Dinner Recipes

January 21, 2026

Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings: 5 Irresistible Bites

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Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

89 Views • 10 min read

Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings: 5 Irresistible Bites

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Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings, you’re in for a delightful treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden onion rings that are bursting with the cheesy, comforting flavors of macaroni and juicy burger goodness. I first whipped these up for a game night with friends, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than I could say “seconds, anyone?” They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the classic tastes of a cheeseburger with the fun crunch of onion rings. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or munching on them during a movie marathon, these little bites of joy will steal the show every time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients List

2 large onions – These will be the star of the show! Choose ones that are firm and heavy for the best results.
1 cup macaroni – Any small pasta will do, but macaroni is the classic choice for that cheesy comfort.
1 cup shredded cheese – I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect melty goodness. Feel free to experiment!
1 pound ground beef – This adds the heartiness of a burger to our rings. You could also try ground turkey for a lighter option.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Use plain or seasoned, whatever you have on hand! They help bind the filling together.
1 egg – This will help everything stick together nicely. Don’t skip it!
Salt to taste – A little seasoning goes a long way, so adjust based on your preference.
Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper adds that extra kick!
Oil for frying – You’ll need plenty for deep frying, so go for something with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

How to Prepare Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings

Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings - detail 1

Prepping the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get everything ready! Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain it and set it aside to cool a bit. While that’s happening, grab your ground beef and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper! Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned beef, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until everything is nicely combined. You’re going to want to make sure that cheesy goodness is evenly spread throughout!

Stuffing the Onion Rings

Now, let’s tackle those onions! Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about 1 inch wide. You’ll want to carefully separate the rings, keeping the larger ones for stuffing. Take a spoonful of your delicious filling and gently stuff it into each onion ring. Be careful not to overstuff, as they might burst during frying! I usually press it down a bit to ensure it holds well. If you find the mixture a bit sticky, wet your hands slightly to make handling easier. Once all your rings are stuffed, you’re ready to fry!

Frying the Onion Rings

Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to around 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to get that oil hot enough so your rings cook perfectly! Carefully drop in the stuffed onion rings a few at a time—don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, and flip them gently with a slotted spoon if needed. Oops! Be cautious, as the oil can splatter, so it’s a good idea to wear an apron. Once they’re done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot, and get ready for everyone to rave about these tasty bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of cheesy macaroni and savory burger filling nestled inside a crispy onion ring is a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a game day or a casual get-together, these cheesy mac burger stuffed onion rings are sure to be the star of the show, disappearing from the platter in no time!
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delicious bites ready to fry up quickly. Even if you’re a beginner, I promise you can nail this recipe!
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses, or add in some spices for an extra kick. You can even swap out the ground beef for chicken or a meat alternative!
Perfect Appetizer: They’re great for sharing and make for a fun appetizer that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an added treat!
Comfort Food Vibes: These onion rings bring together all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger and mac and cheese, making them a satisfying indulgence any day of the week!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings turn out perfectly every time! First off, don’t rush the oil heating process. If it’s not hot enough, your onion rings can turn out soggy instead of crispy. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and browns within seconds, you’re good to go!

Another tip is to keep your filling nice and compact but not overly stuffed. This way, they won’t explode in the fryer. It’s all about the balance! And speak of balance, make sure to season your ground beef well—this is key to enhancing all those flavors in the filling!

Oh, and if you want to take it up a notch, consider adding some spices like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. It gives that filling a little extra depth that’s simply delightful! Lastly, keep an eye on the frying time. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit; you want them cooked through, golden, and gorgeous!

Don’t let the thought of frying intimidate you! Just be cautious, wear an apron, and use a slotted spoon when handling those sizzling rings. Trust me, you’ll be a pro in no time!

Variations

One of the best things about Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings is how adaptable they are! You can really get creative with the flavors and ingredients. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:

Cheese Choices: While I love the combo of cheddar and mozzarella, you could use pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. Even a sharp blue cheese can elevate the taste to gourmet levels!
Protein Swaps: If you’re looking for something different, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. For a vegetarian option, you could use black beans or lentils in place of meat. They’ll still pack a hearty punch!
Seasonal Flavors: How about adding some finely chopped jalapeños or roasted red peppers for a bit of sweetness and spice? You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness!
Smoky Goodness: A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder in your filling can add a wonderful depth of flavor. It’s an easy way to give your stuffed rings a BBQ vibe!
Mac and Cheese Twist: Instead of the regular macaroni, experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or spirals. You could even use a creamy mac and cheese as your filling base—just skip the cheese addition!
Stuff it Up: For an even heartier bite, layer in some cooked bacon or diced sausage into your filling. The more flavors, the better, right?

Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas! Each variation will give you a new take on this already delicious dish, keeping your taste buds excited every time you whip them up!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings, the right sides and dips can take the whole experience to the next level! Here are some fantastic ideas that pair beautifully with these crispy, cheesy delights:

Classic Ketchup: You can never go wrong with the good old ketchup! It adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the onion rings perfectly.
Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo with a splash of hot sauce or sriracha for a creamy, spicy dip that’ll kick things up a notch! It’s smooth, zesty, and oh-so-addictive!
Ranch Dressing: This is a favorite of mine! The cool, herby flavor of ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the warm, cheesy filling. It’s like a match made in heaven!
Guacamole: For a fresh twist, serve some guacamole on the side. Its creamy texture and zesty flavor contrast beautifully with the crispy onion rings.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw on the side adds a refreshing bite and balances the richness of the stuffed rings. Plus, it brings in that lovely crunch!
Sweet Potato Fries: Why not double down on the comfort food? Serve your onion rings alongside some crispy sweet potato fries. The sweetness of the fries complements the savory filling wonderfully!
Pickles: A side of pickles or pickled veggies can add a nice tang and crunch, cutting through the richness of the cheesy onion rings.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these sides and dips will make your Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings even more delicious. Just grab your favorite, dig in, and enjoy the flavorful feast!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to indulging in Cheesy Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings, it’s always good to know what you’re munching on! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (2 rings):

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, such as the type of cheese or meat. If you opt for leaner meats or lighter cheeses, you can easily tweak the stats to suit your preferences. It’s all about enjoying these delicious bites while keeping an eye on what works for you!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of onion?

Absolutely! While I love using large yellow onions for their sweetness, you can also try sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor or even red onions for a bit of color and zing. Just keep in mind the size for stuffing!

What can I substitute for the ground beef?

If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work great! You can even go vegetarian with black beans or lentils for a hearty filling. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the stuffed onion rings in advance! Just store them in the fridge covered until you’re ready to fry. You might need to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

For any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness—just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes!

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives them that crispy texture, you can absolutely bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the stuffed onion rings on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be delicious, just a bit less crispy!