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Leftover bbq Beef Mac and Cheese

Leftover BBQ Beef Mac and Cheese

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Large saucepan or deep skillet
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish if baking with topping

Ingredients
  

For the BBQ Beef Mac and Cheese

  • 2 cups leftover BBQ beef brisket, shredded beef, or short ribs, chopped
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of choice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda shredded (or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce plus more for drizzling

For the Topping (Optional, but Recommended!)

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).

Add the Cheese & Seasonings

  1. Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and smoked gouda. Mix until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    very large stainless steel saucepan with a sturdy handle sits on a stovetop over gentle heat

Add BBQ Beef & Sauce

  1. Stir in the leftover BBQ beef and BBQ sauce, combining everything into the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Combine with Pasta

  1. Fold in the cooked pasta, making sure everything is well coated in the cheesy, smoky goodness.
    deep reddish-brown barbecue sauce

Add the Crunchy Topping (Optional, but Worth It!)

  1. If you want that golden, crispy topping, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and parmesan. Sprinkle it over the mac and cheese and bake for 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Serve & Enjoy

  1. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and dig in!