Three Cheese Mac & Cheese with Pulled Beef

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Decadent Three Cheese Mac & Cheese with Smoky Pulled Beef

Mac & Cheese is a BBQ classic, but this version is a game-changer. Imagine the creamy goodness of three different cheeses—Gruyère, Mozzarella, and mature cheddar—melding together with the smoky richness of pulled beef that’s been smoked low and slow over whisky oak. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s the main event. Enough to serve 8 as a main or 16 as a side, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any BBQ gathering. Let’s dive in and make your taste buds sing!

Three Cheese Mac & Cheese with Pulled Beef

Prep Time 1 hr Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 45 mins
Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 180  °C Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: £  20 Calories: Approximately 600 per serving Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Mac & Cheese

Cream Mixture

Optional Extra Magic

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Mixture
    • Combine all ingredients from the 'Cream Mixture' list in a saucepan.
    • Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Do not let it boil.
    • Remove from heat once well combined.
  2. Make the Roux
    • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the flour and continue to stir for another 2-3 minutes until combined.
  3. Combine Cream Mixture and Roux
    • Slowly pour the simmered cream mixture into the pan with the sautéed garlic and flour mixture. Stir well.
    • Add the pasta water and mix thoroughly.
  4. Cheese Time
    • Over low to medium heat, add the three cheeses to the pan and stir until melted and smooth.
    • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.
  5. Add Pasta and Pulled Beef
    • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
    • Mix in a couple of handfuls of pulled beef (or your preferred meat).
  6. Prepare to Bake
    • Transfer the mac & cheese mixture into a baking dish.
    • Top with extra cheddar cheese and optional panko breadcrumb mixture.
  7. Bake
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Bake the mac & cheese for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
    • Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

Equipment

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Note

  • Optional Topping: You can mix 100g of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a crunchy topping.
  • Meat Variations: This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute pulled beef with pulled pork or chicken.
  • Hot Holding: If preparing in advance, you can keep the dish warm in the oven and serve when ready to ensure less stress on the day of your BBQ.
Keywords: Three Cheese Mac & Cheese, Pulled Beef Mac & Cheese, BBQ Mac & Cheese, Smoky Mac & Cheese, Gruyère Mozzarella Cheddar Mac & Cheese

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Join me over on Instagram . . .
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I cooked this beauty on my trusty OzPig back in the day – such a fun and versatile bit of kit! I don’t have one anymore due to a big life change and relocation, but the memories of cooking on it are still golden. If you’re into outdoor cooking, check them out: @ozpiguk and their Aussie roots @ozpig_au 

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If you try this one, tag me – I’d love to see your plates! 🌟

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The fire for this cook was powered by the awesome @planetfriendlyfirewood Love Logs – keeping the heat steady and the vibe eco-friendly!

For the full recipe, head over to my website:

👉 https://www.smokeandsear.world/BBQ-recipes/curry-goat-with-rice-n-peas-caribbean-dumplings/

If you try this one, tag me – I’d love to see your plates! 🌟

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I know this isn’t my usual outdoor BBQ vibe, but maybe it’s time I start sharing more indoor cooking? What do you reckon? 

Drop a comment, and let’s chat!

Oh, and while you’re on my site, I’ve added a new feature—leave feedback directly on the recipe page or ask for tips. It’s like having a one-on-one kitchen chat with me!

#SmokeAndSear #BeefStew #NinjaFoodi #ComfortFood #IndoorCooking #BBQRoots #TinyKitchenCooking #UKFoodie

🔥 The Most Popular Recipe I’ve EVER Written! 🔥

Alright, I know what you’re thinking—“Lee, this isn’t BBQ, and it’s not cooked outdoors!” But hear me out. My recipe for Beef Stew with Dumplings cooked in the Ninja 15-in-1 is hands down the most-loved thing I’ve ever put together. Seriously, people can’t get enough of it!

Here’s what’s in store:

🍲 Melt-in-your-mouth beef stew.
🌱 A hearty mix of veg.
🥟 Dumplings so fluffy they’re basically little clouds.

👉 Check out the full recipe here: https://www.smokeandsear.world/BBQ-recipes/beef-stew-with-dumplings-in-the-ninja-foodi-max-15-in-1/

I know this isn’t my usual outdoor BBQ vibe, but maybe it’s time I start sharing more indoor cooking? What do you reckon?

Drop a comment, and let’s chat!

Oh, and while you’re on my site, I’ve added a new feature—leave feedback directly on the recipe page or ask for tips. It’s like having a one-on-one kitchen chat with me!

#SmokeAndSear #BeefStew #NinjaFoodi #ComfortFood #IndoorCooking #BBQRoots #TinyKitchenCooking #UKFoodie
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👉 Wanna know more about reheating vacuum-packed BBQ leftovers like a pro? I’ve got you covered. Check out the full guide here: https://www.smokeandsear.world/foundations-tips/how-to-reheat-vacuum-packed-bbq-food-a-complete-guide/

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🔥 And THAT’S why a vacuum sealer machine is your BEST mate when you BBQ.

Today’s lunch was the stuff of legend—smoked pulled pork nachos made in just 35 minutes. Yep, you heard that right.

Here’s the trick:

💡 Pulled pork straight from the freezer (still vacuum-sealed) into a saucepan of simmering water. 25 minutes later—perfection.

💥 Hit it with an extra sprinkle of BBQ rub.

💪 Layered up with nachos, BBQ sauce, salsa, and cheese.

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Vacuum sealing = game changer. Keeps the flavour, keeps the moisture, keeps you winning.

👉 Wanna know more about reheating vacuum-packed BBQ leftovers like a pro? I’ve got you covered. Check out the full guide here: https://www.smokeandsear.world/foundations-tips/how-to-reheat-vacuum-packed-bbq-food-a-complete-guide/

Tag your BBQ crew and let me know—what’s your go-to leftover hack?

#BBQLife #SmokeAndSear #PulledPorkNachos #BBQHacks #LeftoverMagic
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I chucked everything at this sandwich: sweet, spicy, crunchy, glazed goodness… and honestly, maaaaaate, it turned out way better than I could’ve imagined. This thing is an absolute flavour bomb. 💣

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