Brisket Mac and Cheese: How to Make It Perfect Every Time

Can you imagine the intoxicating aroma of smoky brisket mac and cheese wafting through your kitchen – tender beef mingling with bubbling, golden cheese that creates an irresistible scent memory? This brisket mac and cheese recipe rewards you with restaurant-quality comfort food that’s surprisingly achievable at home, delivering maximum flavor impact with minimal hands-on effort.
The secret lies in our unique two-stage cooking method: slow-cooking the brisket until it practically falls apart, then incorporating those precious cooking juices directly into the cheese sauce for an explosion of smoky depth that store-bought versions simply can’t match. You’ll master the perfect balance of rich, creamy cheese with bold barbecue flavors that transform ordinary mac and cheese brisket into an unforgettable centerpiece dish.

Ingredients List

For the Brisket

• 3 pounds beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Mac and Cheese Base

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for better cheese adhesion)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Recipe Options and Substitutions

• Cheese alternatives: Substitute Gruyère with Monterey Jack or Gouda
• Pasta options: Use shells, penne, or gemelli instead of elbow macaroni
• Brisket substitute: Use pulled pork or shredded chicken for variety

How to Make Brisket Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Preparing the Brisket

Season the Brisket

Mix all dry seasonings in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture generously over the entire beef brisket, ensuring every surface is well-coated. Let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Cook the Brisket

Slow Cooker Method: Place seasoned brisket in slow cooker, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until fork-tender. Oven Method: Wrap brisket in foil, cook at 275°F for 4-5 hours.

Shred and Set Aside

Remove brisket, let cool for 10 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking juices for added flavor.

Step 2: Creating the Mac and Cheese Base

Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water in large pot. Cook macaroni according to package directions minus 1 minute (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Add the Cheese

Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add shredded cheeses and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

Phase 3: Assembly and Baking

Combine Everything

In large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and 3/4 of the shredded brisket. Mix gently to coat evenly.

Transfer and Top

Pour mixture into greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining brisket, then sprinkle with panko-Parmesan mixture.

Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil, bake additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Time Breakdown:

• Total time: 7-9 hours
• Brisket preparation and seasoning: 15 minutes
• Brisket cooking time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 4-5 hours (oven)
• Mac and cheese preparation: 45 minutes
• Assembly and baking: 25 minutes
• Total active time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Tips for the Best Brisket Mac and Cheese

Expert Advice for Perfect Results:

Brisket Perfection:

• Choose a brisket with good marbling for maximum flavor
• Don’t skip the resting period after seasoning
• Save those cooking juices – they’re liquid gold for flavor enhancement

Cheese Sauce Mastery:

• Always use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
• Warm your milk before adding to prevent temperature shock
• Add cheese gradually to maintain silky texture

Assembly Secrets:

• Let components cool slightly before combining to prevent cheese from seizing
• Reserve some cheese for topping to create an irresistible golden crust
• Use a mix of pasta shapes if desired – variety adds visual interest

More Brisket Dinners Your Family Will Love

• Smoke Brisket At 180 Or 225
• smoked corned beef brisket
• How to Smoke a Brisket on a Pellet Grill
• Pikes Peak Roast Beef recipe
• Brisket Mac and Cheese

Nutrition Facts

Comprehensive Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

Macronutrients:

• Calories: 685
• Protein: 42g (84% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 48g (16% DV)
• Fat: 38g (49% DV)
• Fiber: 2g (8% DV)

Brisket Mac and Cheese: How to Make It Perfect Every Time

by Nancy

Want bold flavor in every bite? Brisket Mac and Cheese brings together rich cheddar and juicy beef. Discover the easy recipe now.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 685 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Brisket

• 3 pounds beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Mac and Cheese Base

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi for better cheese adhesion
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk warmed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
• ½ cup cream cheese softened
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preparing the Brisket

• Season the Brisket

  Mix all dry seasonings in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture generously over the entire beef brisket, ensuring every surface is well-coated. Let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Cook the Brisket

  Slow Cooker Method: Place seasoned brisket in slow cooker, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until fork-tender. Oven Method: Wrap brisket in foil, cook at 275°F for 4-5 hours.
• Shred and Set Aside

  Remove brisket, let cool for 10 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking juices for added flavor.

Step 2: Creating the Mac and Cheese Base

• Cook the Pasta

  Boil salted water in large pot. Cook macaroni according to package directions minus 1 minute (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
• Make the Cheese Sauce

  In heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the Cheese

  Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add shredded cheeses and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

Phase 3: Assembly and Baking

• Combine Everything

  In large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and 3/4 of the shredded brisket. Mix gently to coat evenly.
• Transfer and Top

  Pour mixture into greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining brisket, then sprinkle with panko-Parmesan mixture.
• Bake to Perfection

  Cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil, bake additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Brisket Perfection:

• Choose a brisket with good marbling for maximum flavor
• Don’t skip the resting period after seasoning
• Save those cooking juices – they’re liquid gold for flavor enhancement

Cheese Sauce Mastery:

• Always use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting
• Warm your milk before adding to prevent temperature shock
• Add cheese gradually to maintain silky texture

Assembly Secrets:

• Let components cool slightly before combining to prevent cheese from seizing
• Reserve some cheese for topping to create an irresistible golden crust
• Use a mix of pasta shapes if desired – variety adds visual interest

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Comprehensive Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 685
• Protein: 42g (84% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 48g (16% DV)
• Fat: 38g (49% DV)
• Fiber: 2g (8% DV)

Keyword baked chicken, crispy cutlets, healthy chicken recipe, oven-baked, easy dinner, quick meal, family-friendly, mac and cheese recipe

FAQ Section

Conclusion

Ready to create your own comfort food masterpiece? Try this brisket mac and cheese recipe this weekend and share your results in our review section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more innovative comfort food recipes that will revolutionize your home cooking experience!