Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Smoky Heaven

When life calls for serious comfort food, this Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe shows up like a warm hug in a bowl. Think: velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and juicy, smoky brisket piled on top. Whether it’s a chilly night or a backyard BBQ, this dish delivers cozy, indulgent satisfaction every time.

Why You’ll Crave This Brisket Mac and Cheese

This isn’t your average mac and cheese. Here’s why it stands out:

• Creamy Cheese Sauce: Two kinds of cheddar melt into a rich, silky base that coats every noodle.
• Smoky, Saucy Brisket: Tender, shredded beef with BBQ sauce adds bold flavor and texture.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes using leftover brisket.
• Custom-Friendly: Switch up cheeses, add veggies, or go gluten-free without losing any flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama®)
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Pasta:

• 16 oz pipe rigate or shells

For the Brisket Topping:

• 2 cups leftover beef brisket, shredded
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Optional Toppings:

• Crispy onion strings
• Chopped chives or green onions

How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and return it to the pot.

Step 2: Build the Cheese Sauce

Pour milk, heavy cream, and broth over the pasta. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Let it all simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Reheat the Brisket

In a separate pot, combine brisket, beef broth, and barbecue sauce. Warm over medium heat until heated through and juicy.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spoon mac and cheese into bowls. Top generously with warm brisket. Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce or crispy onions if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips & Custom Variations

Ingredient Swaps

• Use rotisserie chicken or pulled pork instead of brisket
• Try pepper jack, gouda, or gruyère in the cheese blend

Add-Ins

• Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli
• Add a kick with jalapeños or hot sauce

Make It Ahead

• Prep brisket and cheese sauce separately the day before
• Store in airtight containers and reheat just before serving

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze pasta and brisket separately for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or broth

FAQs

Bring It All Together

This Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe is the kind of comfort food you’ll keep in your back pocket. It’s cozy, satisfying, and easy to adapt. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment or pin it for later!

You May Love These

• Easy Beef Dinner Recipes
• Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
• Muffin Pan Meatloaf Recipe

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