This pulled beef mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, savory flavors with creamy goodness. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this dish showcases tender pulled beef simmered in BBQ sauce paired with cheesy macaroni. The unique addition of ginger beer adds a delightful twist to the flavor profile, making this recipe stand out from traditional mac and cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the pulled beef and cheese, this dish will satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and savory BBQ sauce creates a deliciously rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: Whether served for dinner or as a side at a barbecue, this pulled beef mac and cheese fits various occasions perfectly.
- Easy to Prepare: With options for both slow cooker and instant pot methods, making this dish is a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: No one can resist a plate of creamy mac and cheese loaded with tender pulled beef!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your pulled beef mac and cheese.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker/Instant Pot: These devices ensure your beef becomes tender while infusing it with flavor from the ginger beer and BBQ sauce.
- Large Pot: Ideal for boiling elbow macaroni to perfection without overcrowding.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, enhancing the dish’s creaminess.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Beef
- 4 pounds boneless beef shoulder (fat trimmed)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 (12 ounce) can ginger beer/ale (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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Beef
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- Add the trimmed boneless beef shoulder on top of the onions.
- Pour in the ginger beer/ale and BBQ sauce over the beef.
- If using a slow cooker, set it to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes followed by natural release.
Step 2: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until well combined; cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth; cook until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Shred the cooked pulled beef once tender; mix it with any remaining juices from the cooker.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, pulled beef mixture, and cheese sauce; stir until evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer everything into a serving dish or individual bowls.
- Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top if desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious pulled beef mac and cheese!
How to Serve Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
Serving pulled beef mac and cheese can elevate your meal experience. This dish is rich, hearty, and perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
Family Style
- Serve in a large casserole dish for everyone to help themselves. This presentation encourages sharing and creates a warm atmosphere.
Individual Bowls
- Portion out the mac and cheese into individual bowls. Top each bowl with extra BBQ sauce for an appealing touch that guests will love.
Garnished Plates
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. This adds color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.
With Extra Toppings
- Offer toppings like crispy fried onions or jalapeños on the side. Guests can customize their plates according to their taste preferences, making the meal interactive.
How to Perfect Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
To ensure your pulled beef mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.
Choose Quality Beef: Select a high-quality boneless beef shoulder for tender results. The better the meat, the richer the flavor.
Don’t Rush Cooking: Slow cook the beef until it’s fork-tender. Patience is key; this allows flavors to develop and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Use Whole Milk: For creaminess, always opt for whole milk when preparing your cheese sauce. It creates a richer texture than low-fat alternatives.
Mix Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is excellent, consider mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for extra depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
Pairing side dishes with pulled beef mac and cheese enhances your meal’s variety and taste. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty dish beautifully.
Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with creamy mac and cheese.
Coleslaw: Fresh coleslaw adds a crunchy bite and acidity that balances the richness of the pulled beef mac and cheese.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy green option that adds color and nutrition to your plate without overwhelming flavors.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans pair well with BBQ flavors in the pulled beef, creating a comforting Southern-inspired meal.
Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread complements the savory notes of the mac and cheese while adding a delightful texture.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze bring a touch of sophistication and bitterness that balances out the dish’s richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making pulled beef mac and cheese, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for.
Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to season your pulled beef well and consider additional spices for the mac and cheese.
Overcooking the pasta: If you overcook the elbow macaroni, it can become mushy. Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot beef and cheese sauce.
Using low-quality cheese: Substituting sharp cheddar with lower quality cheese can impact flavor. Always opt for high-quality sharp cheddar for the best taste in your mac and cheese.
Not allowing time for flavor development: Rushing through the cooking process may mean missing out on rich flavors. Take your time with the slow cooker or instant pot to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Ignoring leftovers: Many people think they can’t save leftovers from this dish. In fact, pulled beef mac and cheese keeps well if stored properly!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
- Use a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Pulled beef Mac and Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese?
Pulled beef mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender pulled beef with creamy macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese, often enhanced with BBQ sauce.
How do I make pulled beef mac and cheese in an Instant Pot?
To make it in an Instant Pot, simply layer your ingredients, set it to pressure cook for the recommended time, then add your cheese once it’s done cooking.
Can I customize my Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli or peppers, switch up the cheeses, or try different types of BBQ sauces to suit your taste.
Is Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese good for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is excellent for meal prep since it stores well in both the fridge and freezer. It makes a hearty meal ready to go anytime!
Final Thoughts
This pulled beef mac and cheese brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures that make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various cheeses or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese
Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that takes traditional mac and cheese to a whole new level. This dish features tender, savory pulled beef simmered in zesty BBQ sauce, mixed with creamy elbow macaroni and rich cheddar cheese. The unique twist of ginger beer adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates this meal, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or game day celebrations. With its hearty texture and mouthwatering taste, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 42 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless beef shoulder
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 (12 ounce) can ginger beer
- 1–2 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pulled Beef: Layer sliced onions in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add trimmed beef shoulder, pour over ginger beer and BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours in slow cooker; cook on high pressure for 60 minutes in Instant Pot.
- Cook Elbow Macaroni: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, then macaroni. Cook until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add warmed milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Combine: Shred cooked beef and mix with juices. In a bowl, combine macaroni, pulled beef mixture, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer to serving dishes; drizzle with BBQ sauce and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) or 60 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking/Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, mix different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Customize by adding vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
