Let’s talk about two of the best comfort foods ever – mac and cheese and burgers. One day, while making dinner for my kids, I wondered what would happen if I combined these family favorites. You know those moments when you’re in the kitchen and an idea just hits you?
That’s exactly how this mac and cheese smash burger came to be. It’s basically everything you love about a crispy, juicy burger, but with a twist that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. Instead of regular cheese, we’re using leftover mac and cheese to create this ridiculously good mashup.
The best part? It’s not fancy or complicated – just simple ingredients coming together to make something that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this burger, regular cheeseburgers might feel a little boring in comparison.
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Burger
- Comfort food mashup – This burger combines two all-time favorites – juicy smash burgers and creamy mac and cheese – into one incredible handheld meal.
- Quick preparation – From start to finish, you can have these burgers ready in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend lunch cravings.
- Simple ingredients – With just a handful of basic ingredients you probably already have, you can create this satisfying burger that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Kid-friendly meal – What kid (or adult!) could resist a burger topped with mac and cheese? It’s a guaranteed hit that combines two childhood favorites in one fun package.
What Kind of Minced Beef Should I Use?
For smash burgers, you’ll want to use ground beef with a fat content between 75/25 and 80/20 (that’s 20-25% fat). This higher fat content helps create those crispy, lacy edges that make smash burgers so special. Regular ground beef works better than premium cuts like sirloin, since the extra fat helps keep the burger juicy when it’s smashed thin on the griddle. If your grocery store offers different grinds, look for chuck – it’s got great flavor and the right amount of fat for smash burgers. Just make sure your meat is cold when you form it into loose balls, and don’t pack it too tightly or season it until right before cooking.
Options for Substitutions
This fun twist on a burger can be customized with several easy swaps:
- Minced beef: While beef makes the classic smash burger, you can use ground turkey or pork. Just note that turkey will need some added fat (like 1 tablespoon olive oil per pound) to stay juicy, and pork should be cooked thoroughly.
- Homemade mac and cheese: Short on time? Store-bought mac and cheese works too. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy – the boxed kind might be a bit too runny. You’ll want it to hold together well on the burger.
- Kosmo’s Q SPG Seasoning: No worries if you can’t find this specific seasoning – mix equal parts salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a similar taste.
- Cheddar cheese: Feel free to switch up the cheese – American cheese melts great on burgers, or try pepper jack for some heat. Just avoid soft cheeses as they might make the burger too messy.
- Bread rolls: Any sturdy bun works here – brioche, potato rolls, or regular hamburger buns. Just make sure they’re fresh and can hold up to the hefty filling.
- Pickle slices: Not a pickle fan? Try sliced onions, jalapenos, or banana peppers for that tangy crunch instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making smash burgers is not getting your griddle or pan hot enough before cooking – you need screaming hot temperatures to achieve that perfect crust, so let your cooking surface heat up for at least 5 minutes before starting. A common error is pressing the burger multiple times while cooking, when you should only smash it once, immediately after placing the meat ball on the hot surface, to avoid losing those flavorful juices. To prevent your mac and cheese from making the burger bun soggy, let it cool slightly and thicken up before adding it to your burger, and consider toasting your buns to create a protective barrier. For the juiciest results, season your meat right before cooking (not in advance), and don’t flip the burger until you see the edges getting crispy and brown – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side.
What to Serve With Mac and Cheese Smash Burgers?
When you’re serving up something as indulgent as a mac and cheese smash burger, you’ll want simple sides that can handle all that cheesy goodness! French fries or crispy tater tots are perfect companions – they’re classic burger sides that won’t compete with the main event. A crunchy coleslaw or dill pickle spears can add a nice tangy contrast to cut through the richness of the burger. If you’re feeding a crowd, put out a bowl of potato chips or some onion rings, and maybe a simple green salad for those who want to balance things out a bit.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once assembled, these mac and cheese smash burgers are best eaten right away while the patty is hot and the mac and cheese is gooey. If you have leftover assembled burgers, wrap them in foil and pop them in the fridge – they’ll keep for up to 2 days, though the texture won’t be quite the same as fresh.
Prep Ahead: You can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the burger patties, shape them into balls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes dinner prep super quick when you’re ready to cook!
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover burgers, wrap them loosely in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave works too, but the bun might get a bit soggy. Pro tip: store any fresh toppings like pickles separately and add them after reheating.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 100-110 g
Ingredients
- Minced beef
- Homemade macaroni and cheese
- Kosmo’s q spg seasoning
- Mustard
- Pickle slices
- Bread rolls
- Grated cheddar cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Beef
Begin by dividing the beef into equal portions to form your patties.
Heat up a flat top grill or griddle to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
Once heated, add a little olive oil to the surface to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook and Smash the Patties
Place the prepared beef patties onto the heated grill with olive oil.
Allow the first side of the patty to brown nicely.
Once you see a good sear, flip the patty and use a spatula to smash it into a thin patty form.
This increases the caramelization and flavor.
Step 3: Season and Add Toppings
After smashing the patties, season with SPG (salt, pepper, garlic).
Flip the patties once more to ensure even seasoning on both sides.
Top each patty with a spoonful of mac and cheese and allow it to begin melting.
Next, add a slice of cheddar cheese over the mac and cheese for extra cheesiness.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble the Burger
While the patties finish cooking, give the burger buns a quick toast on the grill for a nice crunch.
Once toasted, spread a layer of mustard on the bottom bun.
Add some pickles for an extra zing.
Step 5: Stack and Serve
Stack two patties, complete with their melty cheesy goodness, on top of the prepared bottom bun with mustard and pickles.
Finish with the top bun, and your flavorful burger is ready to enjoy.
Savor every bite!
