Description

This hearty Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender, flavorful shredded beef brisket and a tangy barbecue sauce. Enhanced with aromatic spices and topped optionally with crispy onion strings, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of rich textures and smoky flavors, making it an ideal meal for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 ounces pipe rigate pasta or shells (organic 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

For Garnish

Crispy onion strings (optional)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pipe rigate pasta or shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot to stay warm.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Pour the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth into the pot with the pasta. Stir to combine and gently bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly add the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to develop the flavors and thicken slightly.
Heat Brisket: In a separate small pot, combine the shredded leftover beef brisket with beef broth and barbecue sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the brisket is heated through and coated with the sauce.
Assemble: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each portion with the warm shredded brisket and drizzle additional barbecue sauce on top as desired. Garnish with crispy onion strings if using, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use leftover brisket for convenience, or substitute with freshly cooked shredded beef brisket if preferred.
Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to taste for more or less tanginess.
For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Crispy onion strings add a lovely crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free option.
Pasta can be cooked a minute less than recommended if planning to bake the dish later to avoid overcooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Brisket Mac and Cheese, BBQ Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Leftover Brisket Recipe, Cheesy Pasta, Easy Dinner