Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls

Introduction

If you love cheeseburgers, mac & cheese, and bacon, why not enjoy them all in one bite? These Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are the best of three comfort food classics rolled into one satisfying recipe. They’re easy enough for weeknight cooking, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or potlucks. With gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and savory beef wrapped around creamy pasta, every roll is bursting with flavor.

My recipe story

This recipe was born out of a craving for something fun, hearty, and over-the-top delicious. One evening, I had leftover macaroni and cheese in the fridge, along with ground beef and bacon. Instead of making the usual burger patties or pasta bake, I decided to combine them in a creative way. The result was these cheesy burger rolls that quickly became a family favorite. Since then, I’ve made them for everything from backyard barbecues to casual dinner parties, and they’re always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Ingredient breakdown

The magic of this recipe lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in making these rolls a delicious, crave-worthy dish. Ground beef serves as the savory base, giving each bite that juicy burger feel. Bacon adds smokiness and a crispy texture that balances the creaminess of the mac & cheese. Together, they create a rich and satisfying filling.

Macaroni and cheese is the star of the show, adding creaminess and cheesy goodness to the center of each roll. You can use homemade mac & cheese for an indulgent twist, or a quick boxed version for convenience. A touch of salt, black pepper, and your favorite seasonings enhance the overall flavor. And of course, shredded cheddar or mozzarella ensures that every bite is gooey, cheesy, and irresistible.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the macaroni and cheese
Cook your macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and mix with butter, milk, and shredded cheese to create a creamy macaroni and cheese base. If you’re using a boxed version, simply follow the package directions. Let it cool slightly before assembling the rolls so it thickens and doesn’t spill out while rolling.

Step 2: Cook the bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until it reaches your desired crispiness. Place the cooked strips on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces. The smoky flavor will blend perfectly with the beef and cheese, making the rolls even more irresistible.

Step 3: Season and prepare the beef
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer—garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika all work beautifully. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the beef tough, so keep it light. Divide the beef into equal portions to make rolling easier.

Step 4: Assemble the rolls
Take a portion of ground beef and flatten it into a thin rectangle on a piece of parchment paper. Spoon some macaroni and cheese onto the center, sprinkle with chopped bacon, and add a little extra shredded cheese for gooeyness. Carefully roll the beef around the filling, sealing the edges to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining portions.

Step 5: Bake the rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the cheese filling is hot and melty. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations & substitutions

These rolls are endlessly versatile. Try swapping the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version. Instead of cheddar, experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles. You can also stir in jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a healthier option, use whole-wheat pasta or sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the mac & cheese.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These rolls store beautifully, making them great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also assemble the rolls ahead of time, refrigerate them uncooked, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.

Serving ideas & pairings

These Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but they also pair well with sides and sauces. Serve them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For dipping, try barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo. They also work well as sliders when cut into smaller pieces and tucked into mini buns. For drinks, pair them with a cold beer, iced tea, or even a creamy milkshake for the ultimate comfort food experience.

FAQ

Can I use boxed macaroni and cheese?
Yes, boxed mac & cheese works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold inside the rolls.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake them just before serving.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses also work great.

Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, you can grill them over medium heat for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to use foil to keep the filling from spilling.

How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?
Make sure to seal the beef tightly and chill the rolls briefly before baking to help them hold their shape.

Final thoughts

Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are a true crowd-pleaser that combine everything you love about comfort food into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a party, or simply indulging a craving, they’re guaranteed to satisfy. With their gooey cheese centers, smoky bacon crunch, and savory beef wrapping, these rolls will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.

Mac & Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 rolls 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy ground beef rolls stuffed with creamy macaroni, smoky bacon, and melted cheese. A fun comfort food mashup perfect for parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

• 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until just combined.

3. Flatten portions of beef into rectangles and spoon macaroni and cheese into the center.

4. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and shredded cheddar, then carefully roll and seal the beef around the filling.

5. Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until beef is cooked through and cheese is hot and melty. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the mac & cheese cool before filling to prevent leaks. Serve with BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American