Description
This Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shredded beef brisket and a tangy barbecue twist. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it features a smooth cheese sauce infused with aromatic spices, tender brisket heated with savory broth and sauce, and optional crispy onion strings for texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish serves 8 and blends the best of classic mac and cheese with smoky, satisfying barbecue flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounce pipe rigate pasta or shells (organic pipe rigate recommended)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Brisket
- 2 cups leftover beef brisket, shredded
- ¼ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
Garnish
- Crispy onion strings (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook pipe rigate pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot to prepare for the cheese sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Pour whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth into the pot with the pasta. Stir the mixture to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Heat Brisket: While the cheese sauce simmers, transfer shredded leftover beef brisket to a separate pot. Add beef broth and barbecue sauce, then heat over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brisket is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Generously top each portion with the warm, saucy shredded brisket. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top if desired. Optionally, garnish with crispy onion strings for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover brisket to save time and add deep, smoky flavor. Freshly cooked brisket can also be used if preferred.
- Adjust the level of barbecue sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness and tang.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free noodles.
- Crispy onion strings add a delightful crunch but are optional if you want to keep it lighter.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
