If you are someone who loves the creamy indulgence of macaroni and cheese but also craves a hearty, smoky twist, then you are going to adore this Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe. Combining tender, flavorful beef brisket with the luscious, gooey textures of a perfectly crafted cheese sauce, this dish elevates a classic comfort food to a whole new level. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with personality – making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is the key to achieving incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully balanced texture in this dish. Each component plays an important role, from the pasta’s sturdy bite to the creamy cheeses and smoky brisket creating a harmonious blend in every spoonful.
- 16 ounce pipe rigate pasta or shells: Choose a shape that holds sauce well to maximize every cheesy, brisket-loaded bite.
- 2 ½ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness that form the sauce’s luxurious base.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Boosts velvety texture and indulgence without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Introduces subtle depth and balances the creaminess with a light savory note.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet, mellow flavor for a well-rounded seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning: Brings a gentle kick of Cajun flair that complements the brisket perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard: Offers a subtle tang that brightens the cheese sauce.
- ½ teaspoon turmeric: Gives a lovely golden hue and mild earthiness without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of heat and complexity.
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully and adds creamy sharpness.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides bold, tangy flavor and a classic cheddar punch.
- 2 cups leftover beef brisket, shredded: The star protein, adding smoky, tender texture and rich meaty flavor.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Keeps the brisket juicy and infuses extra savoriness.
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce: Offers sweetness and tang that elevates the brisket’s smokiness.
- Crispy onion strings: Optional for a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness on top.
How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—the perfect texture to hold up under all that creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Drain it well and return the pasta to the pot to keep it warm and ready for the rich cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare Cheese Sauce
Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth into the pot with the pasta and stir to combine. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, careful to avoid boiling over. Slowly sprinkle in the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and silky smooth. This melting process is where the magic happens—ensuring a sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. These seasonings build layers of savory depth and subtle heat, bringing the cheese sauce to life.
Allow your mac and cheese sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all the flavors and thicken into the ideal creamy consistency.
Step 3: Heat Brisket
While the sauce is simmering, grab a separate pot to warm your shredded brisket. Combine the leftover beef brisket pieces with the beef broth and barbecue sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly. Heat this over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until everything is hot and the brisket has absorbed some of that tangy barbecue flavor. This step ensures your beef remains tender and moist.
Step 4: Assemble
To serve, generously spoon the luscious mac and cheese into bowls or plates. Pile on the warm, flavorful shredded brisket. Drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce on top if you want an added punch of tang and sweetness. For those who love a bit of contrast, sprinkle crispy onion strings over the top—they add an irresistible crunch and slightly sweet note, balancing beautifully with the creamy and smoky elements.
How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
The Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe shines brightly with a few simple garnishes. Crispy onion strings are a personal favorite for adding texture. You can also consider fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh pop of flavor. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on top never disappoints, increasing that smoky-sweet dimension with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and hearty, so pairing it with crisp, fresh sides works perfectly to balance things out. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to add some color and crunch. For a Southern-inspired meal, coleslaw or baked beans complement the smoky brisket notes beautifully without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress guests, serve individual portions of this Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe in small cast iron skillets or ramekins, topped with garnishes and a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar broiled for a bubbly, golden crust. For casual gatherings, turn it into a loaded mac and cheese bar with toppings like pickled jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or sliced green onions to let guests customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the second-day serving equally delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results. Keep in mind that fresh crispy toppings may lose their crunch after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the mac and cheese over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to restore creamy texture without drying out. If it seems thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating. Reheat the brisket separately or mixed in, depending on your preference, to keep the meat tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While white and sharp cheddar provide classic flavor and great meltability, feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheddar to add unique twists. Just keep in mind the melting properties to maintain that creamy texture.
What if I don’t have leftover brisket? Can I use fresh brisket?
You can definitely use freshly cooked brisket, but be sure to shred it finely and incorporate it after it’s properly rested. Warm it gently with beef broth and barbecue sauce to infuse flavor before assembling your mac and cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe has a mild kick thanks to the Slap Ya Mama seasoning and black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing these seasonings or adding fresh jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the star of this dish is the brisket, you can make a vegetarian version by skipping the beef and using smoked or grilled mushrooms for a similar deep, umami flavor. Consider adding veggie broth in place of beef broth for a delicious plant-based twist.
What pasta works best for this mac and cheese?
Tube-shaped pastas like pipe rigate or shells work wonderfully because they trap the cheese sauce and brisket in every nook, ensuring maximum flavor in each bite. Avoid thin or flat pastas that might not hold the sauce as well.
Final Thoughts
This Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite comfort foods to make and share. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, full bellies, and happy hearts. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this creamy, smoky marvel delivers on all fronts. Give it a go—you might just discover your new signature dish!
Print
Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Brisket Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shredded beef brisket for a hearty, flavorful meal. Cooked on the stovetop, this dish features a rich cheese sauce infused with spices, topped with savory brisket and crispy onion strings for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces pipe rigate pasta or shells (organic pipe rigate preferred)
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
Toppings
- Crispy onion strings
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pipe rigate pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: To the pot with the pasta, pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine the liquids and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavors.
- Heat Brisket: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded leftover beef brisket with the beef broth and barbecue sauce. Heat the brisket mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brisket is warmed through.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each bowl with warm shredded brisket, then drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top. Finish by garnishing with crispy onion strings for a crunchy texture contrast. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover brisket for a quick meal, or slow cook a brisket in advance to prepare this dish fresh.
- For a spicier kick, add extra Slap Ya Mama® seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftover mac and cheese can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
