Big Mac and Cheese

When I go to McDonald’s, I always order a Big Mac. I just cannot get enough of that delectable secret burger sauce, which is why this Big Mac–inspired mac and cheese recipe is my latest obsession. Not only is some of the sauce mixed right into the creamy pasta, but each plate is finished with a generous drizzle of it, too.

Besides featuring plenty of sweet, tangy and creamy Big Mac sauce, my favorite thing about this recipe is that it’s an all-in-one meal that doesn’t require any additional sides or accompaniments to round out your menu. (Unless, of course, you want to pair it with a copycat Shamrock Shake.)

Featuring al dente pasta, two types of cheese and over a pound of ground beef, this recipe takes your average cheeseburger macaroni to the next level with shredded lettuce, pickle chips, onion slices and a toasted sesame bread crumb topping. Together, the ingredients create a symphony of tastes and textures that are somehow new and nostalgic all at once.

Big Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Sesame bread crumb topping: Melted butter is combined with panko and sesame seeds to make a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts well with the rich and creamy mac and cheese.
• Pasta: You can use any short-cut pasta shape. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, while penne, cavatappi, medium shells, rotini and radiatori all offer a nice change of pace.
• Ground beef: Since this recipe is intended to emulate a Big Mac with double beef patties, a pound of ground beef didn’t seem like quite enough. A full pound and a half makes this dish extra hearty and satisfying, just like its namesake.
• Onion: A small amount of diced onion adds extra flavor complexity to the beefy base.
• Flour: A small amount of flour thickens the cheesy sauce.
• Burger sauce: To make this homemade sauce, you’ll need mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar and a handful of spices. Yes, we know that Big Mac sauce does not traditionally have ketchup, but it helps nail the flavor when you’re trying to create a copycat version at home. Alternatively, for an authentic touch, you could head to your local McD’s and order some Big Mac sauce to go.
• Beef broth: A splash of broth infuses extra beefy flavor into this Big Mac and cheese recipe.
• Milk: Whole milk thins the cheesy sauce while keeping it rich and creamy.
• Cheese: A duo of American and sharp cheddar cheeses works together to make the sauce irresistibly smooth and wonderfully cheesy.
• Pickles: For extra zing, use your favorite brand of pickles or stir a few chopped homemade pickles into the pasta.
• Toppings: Treat this mac and cheese like your favorite burger by adding your favorite burger toppings, whether that’s more special sauce, lettuce, pickles or onions, or all of the above.

Directions

Step 1: Make the secret sauce

In a small bowl, prepare the burger sauce by whisking together the mayo, pickle relish, ketchup, white vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce, and refrigerate the rest for another use.

Step 2: Toast the sesame seeds and bread crumbs

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the panko bread crumbs and sesame seeds to the pan and cook them until they’re golden brown, about three to four minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove them to a plate to cool.

Step 3: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 4: Brown the beef with onions

Meanwhile, using the same skillet you used for the bread crumb topping, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it’s softened, stirring occasionally, about five to eight minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, stir and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Make it saucy

Stir in the milk, beef broth and 1/2 cup of the secret sauce into the beef and onions. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Combine with pasta and cheese

Stir in the cooked pasta, then remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cheeses until they’re melted. Stir in the chopped dill pickles.

Step 7: Serve with toppings and extra sauce

To serve, spoon the hot pasta onto plates and garnish it with lettuce, onion slices and extra pickle chips (if desired). Drizzle it with extra burger sauce and sprinkle it with the toasted sesame bread crumbs.

Big Mac and Cheese Variations

• Make chicken Big Mac and cheese: Take one of McDonald’s best secret menu items and turn it into mac and cheese by replacing the ground beef with ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped grilled chicken breasts.
• Add other toppings: While some may consider deviating from the prescribed ingredients in the Big Mac jingle sacrilegious, you do you. Add chopped tomatoes, jalapeno slices, avocado slices or even crispy fried onion rings to customize your pasta.
• Make the bread crumb topping your own: For a heftier bread crumb topping, cut sesame seed hamburger buns into small, bite-sized pieces. Then drizzle them with four tablespoons of butter and toss to coat them. Toast them in the oven at 350º until they’re golden. Arrange them over the mac and cheese before serving it with additional toppings and sauce.

How to Store Big Mac and Cheese

Big Mac and cheese should be kept refrigerated and stored in an airtight food storage container. Enjoy it within three to four days for the best flavor and texture.

Big Mac and Cheese Tips

Can you make Big Mac and cheese in the oven?

Sure! If you enjoy baked mac and cheese, prepare the recipe as directed, but once the pickles and cheese are mixed into the pasta, transfer everything to a greased 13×9-inch baking pan or casserole dish. Top the pasta with some extra shredded American and/or cheddar cheese, then add the toasted sesame bread crumbs. Bake it at 350º until the cheese topping is melted. Serve it hot, topped with lettuce, onions, pickles and sauce.

How can you add McDonald’s Big Mac flavors to a frozen mac and cheese?

Short on time but want Big Mac flavor? For a quick, easy shortcut, snag a box of your favorite frozen mac and cheese plus a frozen burger patty. Prepare the macaroni according to its package directions. Meanwhile, cook the frozen burger patty to your desired doneness in a skillet or air fryer.

To serve, crumble the burger patty and stir it into the hot mac and cheese. Enjoy the dish topped with shredded lettuce, sliced onions, pickle chips and homemade or store-bought burger sauce.

What goes well with Big Mac and cheese?

While this Big Mac and cheese can serve as an all-in-one meal, you can always round out your menu with a few other fast food copycat recipes. Serve it with a hot basket of homemade french fries, Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets and a scoop of homemade vanilla frozen custard for dessert.