Description
This Winter Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy beef patties are stuffed with creamy bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Serves 4
- For the mac ‘n’ cheese filling:
- 1 cup (100 g) cooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- For the burgers:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For serving:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles (optional)
- Additional bacon or mac ‘n’ cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a small disk. Place them on a plate or tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the burger patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and flatten each into a thin patty.
- Stuff the burgers:
- Place one portion of the mac ‘n’ cheese filling in the center of 4 of the patties.
- Cover with the remaining patties, pinching and sealing the edges tightly to encase the filling completely.
- Cook the burgers:
- Heat a large skillet, grill, or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the beef is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and the cheese filling is hot and melted.
- Assemble the burgers:
- Place the cooked burgers on the bottom half of each bun. Add lettuce, tomato, pickles, or additional toppings if desired. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve:
- Serve the burgers immediately with fries, a side salad, or more mac ‘n’ cheese for a complete comfort meal.
Notes
- Ensure the mac ‘n’ cheese filling is cold before stuffing to prevent it from melting too quickly during cooking.
- For an extra cheesy topping, melt a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the burger during the last minute of cooking.
- Leftover burgers can be reheated in the oven or a skillet, but they are best enjoyed fresh.