Prepare to elevate your taste buds with the Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt, a mouthwatering fusion of classic comfort food favorites. This decadent creation seamlessly blends the savory indulgence of a bacon cheeseburger with the irresistible creaminess of mac and cheese, all simmered in a rich, sticky BBQ sauce. Get ready to experience the ultimate in cozy, gourmet satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt
This ultimate comfort food mash-up is a true culinary delight, designed to satisfy your cravings for something wholesome, elegant, and utterly tempting. The combination of tender ground beef, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, all enveloped in a luscious BBQ sauce and nestled between soft, toasted buns, creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and beautifully balanced. With the addition of creamy mac and cheese, this dish elevates the humble sloppy joe to new heights of gourmet comfort. Prepare to be inspired by the visual appeal and the satisfying, cozy flavors that will have you feeling right at home.
Ingredients
The key to this irresistible Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt lies in the carefully selected, high-quality ingredients. From the juicy ground beef to the smoky bacon and the creamy cheddar cheese, each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate comfort food experience. The rich, tangy BBQ sauce provides the perfect balance, while the tender, pillowy buns serve as the elegant foundation for this decadent masterpiece.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup – Sticky BBQ sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Plant-based crumbles or lentils — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheddar Cheese: Gouda or Swiss cheese — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet comfort food oasis. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating this irresistible Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt, ensuring that your final dish is a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying masterpiece.
Step 1 — Prepare the Components
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside.
Step 2 — Assemble the Melt
In the same skillet used for the ground beef, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and the BBQ sauce. Stir the mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Add the crumbled bacon and stir to incorporate.
Step 3 — Toast the Buns
While the mac and cheese mixture is heating, toast the buns in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until lightly golden, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 4 — Serve and Enjoy
To assemble, place a generous portion of the Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe mixture on the bottom bun. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately, allowing your guests to savor the indulgent flavors and textures of this masterpiece.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a delightful kick of heat.
- Veggie Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños or caramelized onions for a burst of flavor and texture.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Gorgonzola, to add a unique twist to the dish.
- Fully Loaded: Top the Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt with crispy onion strings or a dollop of cool sour cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp, golden fries or a fresh, crunchy salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storage: Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the individual components before assembling and serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese mixture and store it in the refrigerator, then assemble and toast the buns just before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
This Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt is a delightful indulgence, offering a satisfying blend of protein, carbohydrates, and comforting flavors. While it may not be the lightest option, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The combination of tender beef, creamy cheese, and fiber-rich vegetables provides a nutritious foundation, while the BBQ sauce and bacon add richness and depth of flavor.
- Serving Size: 1 Melt
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 37 g
- Carbs: 61 g
- Fat: 41 g
- Sodium: 1,150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and assemble the melts with the toasted buns.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! The recipe is very flexible, and you can experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same, creating a delicious meatless alternative.
Can I add any extra toppings?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Some tasty additions could include crispy onion strings, a dollop of cool sour cream, or even some pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
How long do the leftovers last?
The components of the Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the individual elements and assemble the melts.
Try These Next
- Sticky Maple Bbq Bacon Meatloaf Stuffed With Creamy Mac And Cheese
- Sticky Honey Bbq Bacon Bombs Stuffed With Melty Mozzarella
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Melt
Sticky BBQ Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe Melt
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously messy combination of BBQ bacon, mac and cheese, and a juicy burger, all melted together for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
4 hamburger buns
1/4 cup diced onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, BBQ sauce, and onions to the skillet. Stir until combined and heated through.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toast the hamburger buns lightly on a separate skillet or grill.
5. Spoon the BBQ bacon mac mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
6. Top with the other half of the bun and press down gently.
7. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
For extra flavor, add jalapeños or pickles to the mixture.
Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Burgers & Melts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg