Cheesy Bacon and Cheddar Macaroni Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole with crispy bacon, creamy cheddar, and tender macaroni for a comforting family meal. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs macaroni, bacon, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni until al dente. Sauté bacon until crispy.
- Step 2: In a pan, melt butter. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Combine macaroni, bacon, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Bacon and Cheddar Macaroni Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Bacon and Cheddar Macaroni Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Bacon and Cheddar Macaroni Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Bacon and Cheddar Macaroni Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Bacon and Cheddar Macaroni Casserole?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
