Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
This hearty Brisket Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shredded beef brisket smothered in flavorful barbecue sauce. A comforting dish perfect for a filling family meal, blending rich cheddar cheese with savory spices and juicy brisket for an indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Pasta
- 12 oz pipe rigate pasta or shells
Dairy & Broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Meat & Sauce
- 2 cups leftover beef brisket, shredded
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells or pipe rigate and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large pot, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Melt the cheeses: Gradually add the shredded white cheddar and sharp cheddar cheeses to the simmering milk mixture, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Heat the brisket: In a separate small saucepan, combine the shredded beef brisket with the beef broth and barbecue sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the warm shredded brisket. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce on top if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use leftover brisket for convenience and deeper flavor; fresh brisket can be substituted if cooked and shredded beforehand.
- Adjust the seasoning quantities to taste if you prefer spicier or milder mac and cheese.
- For a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the amount of vegetable broth or simmer longer to reduce liquids.
- Barbecue sauce choice affects overall taste; use your favorite style, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy.
- This recipe can be made ahead and gently reheated on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Keywords: Brisket Mac and Cheese, cheesy pasta, barbecue brisket, comfort food, leftover beef recipe