Mac and Cheese Burger

Topped with our 4 cheese macaroni and cheese, this burger redefines cheesiness.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil (to coat)  
• 1 ½ lb. ground beef  
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste) 
• 4 slices gruyere cheese (or 4 ounces shredded)  
• 4 burger buns  
• 4 slices crisp leaf lettuce  
• 4 slices tomato  
• 8 slices cooked bacon  
• 2 cups creamy mac and cheese (warmed)  
• ¼ cup pickled onions  
• ¼ cup pickled jalapenos

Cooking:

1. Divide the ground beef into four equal size pieces, and use your hands to roll each one into a loose ball. Smash the burger down with your palm until it’s about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper.  
2. Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the burger patties to the pan, as many as you can fit, and cook, undisturbed, 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom side has a nice browned crust.  
3. Flip the burgers and add the cheese. Continue to cook another 3-4 minutes, or until burgers are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Remove the burgers to a plate and allow to rest, covered in foil, for about five minutes.  
4. To serve, layer the bottom buns with the lettuce and tomato, followed by the burger patty, bacon, and mac and cheese. Top with pickled onions and jalapenos, as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• Any mac and cheese recipe can be used but we recommend one with a sharper creamy cheese sauce, or add blue cheese crumbles to your burger  
• The trickiest part is getting the mac warmed at the same time as the burgers are hot. We recommend heating it in the microwave or on the stove top while the burgers rest.

Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat. 
• Separate raw meat from other foods. 
• Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat. 
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods. 
• Wash all produce prior to use. 
• Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes. Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. 
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips. 

For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.