Do you ever find yourself caught between two dinner cravings, unable to decide between a hearty, satisfying cheeseburger and the creamy, comforting allure of macaroni and cheese? We’ve all been there, trying to satisfy everyone’s tastes. But imagine if you didn’t have to choose. What if you could merge these two iconic meals into a single, spectacular dish? We’re delighted to show you how with our unmissable Loaded Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese Bake.

This is far more than a simple pasta bake; it’s a culinary triumph that unites the very best of two beloved classics. Picture perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, combined with savoury, seasoned beef mince, and then baked to golden, bubbling perfection. It’s the kind of meal that silences the dinner table in the best possible way. We’re confident this recipe will quickly become a cherished family favourite, solving your weeknight dinner dilemmas deliciously.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion: We’ve married two of the world’s most adored comfort foods into one truly memorable dish. It’s substantial, cheesy, and bursting with the savoury goodness of a classic cheeseburger.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is a guaranteed success with children and grown-ups alike. It’s one of those wonderful family dinner ideas that puts an end to mealtime disagreements before they can start. The familiar, tasty flavours will ensure empty plates all around.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: We understand that life can get hectic. You can assemble this entire bake in advance and simply place it in the oven when you’re ready. It also reheats beautifully, which makes it ideal for leftovers.
• Wonderfully Customisable: Much like a real cheeseburger, you can add your preferred toppings! Consider crispy bacon, tangy gherkins, or a touch of heat with some jalapeños. We’ll offer plenty of suggestions to help you make it your own.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You won’t need to search for any speciality ingredients. This recipe calls for pantry and fridge staples, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for a midweek supper.

Ingredients

• 400g macaroni or other short pasta
• 500g lean beef mince (ground beef)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 60g unsalted butter
• 60g plain flour
• 900ml whole milk
• 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp American-style mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 75g gherkins (dill pickles), chopped, plus extra for topping
• 50g breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make the Perfect Loaded Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese Bake

Putting together this culinary masterpiece is simpler than you might imagine. We’ve outlined the process in easy, straightforward steps. Just follow along, and you’ll soon have a bubbling, cheesy bake ready for the table.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Mince

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan / Gas Mark 5). Lightly grease a large ovenproof dish (approximately 20x30cm).
2. In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook following the packet instructions, but reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes to ensure it’s al dente. It will cook further in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until it has softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the beef mince to the frying pan. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until it is browned all over. Make sure to drain away any excess fat to achieve a less greasy result. For excellent advice on handling mince safely, consult the Food Standards Agency.
5. Stir the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce through the cooked mince. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set this beef mixture to one side.

Step 2: Create the Velvety Cheese Sauce

The key to an outstanding mac and cheese bake lies in a perfectly smooth cheese sauce. Don’t feel daunted by making a roux—it forms the base of a wonderfully creamy, lump-free sauce.

1. Using the same large saucepan from the pasta, melt the butter over a medium heat. When it has melted and starts to foam, whisk in the plain flour. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This paste is your roux.
2. Slowly start to pour in the milk, a small amount at a time, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps forming. Continue to add the milk gradually until it is all incorporated and the sauce is perfectly smooth.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir, and allow it to cook for 5-8 minutes, or until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in three-quarters of the grated cheddar and mozzarella. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. Season to your taste with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Masterpiece

Now for the magical part! It’s time to combine all those delicious elements to create the ultimate cheeseburger casserole.

1. Add the cooked pasta and the seasoned beef mixture to the saucepan containing the cheese sauce. Stir in the chopped gherkins. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and mince is lavishly coated in that wonderful sauce.
2. Gently pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer.
3. In a small bowl, combine the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly across the surface of the mac and cheese.
4. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling beautifully around the sides.
5. Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it to set a little, making it much easier to dish up. Garnish with a few extra chopped gherkins, if desired.

Top Tips and Tasty Variations

Are you ready to elevate your Loaded Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese Bake? Here are some of our favourite pointers and customisation ideas.

• Grate Your Own Cheese: We always suggest grating cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches to stop it from clumping, which can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy sauce.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add some freshly chopped jalapeños or a splash of your favourite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Bring on the Bacon: To create a “Bacon Cheeseburger” twist, fry some streaky bacon until crisp. Crumble it into the pasta mix and sprinkle some extra on top before it goes into the oven. This adds a brilliant salty, smoky crunch.
• Switch Up the Mince: While beef is the traditional choice, this dish is also delicious with turkey mince or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. This is one of those adaptable ground beef recipes that’s easy to modify.

FAQ

The Ultimate Dinner Decision, Solved!

So there you have it—a substantial, flavour-filled dish that is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face around the dinner table. This Loaded Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese Bake is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food, a perfect midweek rescue, and a dish that will have everyone asking for a second helping. It truly proves that you can have it all in one cheesy, satisfying bake.

If you’re searching for more simple, comforting meals that the entire family will adore, why not have a look at our recipes for a classic Slow Cooker Chilli or a straightforward One-Pan Sausage Casserole? They’re ideal for filling your weekly meal plan with tasty, fuss-free dinners.

We would be thrilled to see how your bake turns out! Please give this recipe a go, and be sure to leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Happy cooking!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 400g macaroni or other short pasta
• 500g lean beef mince (ground beef)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 60g unsalted butter
• 60g plain flour
• 900ml whole milk
• 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp American-style mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 75g gherkins (dill pickles), chopped
• 50g breadcrumbs (panko works best)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C Fan). Grease a large ovenproof dish. Cook the macaroni for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add the beef mince, break it apart, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in three-quarters of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, and the chopped gherkins to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
8. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. In a small bowl, combine the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bake.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
11. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped gherkins, if desired.