Big Mac and Cheese

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 30 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Loaded with beef, cheese, pickles and homemade burger sauce, this creamy Big Mac and cheese recipe is crowned with golden sesame bread crumbs and all the essential Big Mac toppings.

Ingredients

  • BURGER SAUCE:
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • MAC AND CHEESE:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup secret burger sauce
  • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 8 ounces sliced American cheese, chopped
  • 4 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • Optional: Shredded lettuce, sliced onion, dill pickle chips and burger sauce, for topping

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Reserve 1/2 cup; refrigerate the remainder for another use.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and sesame seeds; cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove to a plate.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Add onion; cook until softened, 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk, 1/2 cup burger sauce and beef broth. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked pasta. Remove from the heat. Stir in cheeses until melted. Stir in pickles.
  5. Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top with lettuce, onion and pickles. Drizzle with burger sauce and sprinkle with toasted breadcrumb sesame seed mixture to serve.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 720 calories, 39g fat (16g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.

I'm lovin' it! That's the typical response I get from my kids anytime I prepare this McDonald's-inspired macaroni and cheese for dinner. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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