Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering journey where the amazing flavor of Urban Smokehouse Beef Brisket elevates your standard mac and cheese to a whole new level! We'll show how to prepare brisket mac and cheese with the mouthwatering flavor of Texas BBQ in this recipe.
Let's start with the star of the show: our smokey, tender brisket. It is the core of this dish, and every mouthful bursts with flavor. The amount of expertise required to slow-smoke this meat will astound you, but fortunately for you, we've already done the hard work with our pre-made Urban Smokehouse Smoked Beef Brisket. It satisfies the taste buds and saves time!
This Brisket Mac and Cheese is a culinary work of art. It blends tender macaroni, mouthwatering beef chunks, and a rich cheese sauce. The combination of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors will delight your tastebuds. This recipe is excellent for delicious comfort meals, quick midweek dinners, or wowing visitors.
Serving Size: 4-6 ● Prep Time: 10 mins ● Cook Time: 45 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 lb. smoked beef brisket
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- Chopped parsley to garnish
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take a large pot, add water and salt to it, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the macaroni to it and cook it until it's all dente. Drain the macaroni and set them aside.
- Now, heat the packet of Urban Smokehouse smoked beef brisket, following the instructions written on the package. You can heat the Urban Smokehouse smoked beef brisket on a microwave or stovetop for fifteen mins. When the briskets are heated, chop or shred them into bite-size pieces.
- Take a saucepan and melt butter in it over medium heat. When the butter is fully melted, add flour to it. Whisk the flour continuously for two mins to create a roux.
- Now, slowly add milk to it to ensure no lumps are formed. Continue cooking the mixture for five mins or till the sauce gets thick.
- Lower the heat of the stove and add 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir the cheese until it's melted and the sauce's texture becomes smooth.
- Now, season the cheese sauce, salt, paprika, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Now add the macaroni and Urban Smokehouse smoked beef brisket pieces to the cheese sauce. Mix everything, ensuring that macaroni and smoked beef brisket pieces are fully coated with the sauce.
- Take a 9x13-inch baking dish. Grease the dish and then transfer the mixture to it.
- Now sprinkle one cup of cheddar cheese on the top. Sprinkle some breadcrumbs.
- Bake the brisket mac and cheese in the oven for twenty-five mins or till the top gets golden brown and the cheese is gooey and bubbly.
- After baking, take the dish out and let it rest for a few mins. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top as garnish.
- Enjoy the tasty brisket mac and cheese.
Nutritional value: Calories: 550kcal ● Carbohydrates: 40g ● Protein: 25g ● Fat: 30g
Variations
Spicy Brisket Brisket Mac and Cheese
If you love some heat, then try adding a little spice to your brisket mac and cheese. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos while making the sauce. These will give you the extra kick you're looking for. Use pepper jack cheese in addition to cheddar to boost the heat. Serve with sour cream on the side or top with hot sauce for those who prefer it extra spicy.
Bacon Brisket Brisket Mac and Cheese
If you believe that bacon enhances everything (and who doesn't?), why not mix it with brisket in your mac and cheese? When your mac and cheese is about to go into the oven, crumble 6–8 crispy bacon strips over it. In this way, the bacon will maintain its lovely crispiness without becoming mushy in the oven.
BBQ Brisket Brisket Mac and Cheese
Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce (about 1/4 cup) over your mac and cheese before serving for a true BBQ flavor. This will give the food a sharp, smoky flavor boost. You can even coat the brisket in BBQ sauce before adding it to the mac and cheese to kick things up a notch. It's a BBQ lover's paradise.
Green Veggie Brisket Mac and Cheese Brisket
Consider adding some green vegetables to add color and nutrients to your mac and cheese. Add 2 cups of steamed or sauteed vegetables you prefer, such as broccoli florets, spinach, or peas. After that, before baking, carefully whisk them into the mac and cheese mixture. This brings the richness into balance and provides a splash of color.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
What is Brisket Brisket Mac and Cheese?
Brisket mac and cheese is a delicious dish that blends rich cheese sauce, savory, smokey beef brisket, and delicate macaroni to create a tempting combination of flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Cooking brisket can be time-consuming and requires patience, but for this recipe, you only need to reheat pre-cooked smoked beef brisket, which is relatively straightforward.
How much time does it take to make Brisket Mac and Cheese?
You can have it ready in less than an hour with just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking.
Is this a kid-friendly dish?
Yes, children generally accept it nicely. Children frequently love the combo of smoky brisket flavor with mac and cheese.
Is it possible to prepare and reheat it in advance?
Absolutely, you can make it in advance and reheat it in the microwave or oven when you're ready to eat. Just make sure you cover it so it doesn't dry out.
What is unique about this mac and cheese?
The addition of smoked beef brisket elevates this mac and cheese to a whole new level of taste by giving it a distinct, savory, and smoky flavor.
Ingredient Queries:
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
You have the option to use other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella as substitutes for cheddar, but it's important to note that cheddar provides a classic and sharp flavor.
Do I have to use breadcrumbs for the topping?
While breadcrumbs add a crispy texture, they are not mandatory. You can omit them if you prefer a different texture on top.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Certainly, you can use pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells if you prefer, although elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for mac and cheese.
Is it necessary to use whole milk, or can I use a lower-fat option?
Whole milk contributes to a creamier sauce, but you can opt for a lower-fat milk if you're looking to reduce the calorie content.
What kind of paprika should I use?
Regular paprika works well, but if you desire a smoky flavor, you can select smoked paprika.
Cooking Concerns:
What should I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If your cheese sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more milk and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
How do I know when the macaroni is cooked al dente?
Macaroni is cooked al dente when it's firm but not hard to bite. You can test its doneness by tasting a piece.
Can I make the cheese sauce in advance?
While making the sauce fresh is ideal for the creamiest results, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it, stirring as needed.
Can I use a different type of pan or dish for baking?
If you don't have a 9x13-inch baking dish, you can use a similar-sized oven-safe dish as a substitute.
What should I do if my cheese topping doesn't get golden brown in the oven?
If the top isn't browning as desired, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two, but be vigilant to prevent burning.
Variations:
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spiciness, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos into the sauce. Pepper jack cheese can also enhance the heat.
Can I mix bacon and brisket in this Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor and texture by crumbing crispy bacon over the top just before baking.
How can I incorporate BBQ flavor into the dish?
You can infuse BBQ flavor by drizzling your preferred BBQ sauce over the mac and cheese before serving or coating the brisket in BBQ sauce before adding it to the dish.
What green vegetables can I add, and how should I prepare them?
To introduce green vegetables, consider adding steamed or sautéed options like broccoli florets, spinach, or peas. Stir them into the mac and cheese mixture before baking for added color and nutrients.
Can I combine multiple variations, like making it spicy and adding green veggies?
Certainly, feel free to mix and match variations to create a custom mac and cheese, incorporating both spiciness and green veggies if you desire.
Serving and Storage:
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Typically, this recipe serves 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family meals and small gatherings.
Can I freeze leftover Brisket Mac and Cheese?Yes, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk to maintain its creaminess.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
When reheating, use the oven or microwave and add a splash of milk to prevent the dish from drying out.
What side dishes go well with Brisket Mac and Cheese?
Complement your meal with side dishes like a simple green salad, coleslaw, or garlic bread for a well-rounded dining experience.
Can I make this for a potluck or a large gathering?
Absolutely! You can scale up the recipe by doubling or tripling it to serve a larger group. It's perfect for potlucks and special occasions.
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