Save This burger mac and cheese transforms two American classics into one irresistible dish. The creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta while seasoned ground beef adds hearty texture, all crowned with a tangy special sauce swirl reminiscent of your favorite fast food burger.
I created this recipe during a rainy weekend when my family couldn't decide between burgers or mac and cheese for dinner. The compromise became an instant hit, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering as the ultimate comfort food mashup.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: provides the perfect shape for holding the creamy sauce in every bite
- Butter and flour: create the essential roux base for a silky smooth cheese sauce
- Whole milk: adds richness that makes the sauce velvety without being too heavy
- Sharp cheddar cheese: brings that classic mac and cheese flavor with a pronounced tang
- Mozzarella cheese: adds stretch and meltability for the perfect cheese pull
- Ground beef with 80/20 fat content: ensures juicy burger flavor throughout the dish
- Yellow mustard: in both the cheese sauce and beef mixture adds bright acidity
- Worcestershire sauce: provides umami depth to the beef mixture
- Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the special sauce for authentic burger flavor
- Sweet pickle relish: adds the signature burger sauce sweetness and texture
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation:
- Cook your elbow macaroni in generously salted water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce, so keeping it slightly firm prevents mushiness in the final dish. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Creating the Cheese Sauce:
- Start by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam but not brown. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for a full minute to cook out the raw flour taste while maintaining a blonde color. This roux is the thickening foundation for your sauce. Gradually add the milk in a slow stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low before adding the cheeses in small handfuls, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more to ensure a smooth texture.
- Preparing the Burger Component:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is about halfway cooked through, add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining, about 6 minutes total. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If there is excessive fat in the pan, carefully drain most of it away while retaining the flavorful juices.
- Mixing the Mac and Cheese:
- Return the drained pasta to its cooking pot or transfer to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Gently fold the pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is evenly coated. The sauce should be loose enough to flow but thick enough to cling to the pasta. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combining with Burger Mixture:
- Add about three quarters of the seasoned beef mixture to the mac and cheese, gently folding it throughout to distribute evenly. Reserve the remaining portion for topping to showcase the burger component visually. The beef should be distributed throughout but still distinguishable in the finished dish.
- Creating the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine all special sauce ingredients, whisking until completely smooth and uniform in color. The sauce should have a salmon pink hue and a consistency that allows it to be drizzled but not completely runny. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or small plastic bag with corner snipped for easier application.
- Assembly and Presentation:
- Transfer the burger mac and cheese mixture to a large serving dish, creating a slightly textured surface rather than smoothing it flat. Sprinkle the reserved burger mixture across the top. Drizzle the special sauce in a decorative zigzag or spiral pattern across the surface. Finish with optional toppings like chopped pickles, green onions, and sesame seeds for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
Save The special sauce is the secret star of this dish. While it might seem like just a garnish, its tangy, slightly sweet flavor cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce and beef, creating the perfect balance of flavors. I always make extra sauce to serve on the side because everyone inevitably wants more to drizzle over their portion.
Make-Ahead Options
This dish works wonderfully as a make-ahead meal. Prepare everything up to the assembly stage, but don't add the special sauce or toppings. Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until hot throughout, then add the special sauce and toppings just before serving.
Substitution Ideas
The beef component can easily be swapped for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. If using poultry, consider adding an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and a tablespoon of olive oil to compensate for the lower fat content.
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch (use half the amount). Just be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands contain wheat.
Dairy-free adaptations work surprisingly well with plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives designed for melting. The special sauce can be made with vegan mayonnaise without compromising flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Consider serving with:
- A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition
- Dill pickle spears for that authentic burger accompaniment experience
For a fun presentation at parties, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins with the special sauce drizzled just before serving.
Seasonal Variations
Summer Version use fresh tomatoes and grilled onions in the beef mixture
Fall Comfort add roasted butternut squash cubes for sweetness and nutrition
Winter Warmer incorporate caramelized onions and a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce
Save Enjoy this ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the best of burgers and mac and cheese. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make this lighter or vegetarian?
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. Use dairy-free cheese and plant milk as needed.
- → What's the best pasta for this dish?
Elbow macaroni works best but any short-cut pasta like shells or penne will hold the cheese sauce well.
- → Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container until serving.
- → How do I get a crispy topping?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the assembled dish and broil for 2-3 minutes before adding the special sauce.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Crisp dill pickles or classic coleslaw complement the rich flavors and provide a fresh contrast.
- → Are there tips for serving to a crowd?
Prepare in advance and keep warm in a baking dish. Add sauce and fresh toppings just before serving.