Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese: Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and Creamy Sauce
The creamy cheese sauce in this dish is to die for. Made with a mix of your favourite cheeses, it’s rich, smooth, and absolutely addictive. The secret to the perfect sauce? A good quality cheddar and a splash of milk to keep things velvety smooth.
Juicy, Flavourful Beef
Cooking the beef with onions, garlic, and spices like smoked paprika and mustard gives it an incredible depth of flavour. The addition of pickles adds a delightful tang that complements the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly.
Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
The final touch is a layer of breadcrumbs that gets all golden and crispy in the oven. It’s the perfect contrast to the creamy macaroni and beef mixture beneath.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions will give you the best flavour. If possible, opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded – it melts better and tastes fresher.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook your macaroni just until al dente. It will continue to cook a bit in the oven, and you don’t want it to get mushy.
- Layer of Flavour: Don’t skip the step of adding mustard and pickles. They add a unique zing that really makes this dish stand out.
- Breadcrumb Perfection: For an extra crispy topping, you can mix a little melted butter with the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on top.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavours to meld together beautifully.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese is quite rich, so I like to serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance things out. A crisp, refreshing coleslaw would also be a great choice. 🍃
For drinks, a cold beer or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the cheesy, beefy flavours of the dish. If you’re making this for a family meal, a nice lemonade or iced tea would be perfect. 🍋🧊
Similar Recipes to Try
If you loved this Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
So, there you have it – the ultimate Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese recipe! 🍔🧀 I can’t wait for you to try it. When you do, make sure to take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. I’d love to see your creations!
Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
👋 Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing my all-time favorite comfort food with a twist – Cheese Burger Mac and Cheese! 🍔🧀 This dish is a heavenly blend of juicy beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving something extra indulgent!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a hot pan, add onions and beef. Cook until the beef is brown and onions are soft.
- Add garlic, mustard, spices, pickles, and flour. Stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the milk and stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the cheese and stir until melted. Then, take it off the heat.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake in the oven at 200°C for 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Voila! Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors! 🌟
📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next dinner plan!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works great for this recipe. Cheddar adds a sharp flavour, while mozzarella gives it that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
Yes, you can! Once baked, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 180°C until heated through.