BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese
This BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese is a one-pot wonder with just a few ingredients. It’s incredibly cheesy, saucy, and rich—everything you want in a perfect stove-top mac 'n cheese!
Servings: 4 servings
Cost: $14.87
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 2-1/2 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups rotini pasta uncooked
- 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese or extra-sharp
- 3/4 cup shredded Gouda cheese see note 1
- 1 (16-ounce) package pulled beef in BBQ sauce or pork
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder optional
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon optional
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, mustard powder, chicken bouillon, and paprika. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Continue whisking as you slowly add the chicken stock, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the uncooked rotini pasta and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the roux to bubble gently at the edges and center. Stir frequently, scraping the bottom, for about 8–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Don’t worry if it seems too thin—it will thicken further, especially after adding the cheese!
- Meanwhile, prepare the meat according to package directions to warm through in the microwave. Microwave for the least amount of time indicated on package. Remove any obvious chunks of fat/gristle and break apart large sections of pork with a fork.
- Once pasta is al dente, remove the pot from the heat and let stand for 1 minute. Stir in the Cheddar and Gouda cheeses. Stir gently until cheeses are fully incorporated and the pasta is nice and tender. Very gently stir in the pork or beef and then adjust seasonings to personal preference. Serve and enjoy immediately!
Video
Notes
Note 1: Remove the dish from the stovetop as soon as the pasta is al dente, meaning it still has a firm bite and isn’t mushy. The pasta will continue cooking and absorb more liquid as you stir in the cheese. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin or the noodles aren’t firming up, return it to the stovetop over low heat for 1–2 more minutes.
Nutrition Note: Nutritional information may vary, depending on the brand of BBQ meat used.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 898kcal | Carbohydrates: 66.8g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 46.6g | Cholesterol: 156.8mg | Sodium: 790.7mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Iron: 7.6mg