Cheesy Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese Burger
Remember those Friday nights as a kid, when the smell of burgers grilling filled the air? This recipe takes that nostalgic feeling and blasts it into the stratosphere with a cheesy, bacony, mac 'n' cheese twist that's ridiculously easy to make. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!).
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs plain or seasoned
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked macaroni elbow macaroni works best
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar preferred
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon crispy bacon is key
- 1/2 cup milk whole milk for extra richness
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour all-purpose
- Hamburger buns sesame seed buns are classic
- Additional cheese and bacon optional
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Get those grill marks ready!
- In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix – just until it's all combined.
- Form the mixture into patties, about 3/4 inch thick. I like to make mine slightly larger than the buns, so they don’t shrink too much while grilling.
- Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remember, you can always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
- While the patties are grilling, make the mac 'n' cheese. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This takes a few minutes, so be patient!
- Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth, then add the cooked macaroni and bacon. Mix well to combine.
- Place a patty on the bottom half of a bun. Top with the cheesy mac 'n' cheese mixture, and add extra cheese and bacon if you're feeling extra indulgent (which you should be!).
- Add the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Notes
Feel free to get creative! Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions would be a delicious addition. Maple bacon or bacon with other flavors would be amazing! Don't overwork the burger patties – gently mix the ingredients and handle them as little as possible to avoid tough burgers. Make the mac 'n' cheese ahead of time and reheat it gently before assembling the burgers. Ensure your bacon is nice and crispy – this adds a crucial textural element. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.