Ooey Gooey BBQ Mac Lasagna

This ultimate comfort food fusion combines two family favorites into one mind-blowing dish. Layers of cheesy macaroni, savory BBQ beef, and tender lasagna noodles create a meal that satisfies every craving at once. The contrast between tangy BBQ sauce and creamy cheese sauce creates flavor magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first created this recipe when my kids couldn't decide between mac and cheese or lasagna for dinner. Their eyes lit up when I brought this hybrid dish to the table, and now it's requested at every family gathering and potluck.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni provides the classic mac and cheese texture while fitting perfectly between lasagna layers
• Lasagna noodles create the structure and give this dish its impressive presentation when sliced
• Barbecue sauce adds tangy sweetness that balances the rich cheese sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese delivers that classic sharp flavor that makes mac and cheese irresistible
• Shredded mozzarella cheese creates those Instagram worthy cheese pulls when serving
• Whole milk makes the cheese sauce creamy without being too heavy
• All purpose flour thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency
• Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dish
• Ground beef provides hearty protein and soaks up the barbecue flavor beautifully
• Onion and garlic create an aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors
• Fine sea salt brings out the flavors of both the meat and cheese components
• Ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth throughout the dish
• Fresh parsley brightens the rich dish visually and adds a fresh note to each bite

How To Make Ooey Gooey BBQ Bacon Mac Cheese Lasagna

Prep The Oven And Pasta:

Set your oven to 190°C and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other components. Cook the elbow macaroni in generously salted water until just al dente about 5 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven so slightly undercooking now prevents mushiness later. Drain thoroughly and set aside. In a separate pot cook the lasagna noodles until flexible but still firm about 7 minutes. Handle them carefully when draining to prevent tearing.

Create The Meat Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the ground beef breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no pink remains about 7 minutes. Pour in the barbecue sauce and stir to combine thoroughly. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.

Make The Cheese Sauce:

In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat until it stops foaming. Sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook this roux for a full minute to remove the raw flour taste. Very gradually pour in the milk about 1/4 cup at a time whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once all milk is added continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and add the cheddar cheese and half the mozzarella cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth.

Combine And Layer:

Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce ensuring every piece is well coated. In your greased baking dish arrange a layer of lasagna noodles cutting pieces as needed to fit. Spread half of the BBQ beef mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with half of the macaroni and cheese mixture spreading carefully. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella. Repeat these layers ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake To Perfection:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and heat. Bake for 25 minutes which allows all flavors to meld together. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The uncovered baking creates that irresistible cheesy crust. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set which makes for cleaner slices.

The barbecue sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of traditional tomato sauce one day and had to improvise. The slight smokiness and sweetness it brings completely transforms what could be an ordinary pasta dish into something truly special. My husband now refuses to eat mac and cheese any other way.

Make Ahead Tips

This lasagna fusion is perfect for meal prep. You can fully assemble it up to 24 hours before baking just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before to take the chill off then add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time. You can also freeze the unbaked assembled dish for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Variations To Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try using pulled pork instead of ground beef for an even more BBQ focused flavor profile. For a spicier version add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the cheddar. Vegetarians can enjoy this dish too by replacing the beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms black beans and diced bell peppers. The BBQ sauce still works beautifully with these substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish stands on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides perfect contrast to the rich lasagna. Garlic bread is another classic pairing that helps soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete comfort food experience serve with sweet potato fries or corn on the cob in summer months.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this BBQ Bacon Mac Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from chilled.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best in this dish?

This is versatile and works with most BBQ sauce styles. For a traditional flavor, use a sweet and smoky variety. If you prefer more heat, choose a spicy BBQ sauce. Honey BBQ adds sweetness, while bourbon or whiskey BBQ sauce brings deeper complexity. The sauce significantly impacts the final flavor profile, so choose one you enjoy eating.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option. For a richer flavor, try pulled pork or shredded brisket. Vegetarians can substitute with plant-based ground meat alternatives, lentils, or a hearty mushroom mixture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed green vegetables (broccoli, green beans), or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread or dinner rolls complement it well for a complete meal. For a Southern-inspired feast, serve with coleslaw or corn on the cob.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this BBQ Mac Lasagna?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or wrap well with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the BBQ meat mixture. You could also add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. Using pepper jack cheese for part of the cheese blend will also increase the spice level while maintaining creaminess.