Creamy Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese


Ingredients

  • For the Pasta:
    • 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
  • For the Protein:
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • For the Sauce:
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup ranch dressing
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Ground Beef
    • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
    • Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Make the Sauce
    • Lower the heat and stir in milk, heavy cream, ranch dressing, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
    • Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  4. Combine
    • Fold in the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon. Stir gently to ensure even coating.
  5. Serve
    • Heat through for a few minutes, then serve immediately.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version
    • Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian bacon for a meat-free alternative.
  2. Spicy Kick
    • Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  3. Cheese Variety
    • Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
  4. Vegetable Addition
    • Incorporate cooked veggies like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
  5. Gluten-Free Option
    • Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Tips

  • Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook the pasta as it will absorb some of the sauce, keeping it al dente.
  • Crispy Bacon: For the best texture, cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dish in advance, refrigerate, and reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
  • One-Pot Meal: Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to cook the beef, make the sauce, and combine everything in one dish.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.

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