Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with this visually stunning and irresistibly delicious Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings. Combining the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the cozy appeal of mac and cheese, all nestled in a crispy onion ring shell, this dish is a true work of culinary art that’s sure to delight your senses and bring a touch of elegance to your home-cooked meals.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures with this Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings recipe. Imagine the rich, creamy goodness of homemade mac and cheese, mixed with the savory, smoky notes of crispy bacon, all wrapped in a delicate, golden-brown onion ring for a truly decadent and satisfying bite. This visually stunning dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a touch of elegance to your table, elevating the humble comfort food into a gourmet masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings: ground beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, milk, butter, all-purpose flour, onions, breadcrumbs, and your choice of seasonings. These simple, high-quality ingredients come together to form a harmonious symphony of flavors, textures, and visual appeal.
- 1 lb (454 g) – Ground beef
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups (240 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (227 g) – Elbow macaroni, cooked
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Milk
- 2 tbsp (28 g) – Butter
- 2 tbsp (16 g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 large – Onions, sliced into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick rings
- 1 cup (120 g) – Breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Gruyère or Parmesan cheese can be used in place of cheddar for a more refined flavor profile.
- Protein: Plant-based ground “meat” can be substituted for the ground beef to create a vegetarian version.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings
Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece of comfort food elegance.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. In a separate pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. Prepare the onion rings by slicing the onions into thick rounds and coating them in flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and season it with your desired spices. Drain any excess fat, then add the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully spoon the cheesy bacon mac and cheese mixture into the prepared onion rings, ensuring that each ring is fully stuffed. Arrange the stuffed onion rings on a baking sheet and bake until the onion rings are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, and serve alongside your favorite condiments, such as ketchup or a tangy remoulade sauce.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a dollop of spicy jalapeño relish to the mac and cheese filling.
- Lightened Up: For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Crispiness Tip: To ensure the onion rings maintain their crispy texture, be sure to dry the onion slices thoroughly before breading and frying.
- Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the stuffed onion rings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Ketchup, remoulade sauce, or your favorite burger toppings.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the stuffed onion rings in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy exterior.
Make-Ahead: The mac and cheese filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this indulgent dish provides a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The combination of ground beef, bacon, and cheese offers a hearty and filling meal, while the onion rings provide a crunchy, vegetable-based shell to encase the delectable filling.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed onion ring
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the mac and cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The mac and cheese filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
How can I ensure the onion rings stay crispy?
To maintain the crispy texture of the onion rings, be sure to thoroughly dry the onion slices before breading and frying. You can also try using a light dusting of cornstarch or potato starch in addition to the breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
Can I bake the stuffed onion rings instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the stuffed onion rings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the onion rings are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the mac and cheese filling?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a blend, to create unique flavor profiles.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground “meat” alternative. For a vegan option, use a dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk in the mac and cheese filling, and omit the bacon.
Try These Next
- Loaded Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Onion Bombs
- Garlic Butter Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Onion Bombs
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Burger Stuffed Biscuit Bombs
Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious fusion of cheesy bacon mac and a juicy burger, all encased in crispy onion rings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 large onion, sliced into rings
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, macaroni, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Dip onion rings in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the onion rings until golden brown.
6. Cook the patties in the same pan until fully cooked.
7. Assemble by placing a patty between two onion rings and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, add your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Serve with a side of dipping sauce for the onion rings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Burgers & Melts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with onion rings
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg