If you think mac and cheese can’t get any better, wait until you try this Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky brisket layered over creamy, gooey cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta—it’s comfort food taken to a whole new level. This dish transforms simple pantry ingredients with the deep, rich flavor of leftover brisket, making it both indulgent and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe guarantees smiles at the table and happy seconds on every plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create magic when combined thoughtfully, and each item here plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and color for this dish. From the creamy cheeses to the spicy seasonings, every component brings something essential to your Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe.
- Pipe rigate pasta (16 oz): This ridged pasta holds onto sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Whole milk (2 ½ cups): Adds creaminess and enhances the smooth texture of the cheese sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Boosts richness, making the sauce ultra-luxurious and velvety.
- Vegetable broth (1 cup): Introduces subtle depth without overpowering the cheese flavors.
- White cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Brings sharpness balanced with creamy meltiness and beautiful color.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Adds that classic bold mac and cheese flavor with a perfect tang.
- Shredded leftover beef brisket (2 cups): The star protein that infuses smoky, tender goodness into each mouthful.
- BBQ sauce (for drizzling): Gives a tangy-sweet finishing touch that complements the brisket splendidly.
How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pipe rigate pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to hold up against the creamy cheese and rich brisket. Once cooked, drain it completely to prepare for the next flavorful step.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
Using the same pot keeps the magic all in one place. Combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This warm base creates the perfect environment for the cheeses to melt smoothly, building that luscious sauce you’ll love.
Step 3: Melt the Cheeses
Stir in the shredded white cheddar and sharp cheddar cheeses carefully until they have completely melted and blended into a creamy, velvety sauce. Patience here is key to avoid clumps and achieve that silky mac and cheese texture that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Now it’s time to elevate the flavor profile. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. These spices add warmth, a little kick, and beautiful golden hues, then allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to let the flavors fully marry.
Step 5: Warm the Brisket
While the cheese sauce simmers, heat your shredded brisket with a splash of beef broth and a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce until warm and fragrant. This step revives the brisket’s tenderness and infuses it with that smoky, tangy character which is essential to the Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe’s soul.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the rich mac and cheese into serving bowls, then pile on the warm shredded brisket. Finish with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish that ties the whole dish together perfectly. Now you’re ready to dig into one of the most delicious fusions of flavors you’ll experience.
How to Serve Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish. A dash of smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky vibe. These garnishes turn the hearty Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe into something visually stunning and multilayered in flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich dish with crisp coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple garden salad works beautifully as well, balancing the indulgence with lightness and texture. The goal is to complement without overpowering the starring mac and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Swap out the bowls and serve the Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe in mini cast iron skillets for an elevated rustic look, perfect for parties. You can even top it with crispy fried onions or crispy bacon bits for added crunch. These touches delight guests and make your serving style as memorable as the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, which is great for batch cooking. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. Frozen mac and cheese with brisket will keep for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy that delicious combination whenever you please.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to warm through the brisket evenly. This way, every bite tastes just as comforting as the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white and sharp cheddar are fantastic for their melt and flavor, you can mix in gouda, monterey jack, or even mozzarella depending on your taste preferences. Just ensure the cheeses melt well to keep the sauce creamy.
What if I don’t have leftover brisket?
No problem! You can substitute with other cooked beef cuts or even smoked sausage. Just make sure the meat is shredded and heated properly before adding it to your mac and cheese for the best flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe has a gentle kick from the Slap Ya Mama® seasoning and black pepper, but it is predominantly creamy and savory. You can increase the heat by adding cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the brisket and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Boost the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky depth without meat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. The Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe holds up well to being made in advance and reheated. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal you can portion out for busy weekdays or quick lunches.
Final Thoughts
This Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, comforting, and just bursting with flavor thanks to the tender brisket and creamy, cheesy sauce. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again.
Print
Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Brisket Mac and Cheese recipe combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shredded beef brisket and a smoky BBQ sauce drizzle, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz pipe rigate pasta
Dairy & Liquids
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Cheese
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Meat & Sauce
- 2 cups shredded leftover beef brisket
- BBQ sauce for drizzling (about ½ cup)
- Beef broth (approximately ½ cup for warming brisket)
Spices
- Garlic powder (about 1 tsp)
- Onion powder (about 1 tsp)
- Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (about 1 tsp)
- Ground mustard (about ½ tsp)
- Turmeric (about ¼ tsp)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pipe rigate pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In the same pot used for pasta, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Melt Cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar and sharp cheddar cheeses until fully melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Season Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Continue to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Warm Brisket: In a separate pan or pot, combine the shredded beef brisket with approximately ½ cup beef broth and BBQ sauce. Heat over medium heat until the brisket is warmed through and flavorful.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cheesy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the warm shredded brisket. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the top to finish. Serve immediately for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked brisket for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to taste for sweetness or smokiness.
- You can substitute pipe rigate with elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Make sure to stir frequently when making the cheese sauce to avoid burning or curdling.
