📌 Servings: 6-8 | ⏳ Prep Time: 15 min | ⏳ Cook Time: 20 min | ⏳ Total Time: 35 min

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🥄 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy & crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup diced pickles (optional, for a tangy kick)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven

✔ Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef

✔ In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
✔ Drain excess grease and stir in the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

3️⃣ Make the Sauce

✔ Add BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
✔ Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4️⃣ Combine Ingredients

✔ In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), and half of the cheddar cheese.
✔ Add pickles if using for extra tang.

5️⃣ Assemble & Bake

✔ Pour into the prepared baking dish.
✔ Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon on top.
✔ Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted & bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

✔ Garnish with extra pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
✔ Serve hot with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

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🔥 Tips & Variations

✔ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or French-fried onions before baking.
✔ Make It a Bacon Lover’s Dream – Use double the bacon for an extra smoky taste.
✔ Storage & Reheating – This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

🥗 Pair with: A crisp side salad or roasted veggies.
🍞 Best with: Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls.
🥤 Drink Pairing: A classic root beer or an ice-cold lemonade!

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This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect balance of cheesy, smoky, and tangy flavors—a dish that will disappear fast at any gathering!

🔥 What’s your favorite way to customize a cheeseburger casserole? Let me know! 🍔💬