Save This playful recipe transforms everything you love about a cheeseburger and classic creamy mac and cheese into irresistible muffin sized cups. They are perfect for parties, easy dinners, or to surprise the family with something fun and completely delicious. Each bite has layers of seasoned beef, extra cheesy macaroni, and a buttery golden base that will be a huge hit with both kids and adults.
I first served these at a family game night and everyone went wild for them. Now they are my go to when I want to please a crowd with minimal fuss and major flavor.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: provides the classic mac and cheese texture and cooks quickly for a creamy base
- Whole milk: creates a rich sauce and helps everything meld together smoothly select fresh milk for best results
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully for bold cheesy flavor sharp or medium both work great
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and satisfies that extra cheese bite always use freshly grated if possible
- Unsalted butter: forms the base of the roux and helps the sauce become silky
- All purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce and ensures it clings to every piece of pasta
- Dijon mustard: gives a gentle tang that brightens the cheese sauce select a quality Dijon for balance
- Salt and black pepper: enhance all the flavors use freshly ground pepper for more depth
- Ground beef: brings juicy burger flavor and texture look for 85 percent lean for the best mix of taste and tenderness
- Finely chopped onion: sweetens and flavors the meat mixture yellow or white onions both work
- Ketchup: balances flavors with a sweet tomato touch try to use a ketchup with few added sugars
- Yellow mustard: doubles down on classic cheeseburger taste pick one with no artificial dyes
- Worcestershire sauce: gives that little umami magic
- Garlic powder: ensures even seasoning and rounds out the cheeseburger taste
- Mini burger buns slider buns or sandwich bread: become the crispy cup make sure they are fresh and sliceable
- Shredded cheddar cheese on top: adds extra gooey melted goodness
- Nonstick cooking spray: keeps the cups from sticking and ensures easy release
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin:
- Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick spray so the bread or buns do not stick and the finished cups lift out easily
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente then thoroughly drain the pasta to prevent a watery sauce
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat then whisk in the flour and cook for one minute stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the milk whisking to maintain a smooth texture and cook until the mixture begins to thicken about two to three minutes. Take off the heat and stir in cheddar Parmesan Dijon mustard salt and pepper until the sauce is smooth and cheese is fully melted. Fold in the cooked macaroni and make sure every piece is coated
- Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium high and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook together until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender then drain off any excess fat so the mixture stays fluffy. Stir in ketchup yellow mustard Worcestershire garlic powder salt and pepper then cook for another minute to blend the flavors
- Assemble the Cups:
- Take each mini burger bun or flattened slice of sandwich bread and press it firmly into the muffin tin so it covers the bottom and sides creating a little cup shape
- Fill the Cups:
- Spoon about one tablespoon of the beef mixture into each bread cup pressing it down gently. Top that with a big spoonful of macaroni and cheese so the cups are fully but not overly stuffed
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle more shredded cheddar on top of each cup then transfer the muffin tin to your preheated oven. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the tops are golden and bubbling about fifteen to eighteen minutes
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cups cool for about five minutes in the pan so they firm up and unmold easily. Run a butter knife around each cup then lift them out and serve while warm and melty
Save Cheddar is my favorite part because it gets so gooey and toasty on top. My kids often help sprinkle the cheese before baking and it turns into a delicious weekly ritual none of us want to miss.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer so the bread stays crisp rather than soggy. You can also freeze fully baked cups just thaw in the fridge before crisping up in the oven for a few minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use ground turkey or plant based beef for a lighter or vegetarian version. For the base try gluten free sandwich bread if avoiding gluten. Monterey jack or pepper jack adds a different cheesy note if you want to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cups with pickles or a small bowl of ketchup for dipping to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors. They also pair well with a simple green salad or oven fries for a complete meal. Try adding a little cooked bacon or chopped tomato on top for more burger style fun.
Cultural and Historical Notes
This recipe is a mash up of American comfort food classics inspired by diner menus and childhood favorites. By combining mac and cheese with a cheeseburger filling you get all the beloved flavors of both in one playful bite that feels nostalgic but totally modern.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add chopped fresh tomatoes or basil to the filling in summer for a fresher taste Mix in roasted butternut squash or sautéed mushrooms for fall or winter warmth Top with shredded lettuce and a dollop of burger sauce after baking for a summery twist
Success Stories
Friends have raved about these at Super Bowl parties and potlucks. I have even packed these for school lunches and gotten empty containers back every time because there are never any leftovers my favorite kind of feedback
Freezer Meal Conversion
To make them freezer friendly assemble and bake the cups as directed then let cool completely before freezing in a single layer. To reheat bake from frozen at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and crisp about fifteen to twenty minutes and they taste just as good as fresh.
Save One bite is all it takes to add a little fun to dinner. These cheeseburger mac and cheese cups are sure to disappear fast, so make a double batch if you want leftovers!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based alternatives make great substitutes for beef and can adjust to dietary needs.
- → How do I keep the bread base from getting soggy?
Press bread firmly into the muffin tin and avoid overfilling with the mac and cheese mixture. Bake until golden and crisp.
- → Can these cups be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and bake ahead, then reheat briefly in the oven before serving to restore their texture.
- → What sides go well with these cups?
They pair nicely with salads, pickles, or simple vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.
- → Are there any fun toppings to try?
Try adding crispy bacon bits, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of spicy ketchup or burger sauce for extra excitement.