This Shredded Beef Mac & Cheese is a comfort food dream! It’s creamy, cheesy pasta mixed with tender, pulled beef, making it a hearty meal that warms the soul.
Who wouldn’t love digging into a big bowl of cheesy goodness? I always save a little extra for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use leftover shredded beef, like brisket, to save time. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey works too, but the flavor will be different.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese, but feel free to try rotini or shells for a twist. They hold the cheese sauce nicely, adding a fun texture!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you want a milder taste, feel free to mix in some mild cheddar. For an extra kick, add pepper jack cheese!
Heavy Cream: This keeps the sauce rich and creamy. You can substitute it with additional milk for a lighter version, but it may lose some creaminess.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add great flavor. If you have fresh garlic and onion, feel free to use them instead. Just sauté them in butter before adding the flour.
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a roux: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until golden.
- Add liquids slowly: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Simmer gently: Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate cheese off the heat: Once thickened, remove the pot from heat before adding the cheese. This prevents curdling and makes it melt beautifully.
With these tips, you’ll achieve a creamy, luscious cheese sauce that coats the pasta and beef perfectly. Happy cooking!
How to Make Shredded Beef Mac & Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1 lb shredded beef (cooked, can use leftovers or shredded brisket)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped chives or parsley
- Hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shredded Beef Mac & Cheese takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the pasta and making the cheese sauce, plus another 15 minutes to combine everything and serve it up. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (this usually takes about 7-9 minutes). Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk it together to form a roux. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Then, gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Keep stirring to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture simmers and thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Flavorings:
Once the cheese sauce has thickened, stir in 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1 tsp of mustard powder. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste! Next, take it off the heat and mix in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in the cooked macaroni and 1 lb of shredded beef into the cheese sauce. Give it a gentle stir until everything is well-coated in that yummy cheese sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Shredded Beef Mac & Cheese is ready to be served! Spoon it onto plates while it’s warm, and feel free to garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a nice touch. If you like a little spice, drizzle some hot sauce on top before digging in. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella with any cheese you prefer or have on hand. Gouda, fontina, or even a spicier cheese like pepper jack can add great flavor. Just ensure to melt well for a creamy texture!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Shredded Beef?
Yes, ground beef works perfectly! Cook it in the pan until browned before adding the milk and cream. Just make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your mac and cheese creamy and not greasy!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency if needed.
