If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, this Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese is just what you need. It combines tender, savory pulled beef with creamy, cheesy goodness for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe never fails to impress. The delightful mix of flavors and textures makes it a favorite at our table, and I know your family will love it, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: With just a bit of prep work and the help of your slow cooker or Instant Pot, this dish comes together smoothly.
Family-friendly: Everyone loves mac and cheese! Adding pulled beef takes it to a whole new level that kids and adults alike can’t resist.
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the pulled beef in advance and assemble the dish when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for meal prepping!
Delicious flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and zesty BBQ sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this mouthwatering Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese. These are all easy to find in your local grocery store!

For the Pulled Beef

4 pounds boneless beef shoulder (fat trimmed)
1 large yellow onion (sliced)
1 (12 ounce) can ginger beef broth/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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

Swap the protein: Instead of beef, use shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Add some veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli or spinach to sneak in some greens.
Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

How to Make Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Beef

Start by placing the trimmed beef shoulder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Layer sliced onions on top and pour in your ginger beef broth. Cooking it low and slow allows all those flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meat tender. If using an Instant Pot, set it on high pressure for about 60 minutes; for a slow cooker, aim for 6-8 hours on low.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Draining it well ensures that your mac and cheese won’t be watery later on.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour to create a roux—this thickens your sauce! Gradually stir in warmed whole milk until smooth. Lastly, add shredded cheddar cheese by handfuls, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your pulled beef is ready, shred it with two forks right in the slow cooker or pot. Mix in cooked macaroni along with BBQ sauce—make sure everything gets coated nicely! This step is where all those delicious flavors come together.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Now it’s time to dish out your Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese! Scoop generous servings into bowls and if you like, drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor. Enjoy this comforting meal with loved ones around the table—you’ll be making memories with every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese

Creating the perfect pulled beef mac and cheese is a delightful journey, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your dish to new heights!

Choose the right cut of beef: Opting for boneless beef shoulder ensures tenderness and flavor after slow cooking. The fat content melts away during cooking, creating juicy pulled beef that pairs beautifully with creamy mac and cheese.
Don’t rush the cooking time: Whether using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, allowing ample time for the beef to cook makes all the difference. Low and slow results in more tender meat that falls apart effortlessly.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredding your sharp cheddar will give you a creamier texture that’s simply irresistible.
Customize your BBQ sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. This adds a personal touch and can make each batch unique!
Let it rest before serving: After cooking, allowing the mac and cheese to sit for about 10 minutes helps everything meld together better. This way, each bite is rich and satisfying!

How to Serve Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese

Serving this pulled beef mac and cheese can be as fun as making it! With its hearty flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green adds color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Crushed tortilla chips: For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving. They provide a delightful contrast to the creamy mac.
Extra BBQ sauce drizzle: A light drizzle of BBQ sauce over the top not only looks appealing but also enhances the flavor with an extra punch.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable brings a nice crunch and balances out the richness of the mac and cheese.
Garlic bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy goodness on your plate.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing element that complements the savory flavors of the pulled beef.
Corn on the cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds seasonal charm to your meal, making it feel more festive and satisfying.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas at your fingertips, it’s time to gather those ingredients and whip up this delicious pulled beef mac and cheese! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This pulled beef mac and cheese is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring a delicious dinner is always on hand.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the mac and cheese cool down before freezing.
Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy serving.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, label containers with the date.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious dish? Here are some common ones!

Can I make pulled beef mac and cheese in advance?

Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions above.

What can I serve with pulled beef mac and cheese?

Pulled beef mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How do I make instant pot pulled beef for this recipe?

To make instant pot pulled beef, season your trimmed beef shoulder with salt and pepper, then sauté it in the pot. Add sliced onions and ginger beef broth/ale before cooking on high pressure for about 60 minutes. Shred the beef once done!

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the pulled beef?

Yes! You can substitute the pulled beef with jackfruit or mushrooms sautéed with BBQ sauce for a delicious vegetarian twist on this mac and cheese.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this pulled beef mac and cheese as much as I do! It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Remember that every bite is packed with flavor—especially when topped with your favorite BBQ sauce. Happy cooking!

Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the comfort of homemade Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese—a delightful dish that combines tender, savory pulled beef with creamy, rich cheese. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The sharp cheddar cheese melds beautifully with zesty BBQ sauce, creating an irresistible flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare with the help of a slow cooker or Instant Pot, this hearty meal will become a staple at your table.

Ingredients

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4 pounds boneless beef shoulder
1 large yellow onion
1 can ginger beef broth
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

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Instructions

Prepare the Pulled Beef: Place trimmed beef shoulder in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Layer sliced onions on top and pour in ginger beef broth. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes in Instant Pot or on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain well.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually stir in warmed milk until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Combine: Shred cooked beef in the pot, mix in cooked macaroni and BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Serve: Dish out into bowls and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.