Sometimes, a recipe comes along that just stops you in your tracks. That’s exactly what happened when I saw this beast of a burger in the Who Loves Cooking? Awesome easy recipes that you want to make! Facebook group. A juicy beef burger stuffed with creamy mac and cheese and crispy bacon? I didn’t even hesitate—this had to happen in my kitchen. And once I made it, I knew I’d never look at a regular cheeseburger the same way again.
This burger is pure indulgence in the best possible way. It hits all the notes: savory, cheesy, smoky, and a little messy (just how I like it). It’s perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or anytime you feel like treating yourself to something wild and delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s no gimmick here—just good ingredients stacked into a mouthwatering combination. Here’s why it all comes together perfectly:
- Stuffed burgers = juicy burgers: The mac and cheese inside helps keep the burger moist and flavorful.
- Crispy bacon adds texture and depth: That salty crunch is everything.
- Cheddar melts like a dream: It pulls the whole bite together and adds that extra cheese pull.
- Toasted brioche buns elevate the whole experience: Soft and slightly sweet, they hold everything in place without getting soggy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup cooked mac & cheese (leftovers work great here)
- ½ cup crispy bacon, crumbled (about 4-5 strips)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
How I Make the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger
1. Prep the Patties
I start by dividing the ground beef into 8 equal portions. Each burger uses two patties: one for the bottom and one to seal everything in. I season each with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then press them into thin, even rounds. Thin is key here so they cook evenly and don’t get too thick once stuffed.
2. Load Up with Mac & Bacon
On half of the patties, I spoon about 2 tablespoons of creamy mac and cheese right in the center. Then I sprinkle a generous amount of crispy bacon over the top. Try to keep the filling centered and away from the edges—it’ll help with sealing and keep things from leaking out.
3. Seal and Shape
I place the remaining patties on top of the filled ones and gently press the edges together to seal. Then I go around the edges with my fingers, making sure everything’s sealed tight. You don’t want any mac sneaking out before its big moment.
4. Grill or Pan-Fry to Perfection
With the grill or skillet hot, I cook the burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side. Because they’re stuffed, I don’t press them down while cooking (gotta protect that cheesy center). When they’re almost done, I top each burger with a slice of cheddar and let it melt right on top.
5. Toast the Buns
I melt some butter in the pan or brush it onto the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them until golden. This step might seem small, but it really makes a difference in texture and flavor.
6. Assemble and Devour
Once everything’s ready, I stack the burgers on the toasted buns. I like to keep toppings minimal for this one since the inside does most of the talking, but a little lettuce or a swipe of smoky mayo doesn’t hurt. And yes, I always serve it with a side of extra mac and cheese because… why not?
My Pro Tips for Burger Success
- Make the mac & cheese thick: If it’s too runny, it can ooze out during cooking. I usually let mine sit in the fridge for a bit before stuffing.
- Use a burger press or your hands to make even patties: This helps with cooking and sealing.
- Let the burgers rest: Just a few minutes after cooking keeps all those juices inside.
- Switch up the cheese: Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even blue cheese can take this in a whole new direction.
What I Serve With These Burgers
Since this burger is already loaded, I like to keep the sides simple:
- Classic fries or sweet potato wedges
- A tangy slaw to balance the richness
- Pickles or sliced jalapeños on the side
- A crisp beer or iced tea to wash it all down
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
A: Yes! Just assemble them and store in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to a day before grilling.
Q: What mac and cheese works best?
A: Leftover stovetop mac and cheese is perfect. Avoid baked versions with crispy tops or overly saucy ones.
Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: You can! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, then broil the tops with cheddar at the end.
Q: Can I make this with turkey or plant-based meat?
A: Absolutely. Just be careful with leaner meats—they tend to dry out faster, so don’t overcook.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again
This burger checks all the boxes for a crave-worthy meal: gooey, crispy, juicy, and a little outrageous in the best way. It’s the kind of recipe that gets talked about long after the plates are cleared. Whether you make it for a summer cookout or a cozy movie night in, it’s guaranteed to impress.
If you’re ready to take burger night to the next level, this one’s calling your name. Huge thanks again to Who Loves Cooking? Awesome easy recipes that you want to make! for the inspiration—I’ll be dreaming about this burger for weeks.
This Bacon Mac 'n' Cheeseburger Is Everything I Crave in One Bite
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for juiciness)
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and additional toppings as desired
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 8 equal patties.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and chopped bacon until well combined.
- Take 4 of the beef patties and place a generous scoop of the mac and cheese mixture in the center of each. Top with the remaining beef patties and seal the edges tightly.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Toast the burger buns in the skillet until golden brown.
- Cook the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Assemble the burgers on the toasted buns, adding lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
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