Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

This pulled beef mac and cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. It combines tender, flavorful pulled beef with creamy, cheesy macaroni, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. The rich BBQ sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, ensuring this dish will be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This pulled beef mac and cheese is warm, hearty, and packed with flavors that will satisfy your cravings.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, you can make this dish without hassle.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings, this recipe suits a variety of occasions.
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Friendly: Prepare it in your preferred method for added convenience and flexibility.
• Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe guarantees a creamy and indulgent experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker/Instant Pot: These appliances allow for slow cooking or quick pressure cooking, making it easy to prepare tender pulled beef.
• Large pot for boiling pasta: Ensures you have enough space to cook elbow macaroni evenly without overcrowding.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

For the Pulled 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 Macaroni

• 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 Pulled Beef

1. Place the trimmed boneless beef shoulder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
2. Add sliced onion and pour in the ginger beef broth.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker or high pressure for 60 minutes in an Instant Pot until tender.
4. Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.
2. Whisk in flour until smooth to create a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in warmed whole milk until thickened.
4. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded pulled beef with BBQ sauce to taste.
2. Add cooked elbow macaroni to the mixture followed by the cheese sauce; mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer your pulled beef mac and cheese into a serving dish or individual bowls.
2. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired and serve warm!

How to Serve Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

Pulled beef mac and cheese is a hearty dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Individual Bowls

• Serve each portion in a bowl for easy handling and personal customization. This makes it simple to add extra toppings like BBQ sauce or cheese.

Family Style

• Present the pulled beef mac and cheese in a large casserole dish for a communal dining experience. Guests can serve themselves and enjoy sharing the dish.

Topped with Additional BBQ Sauce

• Drizzle more BBQ sauce on top before serving to add an extra layer of flavor. This enhances the smoky taste and makes the dish visually appealing.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Pair with warm garlic bread for a classic comfort food combination. The crunch of the bread complements the creaminess of the mac and cheese beautifully.

Served with Fresh Salad

• A side salad adds freshness to your meal. Consider mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pulled beef mac and cheese.

How to Perfect Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

Perfecting pulled beef mac and cheese is all about balance and technique. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Quality Beef: Opt for high-quality boneless beef shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor. Trim excess fat for a leaner result.

• Slow Cook for Flavor: Cooking the beef slowly allows it to absorb flavors from the broth, resulting in tender, juicy meat that pulls apart easily.

• Warm Milk Gradually: Warming your milk before adding it to the cheese sauce helps create a smooth texture, preventing any clumps from forming.

• Mix Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is delicious, consider blending with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for added creaminess and flavor depth.

• Add Spices: Enhance your mac and cheese with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick that pairs well with the pulled beef.

Best Side Dishes for Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

To complement your pulled beef mac and cheese, consider these delightful side dishes. Each one adds something special to your meal.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides contrast in texture and freshness, making it an excellent pairing with rich mac and cheese.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrients while enhancing flavors.

3. Cornbread: Soft, sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like pulled beef mac and cheese; consider serving it warm with butter.

4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color along with crunchiness, offering a healthy balance against creamy mac and cheese.

5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can provide additional comfort while being easy to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.

6. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans bring a hearty element that complements the BBQ flavors in your pulled beef mac and cheese perfectly.

7. Pickles: Tangy pickles or pickled vegetables add brightness to each bite, cutting through the richness of the main dish.

8. Stuffed Peppers: For something different, consider serving stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa as a nutritious side option alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best pulled beef mac and cheese, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using low-quality cheese: Always choose sharp or aged cheddar for maximum flavor. Low-quality cheese can lead to a bland dish.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents a mushy texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your pulled beef and cheese sauce. Incorporate salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for a robust flavor.
• Not letting the beef rest: After cooking, allow the pulled beef to rest before shredding. This helps retain moisture and ensures tender meat.
• Ignoring the BBQ sauce balance: Use just enough BBQ sauce for flavor without overpowering the dish. Taste test to find the right balance that complements the cheese.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Ensure that the mac and cheese has cooled down before sealing.

Freezing Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Portion into smaller containers for easier thawing.

Reheating Pulled beef Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pulled beef Mac and Cheese?

Pulled beef mac and cheese combines tender shredded beef with creamy macaroni and cheese, creating a rich comfort food dish that’s perfect for gatherings.

How do I make my mac and cheese creamy?

To achieve creaminess, use whole milk and plenty of shredded sharp cheddar. Stirring consistently while cooking helps create a smooth texture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to mix cheeses like mozzarella or gouda with cheddar. This adds depth of flavor and enhances creaminess in your pulled beef mac and cheese.

How long does it take to cook pulled beef?

Typically, pulled beef requires about 5 hours on low heat in a slow cooker or around 60-90 minutes in an Instant Pot for maximum tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This pulled beef mac and cheese is a hearty dish that brings together flavors everyone loves. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize with various cheeses or add vegetables if desired. Try this recipe for your next gathering – it’s sure to be a hit!