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Comforting Viral Smash Burger Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy and Delicious

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A cozy and indulgent mashup of crispy smash burgers, creamy mac and cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 fat content recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 225 g)
  • 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese (about 115 g)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or 2%
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or neutral oil
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 25-30 minutes until soft, golden, and sweetly caramelized.
  3. Prepare the smash burgers: Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 2 ounces or 55 g each). Heat skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Place 2-3 balls in skillet and press down firmly with spatula to flatten into thin patties. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crisp, flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining beef.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk and cook 4-5 minutes until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, sharp cheddar, and smoked gouda until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine everything: Add cooked macaroni and caramelized onions to cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick. Chop or break up smash burger patties into bite-sized pieces and fold in carefully.
  6. Serve warm: Spoon mac and cheese into bowls or casserole dish. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes with extra cheese on top for a golden crust.

Notes

Use beef with at least 20% fat for juicy burgers. Press patties firmly and do not move until crust forms. Caramelize onions low and slow for best sweetness. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. Optional broiling adds a crispy cheese crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, mac and cheese, comfort food, caramelized onions, easy dinner, quick recipe, cheesy, ground beef

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/comforting-viral-smash-burger-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-delicious/