Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger, only to discover the gooey, cheesy surprise of macaroni and cheese hidden inside. The Bacon Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger is the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating a dish that’s as indulgent as it is delicious. This burger takes the classic American cheeseburger to a whole new level, combining the savory flavors of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, all packed into a tender beef patty.
Perfect for a weekend treat or a gathering with friends, this stuffed burger is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning of eaters. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast or a mac ‘n’ cheese lover, this recipe offers the best of both worlds, with a rich, savory flavor that will leave you craving more. The combination of textures—from the crispy bacon to the soft mac ‘n’ cheese—creates a symphony of taste in every bite. Get ready to elevate your burger game with this crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering creation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup cooked macaroni and cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and mix with your favorite cheese sauce until creamy. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions. Flatten each portion into thin patties.
- Stuff the Patties: Place a spoonful of the mac ‘n’ cheese in the center of four patties. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar on top. Cover each with another patty, sealing the edges tightly to encase the filling.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the stuffed patties for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the beef is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the hamburger buns. Place the stuffed patty on the bottom bun, and add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Top with the remaining bun.
How to Prepare
To prepare this indulgent Bacon Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger, start by cooking your macaroni and cheese. It’s important that the mac ‘n’ cheese is thick and not too runny, as it needs to hold its shape when placed inside the burger patty. Once the mac ‘n’ cheese is ready, allow it to cool for easier handling. Next, prepare the ground beef mixture, seasoning it well with garlic and onion powders for an extra flavor kick.
Form thin patties and place a generous scoop of mac ‘n’ cheese in the center of half of them. Don’t forget to add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar for that extra burst of flavor. Carefully seal the patties to ensure the cheesy filling stays inside during cooking. Grill or pan-fry the stuffed patties, making sure they’re cooked through. Finally, assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness inside each bite.
Preparation Time
- Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Burger Patty Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Preparation Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes 4 stuffed burgers, perfect for serving 4 people.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought mac ‘n’ cheese for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use store-bought mac ‘n’ cheese to save time. Just ensure it’s thick enough to stay inside the burger patty without leaking out.
Q2: What kind of ground beef should I use?
A2: An 80/20 blend of ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for burgers. The fat content ensures the burger stays juicy and flavorful.
Q3: Can I cook these burgers on a grill?
A3: Absolutely! Grilling these burgers adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling. Just be sure to cook them over medium-high heat to avoid burning.
Q4: What toppings go well with this stuffed burger?
A4: Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles work great. You can also add a slice of cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
Q5: Can I prepare these burgers in advance?
A5: Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them. Just cook them when you’re ready to serve, making them a convenient option for gatherings.
8. Conclusion
The Bacon Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich, gooey filling and perfectly seasoned beef patty, this burger offers an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a barbecue or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers.
Not only is this burger delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, adjust the level of spice, or even experiment with different cheeses for the mac ‘n’ cheese filling. It’s a fun and creative way to enjoy two comfort food classics in one dish. So why wait? Treat yourself to this decadent stuffed burger and savor the cheesy, bacon-filled goodness that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
PrintBacon Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Description
This Bacon Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining a juicy beef patty with a gooey, cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese filling. Topped with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, this burger is bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for a hearty meal or a weekend barbecue, it’s a fun and indulgent twist on classic American favorites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup cooked macaroni and cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and mix with your preferred cheese sauce until creamy. Let it cool slightly.
- Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions. Flatten each portion into thin patties.
- Stuff the Patties: Place a spoonful of the mac ‘n’ cheese in the center of four patties. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar on top. Cover each with another patty, sealing the edges tightly to enclose the filling.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the stuffed patties for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the beef is fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the hamburger buns. Place the stuffed patty on the bottom bun and add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Top with the remaining bun.
Notes
- Make sure the mac ‘n’ cheese is not too runny to prevent it from leaking out of the burger.
- For extra flavor, try adding a slice of cheese on top of the patty before assembling the burger.
- You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Comfort food, stuffed burger, mac ‘n’ cheese, bacon cheddar burger