Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with these Mac Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls! Imagine your favorite cheeseburger flavors wrapped around creamy mac and cheese, then wrapped in bacon for that perfect crispy finish. It’s like all your favorite foods decided to have a party on your plate.
These rolls are what happen when you can’t decide between mac and cheese, burgers, or bacon – so you choose all three! Perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want to indulge in something truly spectacular that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This
- Combines three beloved comfort foods into one amazing dish
- Each bite delivers multiple textures – creamy mac and cheese, juicy burger, and crispy bacon
- Can be prepped ahead and baked when ready to serve
- Makes an impressive presentation with minimal culinary skill required
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine your cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ketchup, and mustard. Add the cooked seasoned beef and mix everything together until well combined. This filling is going to be absolutely loaded with flavor!
- Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the mac and cheese beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly like burritos, tucking in the sides as you go to keep all that delicious filling inside.
- Brush each roll all over with melted butter – this is what gives them that beautiful golden crust. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the rolls seam-side down first, then rotate them every 2-3 minutes until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the rolls cool for just a minute, then slice them in half to show off that amazing filling. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, sriracha mayo, or even more ketchup and mustard work great!
Tips & Variations
- Cold mac and cheese works best for filling as it holds its shape better during wrapping
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles
- Add diced jalapeños to the mac and cheese for a spicy kick
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef and turkey bacon
- Make mini versions using smaller portions for appetizers or party bites
- Brush with a bit of BBQ sauce or maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet-savory glaze
Serving Suggestions
These hearty Mac Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are practically a meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with simple sides that balance their richness. Try serving with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for color and nutrition balance.
For dipping options, offer ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a special burger sauce made from mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, and a dash of hot sauce. These sauces complement the savory flavors and add another dimension to each bite.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety
- If bacon isn’t crisping enough in the oven, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!)
- These can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to cook
FAQs
Can I freeze these burger rolls?
Yes! You can freeze them either before or after cooking. If freezing raw, thaw completely before cooking. If freezing cooked rolls, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
What if I don’t eat pork?
You can substitute turkey bacon or skip the bacon entirely and just make mac and cheese stuffed burger balls. They’ll still be delicious!
Why is my filling leaking out during cooking?
Make sure you’ve sealed the beef completely around the mac and cheese and that your bacon wrap is secure. Using cold mac and cheese also helps prevent leakage.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through. Just make sure they fit in your air fryer basket with room for air circulation.
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