Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger that melds the smoky flavors of barbecue with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese. The Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger is not just a meal; it's an experience that speaks to the heart of modern culinary creativity. This indulgent dish combines the beloved elements of a classic cheeseburger with the nostalgic charm of mac and cheese, making it a standout choice for any gathering or casual weeknight dinner.

Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger

Dive into the Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger, where smoky BBQ flavors meet creamy, cheesy mac and cheese! This innovative recipe combines a juicy beef patty with rich mac and cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this burger is sure to impress your friends and family. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this indulgent comfort food masterpiece!

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Ingredients

For the Burger:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper, to taste

4 slices of cheddar cheese

For the BBQ Sauce:

1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)

For the Mac and Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup milk

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp mustard powder

Salt & pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

4 burger buns

Lettuce leaves

Sliced tomatoes

Pickles (optional)

Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Mac and Cheese:

a. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

b. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.

c. Gradually whisk in the milk and let it simmer while stirring until the mixture thickens.

d. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.

e. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Set aside.

Make the BBQ Sauce:

a. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and honey (if using). Set aside.

Form the Burgers:

a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (do not overwork the meat).

b. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.

Cook the Burgers:

a. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side.

b. Flip the burgers and top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the desired doneness is reached.

c. During the last minute of cooking, brush some BBQ sauce on top of the burgers and close the grill lid (or cover the skillet) to melt the cheese.

Assemble the Ultimate Burger:

a. Toast the burger buns on the grill or skillet until golden brown.

b. Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun.

c. Place a layer of lettuce, followed by the cheesy mac and cheese, then the BBQ-covered burger patty.

d. Top with sliced tomatoes, pickles (if using), and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce.

e. Finish with the top half of the bun.

Serve & Enjoy:

a. Serve your Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger hot with your favorite sides like fries or coleslaw!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4