What makes this Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese Stuffed Burger different from regular burgers?

This burger is special because it combines mac and cheese with a bacon cheeseburger. It has a cheese-filled patty that gives a unique taste and texture. This makes the burger feel like a gourmet treat.

Can I use store-bought mac and cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can! Store-bought mac and cheese works great. Just make sure it's cooled and thick enough to stuff the burger patties.

What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This mix makes juicy, tasty patties that are perfect for stuffing.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Seal the burger edges well. Pinch them tight to keep the cheese inside. Chill the burgers for 15-20 minutes before cooking to keep them together.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the patties ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep them covered and separate to avoid sticking.

What are the best toppings for this burger?

Add crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli. These toppings add extra flavor and go well with the mac and cheese.

Can I make this burger vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground "meat" and vegetarian mac and cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy this creative burger.

What's the best way to cook these stuffed burgers?

Grilling is best for flavor, but you can also pan-sear or cook in a cast-iron skillet. Cook at medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until the inside is 160°F.

How do I serve these burgers?

Serve on a toasted brioche or potato bun right after cooking. Add crispy fries, a side salad, or coleslaw to balance the flavors.

Can I freeze these stuffed burger patties?

Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Wrap each patty in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. They'll last up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese Stuffed Burger: 1 Epic Recipe Guide

Description

This gourmet Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Burger combines two comfort foods into one epic meal. Featuring a juicy ground beef patty stuffed with creamy mac and cheese and crispy bacon, it’s the ultimate comfort food fusion that transforms a simple burger into a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs 80/20 ground beef

2 cups leftover mac and cheese, cooled

6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

6 hamburger buns

Fresh lettuce leaves

2 tomatoes, sliced

1 large onion, caramelized

Spicy mustard

Garlic aioli

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Instructions

1. Mix cooled mac and cheese with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese until well combined

2. Season ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce, then divide into 12 thin patties

3. Place 2-3 tablespoons of mac and cheese mixture in center of 6 patties, leaving 1-inch border

4. Top with remaining patties and seal edges firmly by pinching all around

5. Refrigerate stuffed patties for 15-20 minutes to help them hold together

6. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (400-450°F)

7. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F

8. Toast hamburger buns on grill for 1-2 minutes until golden

9. Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and preferred condiments

10. Serve immediately while cheese filling is hot and gooey

Notes

For best results, ensure mac and cheese is completely cooled before stuffing

Seal patty edges well to prevent cheese leakage during cooking

Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking

Works with plant-based ground meat for vegetarian option

Freeze unbaked patties wrapped individually for up to 1 month

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 650
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120mg