BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni Bake (Print Version)
Smoky pulled pork, macaroni, and rich cheddar baked golden for a crave-worthy, comforting family meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Pork
01 - 10 ounces elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups cooked pulled pork
03 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
→ Cheese Sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 3/4 cups milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1 teaspoon mustard, optional
09 - Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
10 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, optional
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Boil elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
02 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth. Simmer, stirring, until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, mustard if using, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked macaroni, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
04 - Distribute extra cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the surface for a crisp finish.
05 - Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Takes advantage of leftover pulled pork so no waste
- Cheesy sauce plus BBQ equals total crowd pleaser
- Feeds a family with just a handful of simple grocery staples
- Ready in under forty minutes start to finish
02 -
- Very high in protein and calcium both from pork and cheese
- Perfect meal for prepping ahead and baking later
- Freezes well for make ahead dinners or leftovers
03 -
- Always slightly undercook your pasta at first since it will finish in the oven
- Shred your own cheese for the creamiest melt and flavor
- If you really want that irresistible crust broil the top for two minutes at the end but watch closely so it does not burn