Take a juicy beef burger, pack it with creamy mac & cheese and crispy bacon, then grill or pan-sear it until golden and gooey inside… and you’ve got the Bacon Mac & Cheese-Stuffed Burger Bomb. It’s everything you love about comfort food rolled into one handheld flavor monster.
This recipe is perfect for cookouts, cheat days, or when you want to make a lasting impression at the dinner table. Forget plain patties—this is a full-on burger experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
Burgers and mac & cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven. But when you put one inside the other, it becomes something extraordinary. The creamy, cheesy mac inside each patty stays gooey as the beef sears to a crusty finish, and the salty crumble of bacon cuts through it all with rich, smoky balance.
It’s indulgent, totally over-the-top, and 100% worth it.
📋 Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy results)
- 1 cup cooked mac & cheese (homemade or boxed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce, BBQ sauce
🍽 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Mac & cheese: Let it cool slightly before stuffing so it holds together better.
- Bacon: Make sure it’s crispy before stuffing to avoid sogginess.
- Cheese boost: Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the mac layer for extra melt.
- Bun tip: Toast your buns! It adds texture and keeps everything together.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Cook bacon: Fry or bake bacon strips until crispy. Let cool, then crumble.
- Prep mac & cheese: Make a batch (or use leftovers). Mix in the crumbled bacon and let it cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Form patties: Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls. Flatten into thin patties. Spoon a mound of mac & cheese mixture onto 4 of the patties. Top with the remaining patties and press edges together tightly to seal.
- Season & cook: Season each burger with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and cheese inside is hot and melty.
- Serve: Place on toasted buns and top as desired. Serve hot with napkins (you’ll need them).
🔥 Tips for Stuffed Burger Success
- Seal tightly: Pinch the burger edges well to prevent filling from leaking.
- Chill if needed: Place stuffed patties in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape.
- Use a cast iron skillet: For a golden crust and even cooking.
🍔 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This burger deserves equally bold sides and drinks. Pair it with:
- Dorito Casserole for a spicy, cheesy companion
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a crispy sidekick
- Crockpot Nacho Dip as a gooey appetizer
- Cheesy Hot Dip for extra indulgence on the table
- Instant Pot Lasagna to keep the comfort theme going
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover patties (cooked) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven to keep texture; microwaving may make buns soggy.
- Make-ahead: Prep and stuff patties, then freeze uncooked. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
🍟 More Recipes You’ll Love
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Final Thoughts
The Bacon Mac & Cheese-Stuffed Burger Bomb isn’t just a meal—it’s a flex. It’s rich, juicy, gooey, and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re grilling for guests or feeding your inner cheese lover, this burger delivers the wow.
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac with your burger masterpiece—we want to see those cheesy cores and crispy edges!
