Description

A restaurant-quality stuffed burger featuring a juicy beef patty filled with creamy macaroni and cheese and crispy bacon, sealed perfectly to prevent leaks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
1 cup (115g) Elbow Macaroni (dry)
1 cup (115g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
6 slices Thick-Cut Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
2 ounces (55g) Cream Cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons (30ml) Heavy Cream
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
4 large Brioche Buns
Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
In a medium bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, and heavy cream. Mix gently until coated. Set aside to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions (6-7 oz each) and shape into flat discs.
Flatten a beef disc in your palm. Place a generous scoop of the cooled mac and cheese filling in the center. Fold the edges of the beef over the filling, sealing tightly and pressing firmly to remove gaps. Repeat with remaining patties.
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with oil or butter until shimmering.
Place stuffed burgers in the hot pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving to form a crust. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
While burgers rest, slice brioche buns and toast cut-side down in the pan with butter until golden.
Assemble burgers by placing the cooked patty on the bottom bun. Add toppings if desired, top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the mac and cheese filling is completely cool before stuffing to prevent the beef from melting prematurely. Do not press down on the burgers while cooking to retain juices. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and buns.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed burger wit
Calories: 850
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 1200
Fat: 55
Saturated Fat: 22
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 40

Keywords: stuffed burger, mac and cheese burger, bacon burger, comfort food, easy dinner, game day food, restaurant style burger