BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Skillet
Creamy mac and cheese loaded with tender BBQ pulled pork, all baked to bubbly perfection in one skillet.
Total: 55 minPrep: 15 minCook: 40 min6 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cooked pulled pork
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- 3 In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
- 4 Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until mixture thickens.
- 5 Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.
- 6 Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir in pulled pork and enough BBQ sauce to taste.
- 7 Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- 8 Mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations
- Add diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Substitute pulled chicken for a lighter option.
Substitutions
- Use milk alternatives like almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Swap cheddar and Monterey Jack for vegan cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
Pairings
- Cornbread muffins
- Coleslaw
- Pickled vegetables
Nutrition
Calories:
600 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
45g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
10g sugar
Sodium:
1200mg sodium
Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
- Use leftover pulled pork for a quick meal, or cook your own from scratch for authenticity.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with cornbread for a hearty Southern-style dinner.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pulled pork?
Absolutely, store-bought pulled pork works perfectly for this recipe.