Name: Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta; 2 cups whole milk; 10 slices American cheese, unwrapped (2 slices diced small and set aside); 1 cup sharp shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 cup Thousand Island dressing; ½ pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ onion, diced; 1 tomato, diced and deseeded; 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; ⅓ cup diced pickles

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a fun twist on two all-time favorites, this Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese with the iconic flavors of a Big Mac, this dish brings together ground beef, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and that signature Thousand Island dressing in an irresistible comfort food mashup. It’s the perfect meal to impress friends or treat your family to something familiar yet excitingly new.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven bowls and a stack of cheese slices on a white marbled surface. In the center, a white bowl with a light blue rim holds raw ground meat with a pinkish-beige color and a soft texture. To the right, a larger white bowl is filled with dry elbow macaroni, yellow-orange in color with a hard texture. Below this, another white bowl contains grated cheddar cheese, a bright orange with a light, fluffy texture. On the bottom left, a small clear glass bowl holds chopped red tomatoes with a juicy texture. Above this, a small silver cup is filled with light-colored creamy sauce with visible herbs. Next to the sauce and top left of the image is a neat stack of yellow-orange processed cheese slices. At the top right, a small white dish holds salt and black pepper granules in the center, and to its right, a small clear glass jug is filled with white milk. The setting is clean and bright, with all items spaced evenly on the white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Each component plays a role in layering texture, depth, and that unmistakable Big Mac vibe into the macaroni and cheese base.

Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The classic pasta shape that holds the cheesy sauce perfectly.
Milk, whole or full fat (2 cups): Adds creaminess and helps melt the cheeses smoothly.
American cheese slices (10 slices, unwrapped): Provides that melty, mild cheese texture; save 2 slices diced small for garnish.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Brings a deeper, tangy cheesy flavor that balances the creaminess.
Thousand Island dressing (1 cup): Captures the signature Big Mac taste with its tangy and slightly sweet notes.
Ground lean beef (½ pound): Adds hearty savoriness and mimics the burger element.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (1 teaspoon each): Essential seasonings that enhance the beef’s flavor.
Diced onion (½ medium onion): Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed with the beef.
Diced, deseeded tomato (1 medium): Brings freshness and a burst of color to the dish.
Shredded iceberg lettuce (2 cups): Adds crunch and a cool contrast to the warm macaroni.
Diced pickles (1/3 cup): Delivers that classic tangy bite reminiscent of a Big Mac.

How to Make Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but make sure to stop 3 to 4 minutes before it’s fully tender. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking later with the cheese sauce, resulting in the perfect al dente bite that won’t turn mushy once mixed with other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef Mixture

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the beef thoroughly until it’s browned and fully cooked through, and the onions are translucent. This step infuses the beef with aromatic flavors and makes it the perfect savory topping for our macaroni.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

After draining the pasta, return to the same skillet to keep those wonderful browned bits from the beef. Over medium heat, combine the pasta, whole milk, eight slices of American cheese broken up, shredded cheddar, and the Thousand Island dressing. Stir everything together so the cheeses melt evenly and create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Bring your macaroni mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken up beautifully. This finishing touch is what turns your macaroni and cheese into a rich, decadent dish infused with classic Big Mac notes.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the cheesy macaroni onto a large serving platter. Then, layer on the shredded lettuce, sautéed beef, diced pickles, tomatoes, and the reserved diced American cheese slices for a little extra cheesy pop. If you want to go all out, drizzle a bit more Thousand Island dressing on top before serving. This combination delivers a vibrant, delicious dish that’s just begging to be shared and enjoyed.

How to Serve Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A black pan with a dark blue handle holds several layers of food on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a layer of cooked elbow macaroni pasta in pale yellow. Spread unevenly across the pasta are multiple slices of processed cheese in light orange-yellow, some slices folded or overlapping. On top of this cheese layer, there is a pile of shredded cheddar cheese in a bright orange-yellow color. To one side, there is a thick dollop of creamy white sauce with visible bits of herbs or spices mixed in. The overall textures include smooth melted cheese slices, soft pasta, shredded cheese strands, and a thick creamy sauce. The scene is lit with soft natural lighting, showing visual warmth and steam from cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness and crunch elevate this dish! Garnish with a handful of crisp shredded iceberg lettuce for contrast, diced pickles for that tangy snap, and a sprinkle of diced American cheese to add that signature cheesiness right on top. For an extra pop, a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing ties all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, consider pairing it with simple sides like crispy oven-baked fries or a crunchy coleslaw. Both choices keep things classic and complement the creamy, savory macaroni beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins to keep each portion warm and perfectly hearty. You can also add a sprinkling of crispy fried onions on top for an unexpected crunch that’s reminiscent of a burger’s texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from the Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for a quick, satisfying meal later on.

Freezing

If you want to make this recipe ahead in larger batches, it freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, and the dish will keep for up to 2 months. Just be aware the lettuce and raw tomatoes are best added fresh when serving to maintain that crisp texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the macaroni gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore the creaminess without drying it out. You can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of American cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic Big Mac flavor, you can substitute with mild cheddar or even Colby Jack for a slightly different twist. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well for a creamy sauce.

Is it necessary to use Thousand Island dressing?

Thousand Island dressing is one of the key flavors that makes this recipe roar Big Mac vibes. If you want to experiment, a mix of ketchup and mayo with a bit of pickle relish can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful while maintaining all the delicious Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe elements.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and kid-friendly, with seasoning focused on garlic and pepper without adding any heat. You can add a little cayenne or hot sauce if you want a spicy kick.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Elbow macaroni is a classic choice and works perfectly here because its shape holds lots of sauce. However, small shells or cavatappi can also be great alternatives if you want to try a different texture.

Final Thoughts

This Big Mac Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves comforting classics with a playful twist. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with all the nostalgic flavors of a Big Mac in every cheesy bite. You absolutely have to try it – your taste buds will thank you for bringing these two favorites together in one unforgettable dish!