Cheeseburger Macaroni & Cheese with Burger Topping Relish
Everything you love in a cheeseburger is baked together in our favorite macaroni and cheese...but don't forget the toppings! Pickles, tomato, lettuce and red onion are diced and combined to make a fresh and crunchy relish to top or serve alongside the rich and creamy macaroni. I love the contrasting textures and flavors - just like on a great burger!
6ouncesAmerican cheese (from deli, not pre-packaged slices)cut into strips
Bread Crump Topping
1tablespoonbuttermelted
1cuppankobreadcrumbs
1/8teaspoonsalt and pepper
Burger Topping Relish
2largedill picklesdiced
2plum tomatoesdiced
2largeleaves romaine lettucecut into small pieces
1/4cupfinely mined red onion
Instructions
This makes a half-sized foil steam table pan (12 ¾ x 10 3/8 x 2 3/5). Place your foil pan on a baking sheet for stability. Could alternatively use a 4-quart dish.
Grease pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Set a large pot (6-quart or larger) of salted water (1 tablespoons salt) to boil.
Beef Mixture
Brown ground beef, drain off fat. Add onions, salt and pepper and cook, stirring until onions are softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in ketchup.
Cheese Sauce
In 4-quart saucepan make roux: melt butter and stir in flour, white pepper, mustard and salt until smooth.
Cook for a few minutes stirring constantly.
Whisk ½ cup of the milk into the roux until they combine smoothly. Add a little more milk and whisk until smooth.
Whisk in the rest of the milk. Heat and stir frequently over medium heat.
Make sure to scrape the bottom and edges of pan while stirring.
When slightly thickened, before it simmers, remove from heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cheeses.
Stir until melted and smooth. Stir in ground beef mixture.
Taste and add more seasonings if desired.
Pasta
Cook the pasta, about a minute or two less than the package directions.
Drain and pour into baking pan.
Pour in cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
Assemble & Bake
Stir together melted butter, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper.
Remove foil from pan and sprinkle on breadcrumbs.
Bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes or until hot all the way through.
Should be at least 150-160 degrees in the center of the pan on an instant read thermometer.
If breadcrumbs are not browned to your liking, you can broil until browned.
Topping
Stir together pickles and vegetables.
Serve with Cheeseburger Macaroni & Cheese.
Tried this recipe?Share it! Tag @epicuricloud - Please Leave A Comment & Rating Below! TY!