When burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese collide, the result is nothing short of magic. Meet the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger—a ridiculously indulgent twist on two American classics that’s oozing with cheddar, bacon, and buttery noodles, all packed inside a juicy beef patty. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into a food adventure.
This burger is built for comfort, packed with flavor, and easy enough to whip up for a weekend cookout, game day treat, or whenever your inner food fanatic calls.
Why I Love This Recipe
This burger is everything I love about comfort food—juicy, cheesy, bacon-studded, and completely over the top. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want to treat yourself (and your people) to something totally satisfying.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Who can say no to mac and cheese inside a burger?
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Macaroni: Shells or elbows work best, but any small pasta shape will do.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great contrast. Or try pepper jack for some heat.
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for juicier burgers.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lighter texture, but classic breadcrumbs work just fine.
- Pickles and onion: These add burger flavor and texture—skip or sub with relish if needed.
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, onion, pickles, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. - Form the patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape into patties, pressing gently to ensure they hold together. - Cook the burgers
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. - Toast the buns
While burgers cook, toast the hamburger buns face-down on the grill or skillet for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned. - Assemble the burgers
Place each patty on a bun and top with your favorite burger toppings—lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, or more cheese! - Serve hot
Place the top bun on and serve immediately. Get ready for cheesy, bacon-loaded bliss.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the burger mixture—just enough to combine. Overmixing can make the patties tough.
- Chill the patties for 10–15 minutes before cooking if you want extra stability.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and even cooking.
- Press gently with a spatula—don’t flatten them while cooking or you’ll lose all the juicy goodness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This burger is a full-blown flavor bomb, so pair it with fun, easygoing sides:
- Crispy fries or onion rings
- A cold lager or root beer float for that diner-style feel
- Beer Cheese Dip and pretzels as a starter
- Totchos for the ultimate game-day combo
- Add Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders if you’re building out a comfort food feast
- For your main dish backup plan? Try This Dorito Casserole
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven to maintain texture. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the pasta rubbery.
- Freezer: Wrap uncooked patties tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
Pro tip: Crumble leftover patties into scrambled eggs or taco fillings!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this bold, cheesy burger? Try these comfort food favorites next:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger is pure food fun—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s a little bit wild, a whole lot satisfying, and sure to become a legend in your burger rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a party or just making dinner more exciting, this is the kind of recipe that brings big smiles to the table.
Tried it? Tag us in your cheesy creations and let us know what toppings you added! And don’t forget to follow us for more flavor-packed comfort food like this.
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