Epic Brisket Mac and Cheese Recipe

Brisket mac and cheese – it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup! This recipe is pure comfort in a dish, combining creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with tender, smoky brisket. It’s perfect for a family get-together, a potluck with friends, or a cozy weeknight dinner. You know, my grandma always said the way to a family’s heart is through their stomachs, and this dish proves it! It’s a recipe passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected over the years.

This brisket mac and cheese is a real showstopper. It’s so easy to make, even my kids can help with some of the steps. And trust me, everyone loves it! Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Speaking of baking, do you have the right pan? Check out this helpful article on oval baking pans and what to bake in them. It might give you some new ideas!

Why this Brisket Mac and Cheese is Special

This isn’t just your ordinary mac and cheese with some brisket tossed in. We’re building layers of flavor here. The slow-cooked brisket brings in a rich, smoky depth, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Trust me, the combination is incredible!

Ingredients

This brisket mac and cheese recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Brisket

• 1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth

For the Mac and Cheese

• 1 pound dried elbow macaroni
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon salted butter, divided
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 cups whole milk, room temperature
• 2 cups heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups freshly grated smoked cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 cups freshly grated smoked Gouda cheese, divided

For the Topping (Optional)

• ½ cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Cooking the Brisket

The star of our brisket mac and cheese is, of course, the brisket! Cooking it low and slow is the key to tender, flavorful results. For more information on beef cheeks, a similar cut, check out our article on what beef cheeks are.

Preparing the Brisket

First, trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat. Next, mix together your dry rub: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this mixture all over the brisket, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Slow Cooking the Brisket

You have a few options for cooking the brisket: oven, slow cooker, or smoker. For the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the brisket in a roasting pan, fat-side up, and pour the beef broth into the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 3-4 hours, or until fork-tender.

If using a slow cooker, place the brisket in the slow cooker and pour the beef broth over it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until fork-tender. For a smoker, preheat to 225°F (107°C). Place the brisket on the smoker grates and cook for 10-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C). Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Check out these angel hair crock-pot recipes.

Shredding the Brisket

Once the brisket is cooked, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Use two forks to shred the brisket, pulling it apart against the grain. Discard any large pieces of fat. Now, your delicious brisket is ready to be added to the mac and cheese!

Making the Mac and Cheese

Now, let’s move on to the mac and cheese. This is where the creamy, cheesy goodness comes in! Learn more about cheese and its nutritional impact.

Cooking the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, but cook it for a minute or two less than the recommended time. We want it to be al dente, meaning “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when we bake it with the cheese sauce and brisket. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This helps thicken the cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt, pepper, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups of shredded Gouda cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk or cream. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes. The key is to keep stirring so the sauce doesn’t burn or become grainy. This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is another great option for a cheesy pasta dish.

Combining the Mac and Cheese

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Make sure all the pasta is coated in that delicious cheesy goodness. Now, your mac and cheese is almost ready for its brisket companion! For a different take on a creamy pasta dish, give our Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe a try.

Assembling the Brisket Mac and Cheese

This is where it all comes together! Get ready for some seriously delicious brisket mac and cheese. Here’s some helpful information on the nutritional content of beef.

Layering the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread half of the mac and cheese in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the shredded brisket, spreading it evenly over the mac and cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining mac and cheese and brisket. This layering technique ensures every bite has the perfect balance of cheesy pasta and smoky meat.

Baking (Optional)

You can serve the brisket mac and cheese as is, or bake it for an extra layer of cheesy, bubbly goodness. If baking, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and toss it with the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Covering the dish for the first part of baking helps prevent the mac and cheese from drying out.

Adding Toppings (Optional)

Once out of the oven, let the brisket mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley. These extra toppings add a pop of color and flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy!

Your Brisket Mac and Cheese Questions Answered

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about brisket mac and cheese and brisket in general.

Serving and Storage

Here are some tips for serving and storing your delicious brisket mac and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This brisket mac and cheese recipe makes a generous amount, enough to feed a crowd. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. A typical serving size is about 1 ½ – 2 cups. For sides, consider serving a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or cornbread. These lighter dishes balance the richness of the mac and cheese.

Storage Tips

Leftover brisket mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a oven at 350°F (175°C), covered, until heated through. This helps maintain the creamy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the brisket mac and cheese. Place cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious!

Conclusion

This brisket mac and cheese is a true comfort food masterpiece. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy, creamy mac and cheese and tender, smoky brisket. It’s a dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults. I know it’s become a favorite in my family! So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a meal that’s both comforting and unforgettable. Enjoy!

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