The Ultimate Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger: A Comfort Food Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden.
Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Set aside to cool slightly, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Fry the bacon: While the mac ‘n’ cheese cools, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Burgers

Season the beef: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Form patties: Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions and shape them into patties that are slightly larger than your buns (they will shrink slightly as they cook).
Cook the patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

Toast the buns: Lightly butter the inside of each bun and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
Build the burger: Place a cheese-topped patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top each patty with a generous scoop of mac ‘n’ cheese, followed by two slices of bacon. Finish with the top half of the bun.
Serve: Serve the burgers immediately, with any remaining mac ‘n’ cheese on the side.

Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent a smooth, creamy sauce. Shredding your own cheese will result in a better texture and flavor.
Season the beef generously: Don’t be afraid to add a bit more seasoning to your beef patties, as the robust flavors will balance well with the richness of the mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon.
Try different cheeses: For a different twist, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or gruyere in your mac ‘n’ cheese.
Add toppings: While this burger is already a flavor bomb, feel free to add extras like caramelized onions, pickles, or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for even more deliciousness.