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Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

This smoky pulled pork mac and cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you're craving something seriously delicious and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

For the Pulled Pork

  • 2 cups pulled pork
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed)
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and prep: Firtsly, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Prepare the pasta: In a large pot, cook 1 lb elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and place in your greased baking dish.
  • Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 tbsp flour, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar, stirring until smooth. Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups milk and bring to a boil, then cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in 8 oz Velveeta cheese until melted, then add ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until everything's melted and creamy.
  • Combine and layer: Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni in your baking dish. In a bowl, mix 2 cups pulled pork with ¼ cup barbecue sauce, then spoon evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 20 more minutes until heated through and bubbly.
  • Finish and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want before serving.

Notes

  • Use leftover pulled pork or buy it from your favorite BBQ restaurant for convenience.
  • Don't skip the cottage cheese - it adds incredible creaminess without extra heaviness here.
  • Let the dish rest after baking so the cheese sauce can set up properly.
  • Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly during the baking process.
  • This reheats beautifully with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.