Save This burger mac and cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. The creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta while seasoned ground beef adds hearty texture and flavor. The special sauce swirl on top brings that classic burger taste, making this a crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will devour.
I first created this recipe when my teenagers had friends over unexpectedly, and I needed something filling that would please everyone. The empty dish and requests for seconds told me this mashup was a keeper. Now it's our go-to for casual entertaining and cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- For the pasta: 400g elbow macaroni. The short shape captures pockets of cheese sauce perfectly.
- For the cheese sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter creates the base for a rich roux. 2 tbsp all purpose flour thickens without adding flavor. 500ml whole milk provides creaminess use full fat for best results. 250g sharp cheddar cheese adds that classic mac flavor look for aged varieties for more depth. 60g mozzarella cheese creates the perfect stretchy texture. 1 tsp yellow mustard enhances the cheese flavor without tasting mustardy. Salt and pepper balance and season the sauce.
- For the burger beef: 450g ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio offers ideal flavor and juiciness. One small diced onion provides sweetness and texture. Ketchup mustard and Worcestershire create authentic burger flavor. Garlic powder salt and pepper round out the seasoning profile.
- For the special sauce: Mayonnaise forms a creamy base use quality brands. Ketchup adds tomato sweetness. Sweet pickle relish contributes that classic burger tang. Yellow mustard vinegar and spices create depth of flavor.
- Optional toppings: Chopped pickles green onions and sesame seeds add texture and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously salt it until it tastes like sea water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until just al dente usually 8 to 9 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the sauce so aim for slightly firmer than you might normally prefer. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter completely until it starts to foam slightly but before it browns. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for exactly one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should look like wet sand and smell slightly nutty. Gradually pour in the milk about a quarter cup at a time whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low to prevent scorching and add the shredded cheeses a handful at a time allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. Stir in the mustard salt and pepper until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
- Prepare the Burger Component:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and beginning to soften about 2 minutes. No need for oil as the beef will release fat. Add the ground beef to the skillet breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When the beef is about halfway cooked through add the ketchup mustard Worcestershire sauce garlic powder salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining about 6 minutes total. If there is excessive fat tilt the pan and spoon it out leaving just enough for flavor.
- Combine the Elements:
- Return the drained macaroni to its cooking pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and fold gently with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated. Add about 80 percent of the seasoned burger mixture to the mac and cheese reserving some for garnish. Fold again until the beef is evenly distributed throughout.
- Mix the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise ketchup sweet pickle relish mustard vinegar garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth and no streaks remain. The sauce should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny. If needed adjust consistency with a tiny splash of water.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the burger mac and cheese mixture to a large serving dish spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved burger beef over the top. Load the special sauce into a squeeze bottle or spoon it into a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Drizzle the sauce in an attractive swirl pattern over the entire dish.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the optional chopped pickles green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. The contrast of textures and colors makes the dish more visually appealing and adds pops of flavor. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still perfectly melted.
The special sauce is truly what makes this dish extraordinary. I spent years perfecting this recipe after trying countless burger joint copycat versions. The balance of tangy and sweet with that hint of smoke from the paprika transforms this from regular mac and cheese into something memorable. My teenage son now asks for the sauce on everything from fries to sandwiches.
Storage Tips
This burger mac and cheese will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the seasonings meld together. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir gently to restore the creamy texture. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat rather than in the microwave, which can make the cheese sauce separate.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare components of this dish in advance to streamline dinner prep. The special sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The burger component can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply make the fresh cheese sauce, cook the pasta, and assemble with the pre-made components. This approach saves significant time while maintaining the quality of the final dish.
Variations Worth Trying
For a breakfast-inspired version, top with a fried egg and crispy bacon pieces. The runny yolk creates an additional sauce element that pairs beautifully with the cheese. Create a taco mac by swapping the burger seasonings for taco seasoning and topping with crushed tortilla chips, diced tomatoes, and sour cream instead of the special sauce. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to both the beef mixture and the special sauce, then finish with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, acidic side to balance the richness. Consider serving alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or classic dill pickle spears. For a complete burger experience, offer small potato rolls on the side for those who want to make mini mac and cheese sliders. A cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade makes an excellent beverage pairing to cut through the richness.
Save Enjoy this ultimate comfort food mashup that's sure to become a family favorite. The combination of cheesy, beefy, and tangy flavors creates a truly satisfying meal.