Description
These Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos combine juicy, seasoned beef burgers topped with melted cheddar cheese and creamy homemade mac & cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. With fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and optional pickles or salsa, this recipe offers a fun and indulgent fusion of classic comfort foods perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Form mixture into 4 equal-sized burger patties, pressing a thin layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty before cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the beef is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and slightly gooey. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for one minute, whisking constantly to make a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously as the sauce thickens over 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all pasta evenly. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Lightly brush each tortilla with olive oil for a slight crispness.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of mac & cheese onto the center of each tortilla. Top with one cheesy burger patty, then add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and optional pickles and chopped onions.
- Add Final Toppings: Drizzle with salsa or taco sauce if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Fold the tortillas around the fillings carefully and serve immediately to enjoy warm, melty, and cheesy burger tacos.
Notes
- Ground beef with 80/20 fat content is recommended for juicy burgers.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells or penne.
- Feel free to customize toppings such as adding jalapeños or avocado slices.
- For crispier tacos, briefly toast the olive oil brushed tortillas in a hot skillet before assembling.
- Leftover mac & cheese can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use whole milk for a creamy cheese sauce; however, 2% milk can be used as a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
