Description
An epic, flavor-packed dish featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy mac and cheese, all tucked inside a tender, baked or grilled onion.
Ingredients
4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (creamy, not dry)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions. Slice off the top 1/4 inch from each onion and peel the outer layer. Carefully hollow out the center of each onion, leaving a 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick shell. Chop the scooped-out onion flesh and set aside about 1/2 cup for the beef mixture.
Step 2: Preheat Oven/Grill. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your grill for indirect medium heat (if grilling, wrap each bomb in foil).
Step 3: Cook the Beef. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 equal patties. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each beef patty for 2-3 minutes per side, just to brown. They will finish cooking inside the onions.
Step 4: Assemble the Onion Bombs. Drizzle the inside of each hollowed onion shell with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place one seared beef patty into the bottom of each onion. Top with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, followed by half of the prepared mac and cheese (approx. 1/2 cup). Sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Repeat with another layer of mac and cheese and a final sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake or Grill. Place the stuffed onions in a baking dish or on a grill-safe tray. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the onions are very tender and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F (71°C). If grilling, cook for 45-60 minutes over indirect heat.
Step 6: Serve. Remove from oven or grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your Loaded Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Onion Bombs!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese. Ensure onions are fully tender before serving for the best texture. You can also mix a little cream cheese into the mac and cheese for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 onion bomb
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg