A delicious and indulgent burger topped with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop and Grilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Comfort Food
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1½ pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 sesame seed hamburger buns
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
4 slices crispy bacon (optional)
Pickles (optional)
Lettuce (optional)
Tomato slices (optional)
Crispy fried onions (optional)
BBQ sauce (optional)
Spicy mayo (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheeses and seasonings. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until thoroughly coated. Keep warm over very low heat.
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for approximately 4–5 minutes per side. During the final minute, place a slice of cheddar on each burger and cover briefly until melted.
Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them cut-side down in a skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on the bottom bun, piling on the creamy mac and cheese, adding optional toppings, and drizzling with BBQ sauce or spicy mayo. Top with the toasted bun.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce to the spicy mayo.
Feel free to customize toppings based on personal preference.
This recipe can be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.