Bbq Mac & Cheese Recipe
LARGE SERVING OF CHEESY PENNE PASTA. TOPPED WITH 1/2 LB MEAT & BBQ SAUCE
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese Sauce
BBQ Meat Topping (1/2 lb)
Topping & Finish
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb penne and cook until just al dente (about 9-11 minutes, check package). Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- 2
Make roux
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 4 tbsp flour and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the raw flour smell is gone and the mixture is bubbly but not browned.
- 3
Add dairy
Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 4–6 minutes.
- 4
Finish cheese sauce
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup medium cheddar/Colby-Jack in handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Add drained penne to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat evenly. Keep warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally.
BBQ Meat Topping (1/2 lb)
- 6
Prepare meat
If using raw ground beef: heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 0.5 lb ground beef, season with 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp garlic powder and 0.5 tsp onion powder. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. If using pre-cooked pulled pork or rotisserie chicken, heat with oil until warmed through.
- 7
Topping & Finish
- 8
Prepare crunchy topping (optional)
In a small skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring, until golden, 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
- 9
Assemble
Portion the cheesy penne into a large serving bowl or individual bowls. Spoon the warm BBQ meat evenly over the top (about 1/2 lb total). Drizzle an additional 2 tbsp BBQ sauce over the meat for extra glaze. Sprinkle the toasted panko-Parmesan mixture over the top if using, and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- 10