Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

This pulled beef mac and cheese is your go-to comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With tender, flavorful pulled beef mixed into creamy macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of BBQ sauce and melted cheese creates a delightful taste experience. Serve it up at parties or enjoy it during a movie night—this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of pulled beef combined with sharp cheddar creates a savory experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course, side dish, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this hearty dish is guaranteed to satisfy both adults and kids alike.
• Comfort Food Classic: Mac and cheese with a twist! This recipe adds depth to the classic favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking this pulled beef mac and cheese easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot
• Large pot
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot: These tools ensure that your beef becomes tender and infused with flavor over time.
• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook your pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Strainer: Essential for draining pasta efficiently after cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing your cheese sauce smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 4 pounds boneless beef shoulder (fat trimmed)
• 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
• 1 (12 ounce) can ginger beef broth (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

This pulled beef mac and cheese is packed full of sharp cheddar cheese and lots of slow cooker or instant pot pulled beef. For added flavor, I drizzled the top with even more BBQ sauce.

How to Make Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Place the trimmed beef shoulder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot along with sliced onions.
2. Pour ginger beef broth over the meat.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker or high pressure for about 60-70 minutes in an Instant Pot until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a strainer.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same large pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth, then stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Shred the cooked beef using two forks.
2. Mix the shredded beef into the cheese sauce along with drained macaroni.
3. Add BBQ sauce to taste, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

1. Transfer your pulled beef mac and cheese to serving dishes.
2. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top if desired before serving warm.

Enjoy each bite of this comforting pulled beef mac and cheese!

How to Serve Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

Pulled beef mac and cheese is a hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, serving this dish with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with croutons and creamy dressing adds crunch and flavor contrast.

Offer Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Elevate your garlic bread by adding mozzarella or cheddar for an extra cheesy bite.

Complement with Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Roasted Veggies: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted to perfection enhances both nutrition and taste.
• Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, creating a delicious side for this rich main dish.

How to Perfect Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

To achieve the ultimate pulled beef mac and cheese, consider these tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose Quality Beef: Selecting a well-marbled boneless beef shoulder ensures tenderness after slow cooking.
• Use Warm Milk: Warming the milk before adding it to your cheese sauce helps to create a smoother blend without lumps.
• Mix Cheeses for Flavor: Combining sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack can add depth to the flavor profile.
• Add BBQ Sauce Gradually: Incorporate BBQ sauce slowly to reach your desired level of sweetness and tanginess without overpowering the dish.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni al dente as it will continue cooking when baked with the cheese sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

To round out your meal featuring pulled beef mac and cheese, consider these delicious side dishes that pair beautifully.

1. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides a sweet contrast that balances savory flavors.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans add a comforting element that goes hand-in-hand with BBQ flavors.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring a delightful sweetness that pairs well with cheesy dishes.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits introduces lightness amidst heavier flavors.
6. Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickles cuts through the richness, providing a zesty finish to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pulled beef mac and cheese, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Skipping the Beef Trimming: Leaving too much fat on the beef can lead to a greasy mac and cheese. Always trim the excess fat before cooking.
• Not Browning the Beef: Skipping the browning stage can result in less flavor in your pulled beef. Take the time to sear the meat for a richer taste.
• Using Cold Milk: Adding cold milk can cause your sauce to clump. Always warm it up before incorporating it into your recipe.
• Overcooking the Macaroni: Cooking the macaroni too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Ignoring Seasonings: Failing to add seasonings or relying solely on BBQ sauce can make your dish bland. Enhance flavors with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Portion out for easier reheating later.

Reheating Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese?

Pulled beef mac and cheese is a creamy pasta dish combined with tender pulled beef, typically flavored with BBQ sauce, offering a delicious comfort food experience.

Can I make Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze portions for later use.

How do I customize my Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese?

You can add different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor, or mix in vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

What type of beef is best for Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese?

A boneless beef shoulder works best due to its tenderness after slow cooking; however, chuck roast is also an excellent alternative.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or penne based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This pulled beef mac and cheese is a hearty meal bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings!