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Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.5 from 114 reviews

Brisket Mac is a comforting, hearty dish combining creamy mac and cheese with tender shredded leftover beef brisket, enhanced by flavorful seasonings and a touch of barbecue sauce for a smoky finish. This easy stovetop recipe turns simple pantry ingredients and leftover meat into a satisfying one-pot meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Dairy

  • 16 ounce pipe rigate pasta (or shells, organic recommended)
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings

  • 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

Brisket and Sauce

  • 2 cups leftover beef brisket, shredded
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Combine Liquids: Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth into the pot with the pasta. Stir well to combine all the liquids with the pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Melt Cheese: Slowly add the shredded white and sharp cheddar cheeses while continuously stirring. Continue to stir until all the cheese has melted and formed a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta evenly.
  4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, ground mustard, turmeric, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices are well incorporated into the mac and cheese.
  5. Simmer: Allow the mac and cheese to gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
  6. Heat Brisket: In a separate medium pot, place the shredded leftover beef brisket. Add beef broth and barbecue sauce, stirring to combine. Heat the brisket mixture over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through thoroughly.
  7. Serve: Scoop the creamy mac and cheese into bowls, top generously with the warmed shredded brisket, and drizzle additional barbecue sauce on top. Serve immediately for best flavor.
  8. Optional Garnish: For added texture and flavor, top the dish with crispy onion strings before serving.

Notes

  • Use leftover brisket for convenience and to add smoky flavor to the dish.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the Slap Ya Mama® seasoning slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • To make this dish lighter, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with lower-fat dairy alternatives, though this will affect creaminess.
  • Crispy onion strings are optional but highly recommended for a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Any sturdy short pasta can be used if pipe rigate is unavailable; shells work particularly well.
  • To reheat leftovers, warm gently on stovetop adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Keywords: brisket mac, mac and cheese with brisket, leftover beef recipes, creamy mac and cheese, easy stovetop mac and cheese, barbecue brisket mac