Step-by-step instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the chopped bacon and diced onion. Continue cooking until the bacon is crispy and the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, blending everything well.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the elbow macaroni and give it a good stir.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the macaroni is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts beautifully.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions for that fresh pop of color and flavor.
Best ways to enjoy it
To enhance your dining experience, consider serving Buffalo Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni with a side salad for a refreshing contrast or some crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with cold drinks—think iced tea or a light beer. For a playful twist, you could top each serving with a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice from the buffalo sauce.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers, store Buffalo Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing!
Helpful cooking tips
- Browning: Make sure to properly brown the beef for better flavor—it adds a layer of richness that enhances the entire dish.
- Heat level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your tolerance for spice. Start with less if you’re unsure, and you can always add more to taste.
- Fresh herbs: Consider swapping out the green onions for fresh parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to try:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and the bacon with tempeh bacon.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or Gruyère for a different taste.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some greens.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
This dish takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
You can make a simple buffalo sauce substitute using hot sauce mixed with melted butter and a little vinegar to mimic that signature flavor.
Embrace the heat and comfort of Buffalo Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni—you won’t regret adding this delicious dish to your cooking repertoire!
