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Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.7 from 102 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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