Hey y'all! If you're searching for soul-warming, belly-filling comfort food that brings together tender smoky brisket with creamy, cheesy pasta, this Brisket Mac and Cheese is about to become your next mealtime hero. Combining the gooey deliciousness of homemade mac and cheese with the rich, savory notes of beef brisket, this dish is perfect for game day, potlucks, backyard BBQs, or a hearty family dinner. Get ready for forkfuls of flavorful goodness—let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

Loaded with smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket for extra flavor in every bite.
Creamy, cheesy sauce coats every noodle for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Perfect for using up leftover brisket or as a creative dish for BBQ night.
A crowd-pleaser that's easy to make ahead for potlucks and gatherings.
The crunchy, golden topping adds a satisfying textural contrast.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked beef brisket, chopped or shredded
1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
3 cups (350g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (110g) shredded smoked gouda (or Monterey Jack)
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente texture (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens (5-6 minutes).
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, smoked gouda, and heavy cream until smooth.
Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Mac and Cheese

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
Gently fold in the chopped brisket, reserving a handful for topping if desired.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
If you reserved some brisket, scatter it on top for extra appeal.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the cheese is bubbling at the edges.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

If your brisket is cold, warm it gently before mixing to keep the mac and cheese creamy.
For even more smoky flavor, use smoked cheese or add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke to the sauce.
You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead and bake before serving.

Variations

BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese: Swirl in ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce before baking.
Jalapeño Brisket Mac: Add 1-2 diced fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Bacon Lover's Version: Toss in ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon along with the brisket.

Required Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Saucepan for cheese sauce
9x13-inch casserole dish
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Colander
Oven

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm in the oven (covered) at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave gently in individual servings.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a simple green salad and tangy vinaigrette for balance.
Pair with pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and acidity.
Enjoy alongside cornbread or garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.

Pro Tips

Don't overcook the pasta—it will finish cooking in the oven!
For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block.
Resting the mac and cheese for 10 minutes helps it set and makes serving easier.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought brisket?: Absolutely! Leftover store-bought or smoked brisket works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze Brisket Mac and Cheese?: Yes, freeze baked and cooled portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months, and reheat in the oven after thawing.
What other cheese works well?: Try Monterey Jack, gruyere, or pepper jack for different flavor twists!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8