Whenever I cook this, the whole house smells incredible. It's always a crowd-pleaser.

Some of the best family memories are made around the dinner table, and nothing brings everyone together like a warm and hearty meal. This baked bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese is a delicious twist on a comfort food classic. Combining all the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the creamy delight of mac and cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. It's quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness, or some steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. If you want to go all out, serve it alongside some homemade garlic bread or a simple tomato cucumber salad for a refreshing twist. And don't forget a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down!

Servings: 6

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until it begins to turn golden.

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese sauce, stirring until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're a veggie lover, toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. This recipe is highly adaptable - feel free to experiment and make it your own!