than takeout and it became our lazy Sunday tradition

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover rolls tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in a skillet over low heat to restore crispness or use an air fryer for best results Freezing is possible but the texture of the macaroni may soften after thawing so enjoy fresh if you can

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch ground beef for ground turkey chicken or even plant based meat and you will still get plenty of flavor For a spicier kick toss the filling with smoked paprika or cayenne Pepper jack cheese adds an extra melt and punch Use gluten free tortillas and pasta for a gluten free version

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Serving Suggestions

These are perfect for dipping in sauces like barbecue chipotle mayo or spicy ranch Pair them with a crisp green salad or a simple coleslaw for a complete meal They also make a great addition to party spreads or game day platters

Cultural Roots

Mac and cheese and bacon cheeseburgers are both American classics Rolling the two together in a tortilla is a playful spin inspired by Tex-Mex traditions like burritos and quesadillas This mashup brings together familiar flavors in a convenient and fun new package

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes, try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for different flavors or preferences.

→ How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?

Tightly roll the tortillas and ensure the seam side is down during toasting. Brushing with melted butter also helps seal them.

→ What's the best cheese for this dish?

Cheddar melts well and offers rich flavor, but Monterey Jack or a blend can be used for different textures and tastes.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, assemble the rolls ahead and toast them just before serving to maintain a crispy exterior.

→ Are there vegetarian alternatives?

Use your favorite plant-based meat substitute or crumbled veggie patties along with the other ingredients.

→ What sides or sauces pair well?

Serve with ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy ketchup for dipping. Side salads or fries also complement well.