Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

This pulled beef mac and cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining rich, savory pulled beef with creamy macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to impress. The unique blend of BBQ flavors elevates it beyond traditional mac and cheese, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of slow-cooked pulled beef and sharp cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Easy to Prepare: Using a slow cooker or Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Versatile Dish: This pulled beef mac and cheese can be served as a main course or a hearty side dish at potlucks and family gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this recipe is perfect for picky eaters.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and reheat for an easy weeknight dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your delicious pulled beef mac and cheese, gather the essential tools you’ll need. These tools will help ensure that everything goes smoothly during preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
• Large Pot
• Whisk
• Baking Dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These gadgets make cooking the pulled beef easy and flavorful while saving you time.
• Large Pot: Ideal for boiling the elbow macaroni to the perfect al dente texture.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth cheese sauce without lumps when mixing in the flour and milk.

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

• 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: Cook the Pulled Beef

1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
2. Add the trimmed beef shoulder on top of the onions.
3. Pour in the ginger beer/ale followed by 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
4. Cook on low heat for 6–8 hours in a slow cooker or use the meat setting on your Instant Pot for about 60 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Macaroni

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook until slightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth; simmer until thickened.
4. Remove from heat, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Shred the cooked pulled beef using two forks; mix with remaining BBQ sauce if desired.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce; stir well to coat evenly.
3. Fold in shredded pulled beef gently.

Step 5: Bake (Optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer mixture into a baking dish; top with additional cheddar if desired.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious pulled beef mac and cheese!

How to Serve Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

Pulled beef mac and cheese is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: This classic side adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor, perfect for scooping up cheesy goodness.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the richness of the mac and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast.

Include Pickles or Slaw

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the heaviness, offering a crunchy and flavorful accompaniment.

Drizzle Extra BBQ Sauce

• BBQ Sauce on Top: For those who love bold flavors, adding an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce enhances the taste of pulled beef mac and cheese.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate while balancing the rich flavors of the dish.

Offer Hot Sauce on the Side

• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy some heat, having hot sauce available allows everyone to customize their plate to their preference.

How to Perfect Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

Making the best pulled beef mac and cheese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Quality Beef: Choosing a good cut of beef shoulder will lead to tender and flavorful meat that enhances your mac and cheese.
• Cook Low and Slow: Whether using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, allowing the pulled beef to cook slowly helps develop deep flavors.
• Warm Your Milk: Warming the milk before adding it to your cheese sauce prevents clumping, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Mix Cheeses for Flavor: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can enhance creaminess and depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
• Top with Breadcrumbs: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy finish.

Best Side Dishes for Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

Pulled beef mac and cheese is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can create an even more satisfying meal. Consider these delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic make for a comforting addition that pairs well with rich flavors.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a juicy crunch that complements the creamy nature of the mac and cheese.
3. Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans offer sweetness and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes: For a Southern twist, crispy fried green tomatoes bring crunch and acidity into play.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide a healthy option that balances out heavier dishes.
6. Macaroni Salad: A cold macaroni salad can offer relief from warmth while maintaining that beloved macaroni base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect pulled beef mac and cheese can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong cut of beef: Selecting a cut with too much fat or not enough marbling can lead to tough meat. Stick with boneless beef shoulder for the best results.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook your elbow macaroni too long, it will become mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the pulled beef and cheese sauce.
• Neglecting seasoning: Without proper seasoning, your dish may taste bland. Don’t skip on salt and pepper, and consider adding spices to enhance flavor.
• Skipping the BBQ sauce drizzle: The BBQ sauce adds an essential layer of flavor. Make sure to drizzle some on top before serving for that extra tangy kick.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into your dish too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allowing it to rest for a few minutes helps the flavors meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Pulled beef mac and cheese lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: In a pan over medium heat, add a splash of milk to prevent sticking. Stir regularly until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Pulled beef Mac and Cheese?

You can add different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors. Consider mixing in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Can I use leftover pulled beef?

Yes! Leftover pulled beef is perfect for this recipe. Just mix it into the mac and cheese as directed, making meal prep even easier.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A tangy BBQ sauce complements the sharp cheddar well. Experiment with different brands or homemade versions for varying tastes!

Is Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy cheese combined with tender pulled beef makes this dish appealing to kids and adults alike.

How do I make it spicy?

Add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mix. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

This pulled beef mac and cheese is not only rich in flavor but also offers versatility in customization options. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for meal prep ideas, this comforting dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences!