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Fusion recipes have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that cater to a variety of palates. Among the most beloved comfort foods, burgers stand out as a universal favorite. They can be customized endlessly, transforming them into something that satisfies cravings for both gourmet cuisine and homey meals. One such enticing creation is the Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger. This innovative dish seamlessly blends the rich, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the smoky, savory notes of BBQ, all nestled between two soft burger buns.

Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger

Treat your taste buds to the Ultimate BBQ Mac and Cheese Burger, a delicious fusion of flavors that combines juicy beef patties with creamy mac and cheese and smoky BBQ sauce. This indulgent dish tantalizes with its rich textures and comforting ingredients, making it a perfect meal for gatherings or family dinners. Follow our step-by-step guide for cooking this mouthwatering burger, topped with optional pulled pork or your favorite garnishes, and create a show-stopping dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup pulled pork (optional, for extra flavor)

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 burger buns

1 tbsp olive oil

Pickled jalapeƱos (optional, for topping)

Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring it to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.

      Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined. If you're using pulled pork, now is the time to fold it in. Set the mac and cheese aside.

        Prep the Burgers: In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and a splash of BBQ sauce. Form into four equal-sized patties.

          Cook the Burger Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add the burger patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until your preferred doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a generous scoop of the mac and cheese and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Cover to melt the cheese slightly.

            Toast the Buns: While the burgers are finishing cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.

              Assemble the Burger: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place the cheesy BBQ mac and cheese burger patty. Add pickled jalapeƱos if desired for an extra kick. Top with the bun's upper half.

                Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side and some crispy fries or coleslaw for a complete meal!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 40 min | 4 servings