1 lb ground beef 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1½ cups cooked elbow macaroni 1 cup BBQ sauce ½ cup diced onions ½ cup diced pickles (optional, for tangy flavor) 2 tbsp ketchup 1 tbsp mustard 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. 2️⃣ Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in the onions. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. 3️⃣ Mix the Sauce:
Add BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. 4️⃣ Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, ground beef mixture, crumbled bacon (reserve a little for topping), and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Add pickles if you’re using them for a tangy kick. 5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon on top. 6️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 7️⃣ Serve Hot:
Garnish with extra pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for added flavor. Serve with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal! Tips:
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
