Description
The ultimate comfort food fusion combining juicy beef patty with creamy mac and cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing for an unforgettable gourmet burger experience.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 strips thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
1/2 cup ranch dressing
4 hamburger buns
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: lettuce, tomato
Instructions
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside
2. Cook bacon in cast-iron skillet until crispy, remove and set aside
3. Combine cooked macaroni with shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup ranch dressing
4. Mix ground beef with cooked mac and cheese mixture, season with salt and pepper
5. Shape mixture into 4 equal burger patties
6. Cook patties in cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side
7. Top each patty with crispy bacon during last minute of cooking
8. Toast hamburger buns until golden
9. Assemble burgers with remaining ranch dressing and optional toppings
Notes
Use medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the cheese
Let mac and cheese cool slightly before mixing with beef for better binding
For extra flavor, add BBQ sauce or customize ranch dressing with fresh herbs
Best served immediately while cheese is still melted
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 145mg