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Smoky Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Bake

Smoky Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Bake

Calories: 600 kcal Protein: 30g Carbs: 40g Fat: 35g
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Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 12 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni for extra sauce cling
  • 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef and chorizo for added spice
  • 6 slices smoked bacon chopped
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotles
  • ½ tsp smoked salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • For the Chipotle Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • ½ cup smoked Gouda cheese shredded
  • 1 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder or more to taste
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • For Topping
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • ½ cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips for crunch
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro optional

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Meat
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the ground beef (or beef-chorizo mix) and red onion. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, adobo sauce, smoked salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  • Step 3: Make the Smoky Chipotle Cheese Sauce
  • Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and Alfredo sauce to the skillet. Stir well.
  • Slowly mix in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoked Gouda cheeses. Stir constantly until fully melted.
  • Add the chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Step 4: Combine & Assemble
  • Add the cooked pasta and half of the crispy bacon into the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Step 5: Bake to Perfection
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and crushed potato chips.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Step 6: Garnish & Serve
  • Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish (optional).

Notes

Time & Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Nutrition (Per Serving)
(Approximate values)