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Savory Mac and Cheese Stuffed Burger Recipe with Bacon Jam Easy and Best

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A hearty and indulgent stuffed burger featuring creamy mac and cheese inside juicy beef patties, topped with smoky-sweet homemade bacon jam. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked al dente (about 85g dry)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 170g), plus extra for topping if desired
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50g)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 4 brioche burger buns, toasted (or your favorite sturdy bun)
  • Butter lettuce leaves or baby spinach for freshness
  • Optional: sliced pickles or fresh tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup (85g) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 tbsp flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in 1 cup (240ml) warm milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every bit is coated. Set aside to cool slightly.
  6. While the mac and cheese cools, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
  7. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute.
  8. Stir in ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Add the cooked bacon back in, reduce heat to low, and simmer until thick and jam-like, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  9. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz/55g each). Flatten 4 portions into thin patties.
  10. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the mac and cheese onto each patty, then top with another patty and seal edges well to encase the filling completely.
  11. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook burgers 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and juices run clear. Avoid pressing down to keep juices and cheesy filling inside.
  12. Toast brioche buns lightly. Spread a generous spoonful of bacon jam on the bottom bun, place the burger on top, then layer with lettuce or spinach, and optional tomato or pickles.
  13. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Chill stuffed patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help seal and firm up the filling. Use medium-high heat to sear burgers without pressing down to keep juices inside. Bacon jam can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend; for dairy-free, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. Avoid overfilling burgers to prevent bursting.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed burger, mac and cheese burger, bacon jam, comfort food, easy burger recipe, cheesy burger, homemade bacon jam

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/savory-mac-and-cheese-stuffed-burger-recipe-with-bacon-jam-easy-and-best/