Beyond the Bun: Creative Recipes Starring Arby’s Good Burger 2 Meal Ingredients

The arrival of Arby’s Good Burger 2 Meal has sparked excitement, not just for nostalgic reasons, but also for the culinary possibilities it presents. While enjoying the meal as intended is a delight, the individual components – the burger patty, the Good Burger sauce, the sesame seed bun, and even the crinkle fries – can be repurposed and elevated into entirely new dishes. This article explores creative recipes that utilize these ingredients, transforming a fast-food meal into gourmet experiences. Get ready to think outside the bun and discover the versatility of Arby’s Good Burger 2 Meal!

## Understanding the Arby’s Good Burger 2 Meal Components

Before diving into the recipes, let’s break down the key components of the Good Burger 2 Meal and consider their individual characteristics:

* **The Burger Patty:** A seasoned beef patty, typically with a good balance of flavor and a slightly firm texture. This will work well in dishes requiring ground beef.
* **Good Burger Sauce:** The star of the show! This tangy, creamy sauce is often described as a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a hint of relish. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to various dishes.
* **Sesame Seed Bun:** A soft, slightly sweet bun with a distinctive sesame seed topping. It can be toasted, grilled, or even used as a base for breadcrumbs.
* **Crinkle Fries:** Classic crinkle-cut fries, offering a satisfying crispy texture and salty flavor. These can be used as a topping, a side, or even incorporated directly into dishes.

## Recipe 1: Good Burger Patty Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe elevates the humble shepherd’s pie by incorporating the Good Burger patty for a unique twist on a comfort food classic.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 Arby’s Good Burger patties, crumbled
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1/2 cup frozen corn
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/4 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* Good Burger sauce for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the meat base:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Brown the burger patty:** Add the crumbled Arby’s Good Burger patties to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up any large clumps. Drain any excess grease.
3. **Simmer the filling:** Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add frozen peas and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. **Prepare the mashed potatoes:** While the meat filling is simmering, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add a little cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
5. **Assemble the shepherd’s pie:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the meat filling. If desired, sprinkle with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
6. **Bake the pie:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with Good Burger sauce for an extra burst of flavor, if desired.

## Recipe 2: Good Burger Sauce Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad uses the tangy Good Burger sauce as a flavorful dressing. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for lunch, picnics, or potlucks.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
* 2-3 Arby’s Good Burger sauce packets (or homemade equivalent)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional additions: cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the pasta:** Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced black olives.
3. **Make the dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the Arby’s Good Burger sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.
4. **Assemble the pasta salad:** Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the Good Burger sauce dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently to combine. Add crumbled feta cheese if desired.
5. **Chill and serve:** Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold. This pasta salad is even better the next day!

## Recipe 3: Crinkle Fry Loaded Nachos

Transform your Arby’s crinkle fries into a craveable plate of loaded nachos! This recipe is perfect for a casual snack or game-day appetizer.

**Ingredients:**

* 1-2 servings of Arby’s crinkle fries
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, sliced
* 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
* Guacamole (optional)
* Salsa (optional)
* Good Burger Sauce (optional drizzle)
* Cooked and seasoned ground beef, chicken, or pulled pork (optional, for a heartier nacho plate)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the fries:** Spread the Arby’s crinkle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. If the fries have cooled down significantly, you can briefly reheat them in the oven or microwave.
2. **Add the cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the fries.
3. **Add the toppings:** Scatter the sliced pickled jalapenos and black olives over the cheese. If you are adding cooked meat, spread it over the cheese layer now.
4. **Bake the nachos:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Garnish and serve:** Remove the nachos from the oven and top with dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, guacamole, and salsa (if using). Drizzle with Good Burger Sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately.

## Recipe 4: Good Burger Bun Bread Pudding

Don’t throw away those sesame seed buns! This recipe transforms them into a decadent and comforting bread pudding.

**Ingredients:**

* 4-5 Arby’s Good Burger buns, cubed
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* Optional additions: Raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
* Butter for greasing the baking dish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the bread:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 8×8 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the cubed Arby’s Good Burger buns evenly in the prepared baking dish. If the buns are very soft, you can toast them lightly in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out slightly.
2. **Make the custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. **Soak the bread:** Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed buns in the baking dish. Press down gently on the buns to ensure they are fully submerged in the custard. Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, to allow it to absorb the custard.
4. **Bake the bread pudding:** Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
5. **Cool and serve:** Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

## Recipe 5: Good Burger Patty & Crinkle Fry Hash

This hearty hash combines the burger patty and crinkle fries for a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients from your Arby’s meal.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 Arby’s Good Burger patty, diced
* 1 serving of Arby’s crinkle fries, diced
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 eggs
* Hot sauce (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the ingredients:** Dice the Arby’s Good Burger patty and crinkle fries into small pieces. Chop the onion and red bell pepper.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add the patty and fries:** Add the diced Good Burger patty and crinkle fries to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Cook the eggs:** While the hash is cooking, prepare the eggs. You can fry them in a separate pan or create wells in the hash and crack the eggs directly into the skillet. Cook the eggs to your desired level of doneness.
5. **Serve:** Divide the Good Burger patty and crinkle fry hash between two plates. Top each serving with a fried egg. Serve immediately with hot sauce, if desired.

## Recipe 6: Deconstructed Good Burger Salad

For a lighter take on the classic meal, create a deconstructed salad featuring all the flavors of the Good Burger.

**Ingredients:**

* Lettuce (Romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens)
* 1 Arby’s Good Burger patty, sliced
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
* Arby’s Good Burger sauce (or homemade)
* Sesame seeds (optional)
* Crinkle Fries (Optional, as croutons)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Lettuce:** Wash and dry your chosen lettuce. Tear or chop into bite-sized pieces and place into a salad bowl.
2. **Add the vegetables:** Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion over the lettuce.
3. **Add the Protein:** Slice the Good Burger patty and arrange it over the vegetables.
4. **Add pickles:** Scatter the dill pickle chips throughout the salad.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle generously with Arby’s Good Burger sauce.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and flavor. For an extra crunch, top with a small portion of crinkle fries, acting as savory croutons.

## Recipe 7: Good Burger Sauce Grilled Cheese

Elevate your grilled cheese game with a generous slather of tangy Good Burger sauce. The slight sweetness and tang of the sauce pair perfectly with the melted cheese and buttery toast.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, brioche, or white bread work well)
* 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 2-3 tablespoons Arby’s Good Burger Sauce

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the bread:** Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
2. **Assemble the sandwich:** Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a cold skillet. Top with the cheese slices. Spread the Good Burger sauce generously over the cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
3. **Grill the sandwich:** Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down on the sandwich with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
4. **Serve:** Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing in half and serving.

## Recipe 8: Good Burger Meatloaf Makeover

Transform the flavor profile of your meatloaf by adding the Good Burger patty to the mix! The seasoned patty adds depth and richness.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 Arby’s Good Burger patty, crumbled
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Good Burger Sauce (for glaze, optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled Good Burger patty, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. **Shape the Meatloaf:** Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
4. **Add the Glaze (Optional):** Spread Good Burger Sauce over the top of the meatloaf for a tangy glaze.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Recipe 9: Spicy Good Burger Quesadillas

Add a kick to your quesadillas by incorporating the heat of jalapeños and the savory flavors of the Good Burger ingredients.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 large flour tortillas
* 1/2 Arby’s Good Burger patty, diced
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños, diced
* Good Burger Sauce for dipping
* Optional: Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Assemble the Quesadilla:** On one tortilla, sprinkle cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced Good Burger patty, and diced jalapeños.
2. **Fold and Cook:** Fold the tortilla in half. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
3. **Serve:** Cut the quesadilla into wedges. Serve immediately with Good Burger Sauce, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, if desired.

## Recipe 10: Good Burger Inspired Breakfast Sandwich

Start your day with a fun and flavorful twist on a breakfast classic!

**Ingredients:**

* 1 Arby’s Good Burger Bun, split
* 1 Arby’s Good Burger Patty, halved or quartered (depending on bun size)
* 1 Egg, fried
* 1 slice Cheddar Cheese
* 1 tablespoon Good Burger Sauce

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bun:** Lightly toast the Good Burger bun halves.
2. **Cook the Egg:** Fry an egg to your desired level of doneness (over easy, over medium, etc.).
3. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Place the Good Burger patty pieces on the bottom bun. Top with the fried egg and a slice of cheddar cheese. Drizzle with Good Burger sauce. Top with the other bun half.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately. You can add a side of hash browns or fruit for a complete breakfast.

## Tips and Considerations

* **Adjust seasoning to taste:** Remember that the Arby’s Good Burger meal is already seasoned, so adjust the amount of salt and other seasonings in your recipes accordingly.
* **Get creative with toppings and additions:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings, vegetables, and sauces to customize these recipes to your liking.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** The possibilities are endless! Use these recipes as a starting point and let your culinary creativity shine.
* **Homemade Good Burger Sauce:** If you don’t have access to the original Arby’s Good Burger sauce, you can easily make a homemade version. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of garlic powder. Adjust the ratios to your preference.

## Conclusion

The Arby’s Good Burger 2 Meal offers more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. By thinking creatively, you can transform the individual components of the meal into a variety of delicious and innovative dishes. From shepherd’s pie to pasta salad to bread pudding, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you order the Good Burger 2 Meal, consider it a starting point for your next culinary adventure. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to share your creations online and use the hashtag #GoodBurgerRecipes!