Description
This hearty Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded beef brisket with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish. With a blend of white and sharp cheddar cheeses simmered in milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth, plus a mix of savory spices, this recipe delivers rich taste and satisfying texture. Topped with barbecue sauce and crispy onion strings, it’s an indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
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 (plus extra for serving)
Toppings
- Crispy onion strings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pipe rigate pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and return the pasta to the pot to prepare for the cheese sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Add whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth to the pot with the pasta. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually stir in the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and develop flavor.
- Heat Brisket: While the cheese sauce simmers, take a separate pot or small saucepan and combine the shredded leftover beef brisket with beef broth and barbecue sauce. Heat this mixture over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the brisket is warmed through and infused with the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each serving with the hot shredded brisket mixture, and drizzle additional barbecue sauce on top for extra flavor. Optionally, garnish with crispy onion strings to add a crunchy texture and an appealing finish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked brisket for convenience and richer flavor; fresh cooked brisket can be used but may require longer heating time.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to suit your preferred level of tanginess and sweetness.
- Slap Ya Mama® seasoning can be substituted with another Cajun or Creole seasoning blend for similar spice.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or reduce heavy cream amount.
- Crispy onion strings add texture but can be omitted if unavailable or to reduce calories.