Recipes

Brisket Mac & Cheese Bake with Garlic-Herb Crust

Beef brisket doesn’t just belong in roasts or BBQ—it makes an incredible addition to rich, cheesy comfort food. In this recipe, we slow-cook the brisket until tender, shred it, and fold it into creamy mac and cheese. Topped with a garlic-herb panko crust and baked until golden, this dish is a satisfying all-in-one dinner. Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for balance.

Ingredients:

For the Brisket:

• 2–3 lb beef brisket

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 400g (14 oz) elbow macaroni

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Garlic-Herb Crust:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs

Instructions:

1. Cook the Brisket:

   • Preheat oven to 150 °C (300 °F).

   • Season the brisket with salt and pepper. Sear in a pot with olive oil until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

   • In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire, and beef broth.

   • Return brisket, cover tightly, and braise in the oven for 3 hours until tender. Shred the meat and set aside.

2. Make the Mac & Cheese:

   • Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

   • In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream.

   • Stir until thickened, then mix in cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the shredded brisket and cooked pasta.

3. Prepare Crust:

   • Mix panko, melted butter, garlic, and herbs in a small bowl.

4. Assemble & Bake:

   • Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top evenly with panko mixture.

   • Bake at 190 °C (375 °F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Seasoning & Serving:

The brisket brings smoky richness, while the cheesy sauce adds indulgence. The garlic-herb crust gives it texture and flair. Serve hot from the oven with a green salad or roasted veggies. Add hot sauce or a drizzle of BBQ sauce on the side for extra personality.