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Few comfort foods hit as hard as mac and cheese—and when you add tender, slow-cooked beef brisket, it becomes something truly special. Brisket mac and cheese combines rich, smoky beef with ultra-creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s bold, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover brisket, whether it’s smoked, slow-roasted, or braised. The savory beef melts seamlessly into the creamy sauce, creating a hearty meal that feels both cozy and elevated.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a comfort-food dinner, or looking for a standout side dish, this brisket mac and cheese delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just mac and cheese—it’s next-level comfort food.
- Rich, creamy cheese sauce
- Tender, flavorful brisket
- Perfect for leftovers
- Crowd-pleasing
- Customizable
It’s indulgent without being overwhelming and hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Choosing the Best Brisket
Leftover brisket works best for this recipe.
Great options include:
- Smoked brisket
- Oven-roasted brisket
- Slow-cooker brisket
Shred or chop the brisket into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Ingredients:
- Cooked beef brisket, shredded
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess and savory depth.
How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese
This recipe comes together in a few easy steps.
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente; drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
- Cook until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked macaroni and brisket.
- Transfer to a baking dish if baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t overcook pasta.
It continues cooking in the sauce.
Season in layers.
Taste after adding cheese and brisket.
Add brisket last.
This keeps it tender and juicy.
Delicious Variations
Make it your own:
- BBQ-style: Add a splash of BBQ sauce
- Spicy: Stir in jalapeños or cayenne
- Extra cheesy: Add gouda or smoked cheddar
- Crunchy top: Add buttered breadcrumbs
- No-bake: Skip baking and serve stovetop
What to Serve with Brisket Mac and Cheese
This dish pairs well with:
- Simple green salad
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
It’s hearty enough to stand alone but shines with fresh, crunchy sides.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Make ahead:
Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade
Brisket mac and cheese takes a classic comfort dish and transforms it into something unforgettable. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef, it’s the kind of meal that brings people back for seconds—and thirds.
Once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation.
Brisket Mac and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese loaded with tender beef brisket for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook macaroni until al dente; drain.
- Make cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cream.
- Stir in cheese, seasoning, pasta, and brisket.
- Bake until bubbly or serve stovetop.
Notes
Add brisket at the end to keep it tender.
