Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
2 mins
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Cook Time
24 mins
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Total Time
26 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
681 kcal
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Cuisine
American, International
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Description
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese brings together leftover tender pulled pork tossed in barbecue sauce and three types of grated cheese melted into a classic bechamel sauce. The creamy sauce base made from butter, flour, and whole milk is seasoned with granulated garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, producing a subtly spiced and well-rounded flavor.
The pasta cooks to al dente before being combined with the rich cheese sauce and sauced pork, then layered with some cheese topping before baking at 400°F. The oven melds all components together, creating a golden bubbly crust atop the creamy, hearty inside.
This casserole is practical for meal preparation, as it can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking. It works well served as a comforting main dish and reheats nicely in the oven or microwave without losing its texture.
Storing leftovers in an airtight container keeps the dish fresh for up to five days. Reheating is best done gently to maintain creaminess while warming through.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pulled pork leftover
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 16 ounces pasta short-cut
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cups milk whole
- 2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 8 oz cheddar cheese grated, sharp
- 8 oz smoked Gouda cheese grated
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a medium sized bowl, mix the barbecue sauce and pulled pork together until all of the pork is coated in sauce. Set aside.
- Set a large pot of salted water to boil, then add the pasta. Cook to package directions for al dente.
- While pasta is boiling, in a medium sized pot or dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter and stir in spices. Then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook the mixture for one minute, then slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking vigorously (it will look crazy and seize up before it smooths out), until the milk is completely added and the mixture is smooth.
- Allow your bechamel to cook for 4-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is thickened slightly, being able to coat the back of a spoon.
- Take the bechamel sauce off the heat and add cheese by the handful, keeping ⅓ of the cheese for topping your dish. Mix well until all the cheese is melted. Taste and add the salt and pepper, if needed.
- When the pasta is cooked to al dente, add it to a large mixing bowl and pour cheese sauce over it. Stir well to coat all the pasta in the cheese sauce, then put mixture into an oven safe 9x13 baking dish.
- Add half the pulled pork to the baking dish, then use a spoon to mix and swirl the pulled pork into the mac and cheese. Top the casserole with the remaining pulled pork and sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the dish.
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then turn the oven to a high broil and broil for 2 minutes to ensure browned, crispy bits of cheese and pork.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Assembled but unbaked casserole can be refrigerated for 2-3 days before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 681 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 681kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 1616mg | 67% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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