Ever wished your cheeseburger came with a bonus cheesy surprise inside? These Mac ’n’ Cheese-Stuffed Burgers take classic burgers and fill them with a rich, gooey center of creamy macaroni. It’s everything you love about comfort food smashed together into one glorious bite.
These burgers are perfect for summer BBQs, weekend splurges, or just when you want to blow someone’s mind with a bite that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent.
Why I Love This Recipe
The best burgers are the ones that surprise you—and what could be more surprising (and satisfying) than macaroni and cheese oozing from the center? These burgers are juicy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and ridiculously fun to make.
Plus, they’re easy to customize, cook up fast on the grill or stovetop, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids, teens, and grown-up comfort food fans alike.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 cup cooked mac and cheese (cooled slightly)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns and your favorite toppings (optional)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Mac and Cheese: Use homemade or boxed—just make sure it’s not too runny.
- Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based alternatives work too, just adjust cooking time.
- Cheese Boost: Stir shredded cheddar or pepper jack into the mac for more flavor.
- Toppings: Try pickles, BBQ sauce, or even a slice of crispy bacon on top.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions. Flatten each into thin, palm-sized patties.
- Place a spoonful of cooked mac and cheese in the center of 4 patties.
- Top each with a second patty and seal the edges tightly, pinching and pressing to form a stuffed burger.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill or pan-fry the burgers over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Let rest 2 minutes, then serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill—about 2 tablespoons of mac and cheese per burger is perfect.
- Use a spatula to flip—these are slightly heavier than regular patties.
- Chill patties for 10 minutes before cooking if they feel too soft.
- Want extra crunch? Add crushed bacon or breadcrumbs to the mac and cheese filling.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These burgers are bold, so pair them with fun, equally flavorful sides:
- Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) for a crispy, cheesy side.
- Beer Cheese Dip with pretzel bites or chips.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas to round out a game-day spread.
- Finish with Monster Cookie Energy Balls for a no-bake dessert.
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave—note the mac may be softer after reheating.
- Freeze uncooked, sealed patties between parchment layers for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes per side.
📚 More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack – Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
🧾 Final Thoughts
These Mac ’n’ Cheese-Stuffed Burgers are indulgent, delicious, and wildly fun. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard party or cooking indoors for a comfort-food feast, this recipe delivers big flavor and even bigger smiles.
Made them? Snap a photo and tag us! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more creative comfort food twists and crowd-pleasing recipes.
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