Get ready for the ultimate mash-up of comfort food bliss! Imagine the juicy goodness of a burger paired with the creamy, cheesy satisfaction of mac and cheese, all wrapped up in a taco shell. Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos are here to steal the show. It’s everything you love about a classic burger and mac and cheese, but in a handheld, taco form that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos
Comfort Food on Another Level: This taco takes two of the most beloved comfort foods—burgers and mac and cheese—and combines them into one glorious bite. It’s like a warm hug in taco form.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, backyard BBQ, or just want to impress your friends on taco night, these tacos are guaranteed to be the star of the show. Everyone will be talking about them long after dinner’s over.
Totally Customizable: Want to add bacon? Go ahead! How about pickles, jalapeños, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce? These tacos are a blank canvas for you to get creative and make them exactly how you like them.
Juicy & Cheesy: The burger patty is perfectly cooked, juicy, and topped with melty cheese, while the mac and cheese is creamy and comforting. Plus, when all that goodness comes together in a crispy taco shell—well, you’ll be in flavor heaven.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is simple to put together, and with a few shortcuts (like using store-bought taco shells and instant mac and cheese), you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
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Ingredients in Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos
Ground Beef
For the burger patty, you can’t go wrong with juicy, seasoned ground beef. This is the heart of your taco and will add that savory burger flavor we all know and love.
Taco Shells
The crispy taco shells hold everything together, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. If you want to mix it up, soft flour tortillas work too!
Mac and Cheese
For the mac and cheese, you can either make it from scratch (if you’re feeling ambitious) or use your favorite boxed version. The creamy, cheesy texture is what ties this taco together.
Cheddar Cheese
For that extra cheesy flavor on top of your burger patty, cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the beef and mac and cheese.
Lettuce and Tomato (Optional)
Add a little freshness to balance out the richness of the burger and mac and cheese with some crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices.
Pickles (Optional)
A few slices of tangy pickles bring a bit of zing to complement the creamy mac and cheese and savory burger.
Ketchup and Mustard (Optional)
Classic burger condiments like ketchup and mustard are perfect for adding a little extra flavor if you like.
Instructions
Prepare the Mac and Cheese
Start by preparing your mac and cheese. If you’re making it from scratch, cook the pasta and prepare the cheese sauce until it’s rich and creamy. If you’re using a boxed version, follow the instructions to cook it up until it’s perfectly gooey and cheesy. Set aside.
Cook the Burger Patties
While the mac and cheese is cooking, form your ground beef into burger patties. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you love (garlic powder, onion powder, etc.). Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese in the last minute of cooking so it melts nicely over the patty.
Warm the Taco Shells
While the patties are cooking, warm your taco shells in the oven or microwave according to the package instructions. This step ensures they’re nice and crisp for your taco creation.
Assemble the Tacos
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble! Start by placing a spoonful of mac and cheese at the bottom of each taco shell. Next, add the cheesy burger patty on top of the mac and cheese. If you like, add some lettuce and tomato slices for a fresh crunch, and throw in a few pickle slices for that extra tang.
Serve and Enjoy
Finish off your tacos with a drizzle of ketchup or mustard if you’re into classic burger condiments. Serve these melty mac and cheese burger tacos while they’re hot, and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~650-700 (depending on the size of your tacos and additional toppings)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos
With French Fries: These tacos pair perfectly with crispy, golden French fries for a classic burger-and-fries combo. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the tacos. Add some avocado or corn for extra flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries: Looking for a healthier side? Sweet potato fries are a great option that brings both sweetness and crunch to complement the tacos.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw with a bit of tang will add a nice crunch and coolness to balance out the warm, cheesy tacos.
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding some sliced jalapeños to the tacos, or mix a little hot sauce into the mac and cheese for an extra kick.
Add Bacon: Bacon lovers, this one’s for you! Crumble crispy bacon over the mac and cheese or on top of the burger patty for that irresistible smoky flavor.
Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. It’s still delicious and works great in these tacos.
Make Ahead: If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can cook the burger patties and mac and cheese earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these tacos with chicken instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the beef for grilled chicken or even ground turkey for a leaner option. The mac and cheese will still pair perfectly with either.
Q2: Can I use soft taco tortillas instead of crispy shells?
A2: Yes, soft tortillas will work just fine if you prefer a softer texture. You can even try using flour tortillas for a different spin.
Q3: Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?
A3: Definitely! You can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and keep it warm until you’re ready to assemble your tacos. It’ll save you time on taco night!
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftover mac and cheese?
A4: Reheat leftover mac and cheese on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Q5: Can I add other toppings?
A5: Yes! You can add all kinds of toppings like avocado, onions, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Yes! You can swap the burger patties for a plant-based burger or use black beans as a filling. The mac and cheese will still make it feel indulgent.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store any leftover mac and cheese and burger patties separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the tacos.
Q8: Can I freeze the mac and cheese?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the mac and cheese! Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q9: Can I make this a meal prep dish?
A9: Yes! Cook the burger patties and mac and cheese ahead of time, and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat. Store the components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q10: Can I make a vegetarian version of the burger patties?
A10: Absolutely! You can use veggie burger patties or even a quinoa and black bean mixture as a meat substitute in these tacos.
Conclusion
Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos are the best of both worlds—juicy burgers and creamy mac and cheese wrapped in a crunchy taco shell. They’re comforting, indulgent, and perfect for taco night or when you’re craving something a little different. With endless customization options, you can make these tacos your own and enjoy every melty, cheesy, beefy bite. Get ready to fall in love with this epic flavor combo!
Print
Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos are a fun fusion dish that combines juicy beef burgers with creamy mac & cheese, all wrapped up in a taco shell. These indulgent tacos offer a perfect mix of flavors and textures, with the savory burger, gooey cheese, and crispy shell bringing comfort food to a whole new level.
Ingredients
- For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Tacos:
- 8 small soft flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- Pickles (optional)
- Chopped onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Burgers: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 burger patties. Place the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and the cheese is melted. Set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat the macaroni in the cheese sauce. Set aside.
- Assemble the Tacos: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and soft. Lightly brush each tortilla with olive oil to add a bit of crispness.
- Place a spoonful of mac & cheese in the center of each tortilla. Top with a burger patty and then add the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Optionally, drizzle with salsa or taco sauce.
- Fold the tortillas around the fillings and serve immediately. Enjoy your melty, cheesy, burger-filled tacos!
Notes
- You can make this dish even more indulgent by adding crispy bacon bits or jalapeños to the tacos.
- If you prefer a healthier option, try using turkey burgers and a lighter cheese sauce for the mac & cheese.
- These tacos are best enjoyed immediately while the mac & cheese is warm and creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (American-Mexican)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: undefined
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: undefined