If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food mashup, these Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos are about to change your taco game forever. Imagine every kid’s (and every grownup’s) cravings all wrapped up in one bite: creamy homemade mac and cheese piled over juicy seasoned ground beef, all snuggled in a warm flour tortilla and finished with zippy burger-style toppings. Bringing together the best parts of a cheeseburger and classic macaroni, this playful dish is perfect for fun weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you want to wow friends and family with something different and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos is how approachable the ingredients are—each one plays a starring role, bringing its own colors, textures, and hints of flavor to every loaded bite. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:
- Ground beef: The hearty base for the tacos, bringing classic burger flavor to the filling.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: For deep, savory notes that complement both beef and cheese.
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and a hint of burger-onion flavor without chopping needed.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers gentle smokiness to round out the spice blend.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the other flavors pop.
- Elbow macaroni: Perfect for soaking up that creamy cheese sauce—feel free to try little shells for variety!
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of your cheese sauce for luscious mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a dreamy, clingy texture.
- Whole milk: Makes the cheese sauce extra creamy and silky.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds classic, robust cheese flavor and meltiness to the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives extra gooeyness and stretch to each bite.
- Small flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold everything together—warm them up for best results!
- Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and a familiar burger-shop tang to each taco.
- Yellow mustard: Adds just the right punchy zip, balancing all the richness.
- Dill pickle slices: Crunchy, bright, and just a little acidic—the perfect burger taco finisher.
- Shredded lettuce (optional): For crunch and fresh color, if you like greens in your burger.
- Diced red onion (optional): Adds sharpness and a pop of color—great for onion fans!
How to Make Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos
Step 1: Boil the Elbow Macaroni
First things first, get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until perfectly al dente. This step is essential—overcooked pasta won’t hold up under all that gorgeous sauce. Once it’s ready, drain well and set aside so you’re ready to build your mac and cheese base.
Step 2: Brown the Burger Filling
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet with the olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus plenty of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is beautifully browned and no longer pink, building all that crave-worthy burger flavor right in the pan. Remove from heat and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy, Melty Cheese Sauce
Now for the magic: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute—that’s your roux, and it makes the sauce thick and glossy. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and let it cook until the sauce thickens (about 3 to 5 minutes). Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until you have a smooth, dreamy sauce. Toss in the drained macaroni and stir to coat, making sure every noodle is completely blanketed in cheese.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Soft, warm tortillas make all the difference here. Heat them in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds per side, or microwave them in a damp towel until just pliable. This ensures your Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos hold up to the hefty fillings without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
It’s time for the grand assembly! Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and yellow mustard on each tortilla—this little touch gives total burger vibes. Add a layer of flavorful beef, followed by a generous scoop of creamy mac and cheese. Top with dill pickle slices, and finish with lettuce and diced red onion if you love extra crunch and zip. Fold them up and serve while everything is piping hot and irresistible.
How to Serve Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos
Garnishes
For a burst of color and brightness, top your Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos with extra dill pickles, a scatter of diced red onion, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. A quick dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce can add even more flavor for the adventurous.
Side Dishes
These tacos are already a feast, but pairing them with crispy oven fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or even a crunchy pickle spear channels classic burger-joint vibes. If you’re feeding a crowd, a big green salad rounds things out and keeps the meal feeling light, despite all that glorious cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try setting up a build-your-own taco bar so everyone can customize their Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos just the way they love them—kids will especially get a kick out of piling on their own toppings. Mini street-taco-size tortillas make fantastic party sliders, or pile the mac and cheese and beef into lettuce cups for a gluten-free twist. However you serve them, expect big smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (don’t count on it!), store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the beef, mac and cheese, and tortillas apart ensures everything stays as fresh as possible, and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.
Freezing
Both the beef and mac and cheese fillings freeze surprisingly well! Allow them to cool, then pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just beware: tortillas and fresh toppings are best made fresh, so freeze only the fillings.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef and mac and cheese gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk to the mac and cheese if it’s looking thick. Warm fresh tortillas just before assembling, then layer up your Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos to order.
FAQs
Can I make Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Cook the beef and mac and cheese ahead, refrigerate, then gently reheat and assemble tacos fresh when it’s time to eat. This makes them a showstopper for gatherings with minimal last-minute stress.
What kind of cheese works best for the mac and cheese part?
Sharp cheddar brings classic flavor and melt, while mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey quality. Feel free to experiment with Monterey jack or pepper jack for a twist, or even throw in a handful of American cheese for super-smooth sauce.
Can I use different types of tortillas?
For the signature Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos, small flour tortillas are best for their flexibility and mild flavor, but you can absolutely try large tortillas, whole wheat, or gluten-free options. Just make sure to warm them so they don’t crack when folding.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
It’s easy to kick up the heat! Add a sprinkle of chipotle powder, chopped jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce either to the beef or as a topping. Smoked paprika already adds subtle warmth, but a little more fire can be fun.
Are Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos kid-friendly?
Absolutely—they’re practically designed for happy kids and happy grownups alike! The familiar flavors of burgers, mac and cheese, and tacos all rolled together make this meal a surefire hit at any family table.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to eat like a kid again (but better), you need to try Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos. With gooey cheese, bold burger flavor, and all the customizable toppings you can dream up, this recipe will win hearts and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Grab those ingredients, fire up the stove, and dig in—you definitely deserve this kind of flavorful fun!
Print
Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Melty Mac & Cheese Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion of comfort food favorites – mac and cheese, burgers, and tacos all rolled into one tasty dish. Perfect for a fun weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
1 lb ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste, 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups whole milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese;
For Assembly:
6 small flour tortillas, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce (optional), diced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil and seasonings until cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheeses until melted and smooth. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, spread mayo and mustard, add beef, mac and cheese, pickle slices, and optional toppings. Fold and serve warm.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, add chipotle powder to the beef.
- Use shells instead of macaroni for a different texture.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
