The last time all my grandchildren came to visit at once, I knew the usual stack of sandwiches wouldn’t cut it. It was one of those cozy, rainy Saturdays when everyone ends up in the kitchen, barefoot, playing cards or laughing over old photo albums.
I remembered a recipe scribbled in the back of my lesson planner years ago — an idea from a school potluck where one of the coaches brought in these incredible cheesy beef rolls. I jotted down the basics on a sticky note and tucked it away.
That memory resurfaced just in time. But this time, I gave it a twist — combining creamy mac and cheese, smoky bacon, and juicy ground beef all rolled up in soft pizza dough. The smell alone brought everyone into the kitchen.
Even my youngest granddaughter, who usually picks around the dinner plate, ended up with cheesy fingers and a wide grin. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it’s the kind of meal that fills the house with warmth and gives you leftovers worth fighting for the next day.
These Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls are now our rainy-day favorite. They’re playful, satisfying, and hit that nostalgic craving in a brand-new way. If your family is anything like mine, one pan won’t be enough.
Short Description
These Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls combine all the best comfort foods in one — cheesy mac, smoky bacon, and seasoned beef wrapped in golden pizza dough. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or adding a fun twist to family dinner.
Key Ingredients
For the Beef & Bacon Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 strips)
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (cooled)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: ¼ tsp mustard powder or dash of hot sauce
For the Dough
-
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
For Topping
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Pastry brush
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef & Bacon
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat (6–7 minutes). Break it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Drain excess grease. Stir in the crumbled bacon. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Pro tip: Cook the bacon first and use the drippings to brown the beef for more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Mac & Cheese
Use boxed, leftover, or homemade mac and cheese. Stir in the shredded cheddar and optional mustard powder or hot sauce. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Quick homemade version: Cook 1½ cups elbow macaroni. In a separate pan, whisk 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour into a roux. Add 1½ cups milk and stir until thickened. Melt in 1½ cups cheddar cheese, then fold in cooked pasta.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread cooled mac and cheese evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Add beef and bacon on top. Roll tightly from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal and place seam-side down.
Tip: If dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes before rolling.
Step 4: Slice & Arrange
Cut into 1½-inch slices (makes 10–12 rolls). Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up, spaced slightly apart.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds or seasoning if using. Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love this cheesy, savory combo.
Easy to Prep: Store-bought dough and mac speed things up.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or game days.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze before baking for later.
Flavor-Packed: Smoked paprika, cheddar, and bacon bring bold taste.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Too Much Filling?
Overstuffing can cause tearing. Leave a 1-inch border and press filling gently.
Fix: Reduce mac by ½ cup or chill filling first.
Soggy Bottoms?
Hot filling makes the dough wet. Always let fillings cool.
Fix: Chill both the beef and mac for at least 10 minutes before rolling.
Undercooked Centers?
Rolls too thick or crowded don’t bake evenly.
Fix: Space out on the baking sheet and rotate halfway through baking.
Dry Mac?
Dry mac can ruin texture.
Fix: Add extra shredded cheese or a splash of milk if reheating leftovers.
Torn Dough?
Over-handling makes it sticky.
Fix: Lightly flour your hands and surface, and chill the dough if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a side of ranch or ketchup.
Add a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli for balance.
For brunch buffets: Cut smaller rolls and serve on a platter.
Pair with sparkling water, soda, or a cold beer for casual meals.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Oven is best — 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Microwave: For speed, 45 seconds on medium power, but crust won’t stay crisp.
FAQs
1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! It’ll be flakier and slightly sweeter, but still delicious.
2. What’s the best mac and cheese to use?
Any kind works, but thicker, creamier versions (like homemade or baked boxed) hold up better when rolled.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and chill up to 1 day ahead, then bake fresh.
4. How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce to the mac, or pepper jack cheese for heat.
5. What meat alternatives can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground “beef” all work. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
Tips & Tricks
Chill your mac and beef before rolling to make assembly neater.
Add chopped pickles inside the roll for a cheeseburger twist.
Don’t skip the egg wash, it gives that shiny bakery-style crust.
Use parchment paper for easy clean-up and even baking.
Brush melted butter over baked rolls for a glossy, golden finish.
Recipe Variations
BBQ Bacon Rolls:
Swap ketchup and mustard in the mac for 2 tbsp BBQ sauce. Add thin-sliced red onion with the beef layer.
Southwest Style:
Mix taco seasoning into the beef, add black beans, pepper jack cheese, and a pinch of cumin to the mac.
Veggie Lover’s Version:
Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, add diced tomatoes and use sharp cheddar in mac.
Breakfast Twist:
Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar. Swap mac for hash browns. Great for brunch!
Buffalo Chicken Rolls:
Use shredded cooked chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and mac with Monterey Jack.
Final Thoughts
That rainy-day batch of Mac and Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls disappeared before the last card game ended. Plates were empty, the skillet scraped clean, and I caught my oldest grandson sneaking the final bite straight from the tray. It reminded me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated — just warm, comforting, and made with people in mind.
This dish has become one of those in-the-pocket recipes I’ll turn to again, whether it’s a chilly weekend or just an ordinary weekday needing a little spark. It brings folks to the table, sparks stories, and leaves everyone just a little happier. And in my kitchen, that’s always the goal.
Mac And Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls
Print ThisIngredients
- For the Beef & Bacon Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 strips)
- For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (cooled)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: ¼ tsp mustard powder or dash of hot sauce
- For the Dough
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
- For Topping
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Beef & Bacon
Brown beef in a skillet over medium heat (6–7 minutes), breaking it up. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Drain grease. Stir in crumbled bacon. Let cool.
Pro tip: Cook bacon first and use the drippings to brown the beef.
Step 2: Prep Mac & Cheese
Use boxed, leftover, or homemade mac. Stir in shredded cheddar and a bit of mustard powder or hot sauce if desired. Cool for 5 minutes.
Quick homemade: Cook 1½ cups elbow macaroni. Make a roux with 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour. Add 1½ cups milk and thicken. Stir in 1½ cups cheddar, then fold in pasta.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll pizza dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread cooled mac and cheese, leaving a 1-inch border. Add beef and bacon. Roll tightly from the long side, seal the seam, and place seam-side down.
Tip: Chill dough for 10 minutes if sticky.
Step 4: Slice & Arrange
Cut into 1½-inch slices (yields 10–12). Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up.
Step 5: Bake
Brush with egg wash. Add sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
