This pulled beef mac and cheese is a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this recipe stands out with its savory pulled beef and sharp cheddar cheese. Drizzled with BBQ sauce, it adds a mouthwatering twist to a classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pulled beef and sharp cheddar creates a rich taste that will satisfy your cravings.
- Hearty & Filling: With protein-packed beef and pasta, this dish is perfect for hungry families or gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even at potlucks; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Prepare: Using a slow cooker or Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process while delivering fantastic flavor.
- Leftover Friendly: This recipe keeps well in the fridge and makes for delicious leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking this scrumptious pulled beef mac and cheese, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the process and helps achieve great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for making the cheese sauce
- Mixing spoon
- Serving dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These appliances make cooking tender pulled beef simple and hands-free, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A spacious pot ensures even cooking of elbow macaroni without overcrowding.
- Skillet for Making Cheese Sauce: A good skillet helps achieve a smooth, creamy cheese sauce without clumps.
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful pulled beef mac and cheese, gather the following ingredients:
For the Pulled Beef
- 4 pounds boneless beef shoulder (fat trimmed)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 (12 ounce) can ginger beer/ale (Vernors is my favorite)
- 1-2 cups BBQ sauce
For the Mac and Cheese Base
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Beef
Place the trimmed boneless beef shoulder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add sliced onions on top followed by ginger beer. Cook on low for 8 hours in the slow cooker or use the pressure setting on an Instant Pot for about 60 minutes. Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks.
Step 2: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
While your beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually while stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded pulled beef with BBQ sauce. Fold in cooked elbow macaroni followed by the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Transfer your pulled beef mac and cheese to a serving dish. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Enjoy this comforting dish at your next meal!
How to Serve Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
Pulled beef mac and cheese is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
For a Family Feast
- Serve in large, family-style bowls for everyone to dig in together.
- Pair with a fresh salad on the side for a balanced meal.
As a Game Day Snack
- Use small cups or ramekins for individual servings; perfect for sharing during game day.
- Add extra BBQ sauce on top as a delicious drizzle.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread slices for a delightful crunch.
- This combo makes every bite even more flavorful.
Topped with Green Onions
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- The mild onion flavor complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
How to Perfect Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
Creating the ultimate pulled beef mac and cheese is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to make it perfect every time.
- Choose quality beef: Use high-quality boneless beef shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t rush cooking: Slow cook the beef for several hours to enhance its richness and tenderness.
- Warm the milk: Warmed milk will help achieve a creamy cheese sauce without clumps.
- Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for added flavor depth.
- Adjust BBQ sauce: Taste test your BBQ sauce before adding it; adjust sweetness or smokiness to suit your preference.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps blend the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
Pairing sides with your pulled beef mac and cheese can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this rich dish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a sweet contrast; simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with savory flavors; serve warm with butter on top.
- Baked Beans: A side of hearty baked beans brings out the BBQ flavors in your pulled beef, making it a classic pairing.
- Garlic Butter Asparagus: Lightly sautéed asparagus drizzled with garlic butter adds elegance and color to the plate.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing crunch that complements the cheesy dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pulled beef mac and cheese, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Using Tough Cuts of Meat: Choosing a cut that’s not suitable for slow cooking can lead to chewy beef. Always opt for cuts like boneless beef shoulder that become tender with long cooking times.
- Ignoring the Cheese Quality: Using low-quality cheese can result in a bland flavor. Invest in sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, robust taste that enhances your pulled beef mac and cheese.
- Not Seasoning Properly: A lack of seasoning can make your dish flat. Don’t forget to season both the beef and the macaroni water adequately to bring out all the flavors.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long can lead to mushy pasta. Cook it just until al dente since it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot beef and cheese sauce.
- Skipping BBQ Sauce on Top: Neglecting to add BBQ sauce on top can miss that essential flavor boost. Drizzle some over your finished dish before serving for an extra delicious touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pulled beef mac and cheese in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pulled beef mac and cheese?
Pulled beef mac and cheese is a comforting dish combining tender, slow-cooked pulled beef with creamy macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for hearty meals.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! While this recipe focuses on pulled beef, you can substitute with pulled pork or even chicken if desired. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat used.
How do I make my pulled beef more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, marinate your beef overnight with spices or use a flavorful broth instead of water when cooking. This will infuse deliciousness into every bite!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare pulled beef mac and cheese ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake or reheat it.
Final Thoughts
This pulled beef mac and cheese is not only rich and cheesy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli or experimenting with different cheeses. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings—give it a try!
Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese. This dish perfectly marries tender, slow-cooked beef with creamy, sharp cheddar cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal that will delight your family and friends. Ideal for cozy nights or festive gatherings, this recipe is drizzled with BBQ sauce for an additional flavor kick, making it a standout at any dinner table.
- Total Time: 53 minute
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless beef shoulder
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 (12 ounce) can ginger beer/ale
- 1–2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pulled Beef: Place the trimmed beef shoulder in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, layering sliced onions on top and pouring in ginger beer. Cook on low for 8 hours or use the pressure setting for about 60 minutes. Once cooked, shred the beef.
- Cook the Elbow Macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux; gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted.
- Combine Everything: In a mixing bowl, mix shredded pulled beef with BBQ sauce. Fold in cooked macaroni and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate your beef overnight. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for added depth. Consider adding vegetables such as spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.