Mission Bbq Mac And Cheese Recipe
Craving that smoky BBQ flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness all in one bite? My Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe delivers precisely that. Every forkful is packed with tender pasta, gooey cheese, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a sweet-and-tangy BBQ punch.
This dish was inspired by the flavors I fell in love with at Mission BBQ; it’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress family or friends. Plus, it’s quick to make and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. I’ll walk you through everything, from the kitchen tools you’ll need to step-by-step instructions that ensure your mac and cheese turns out perfect every single time.
Cooking Instructions
Preparing this Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese is simple, quick, and oh-so satisfying. Follow my step-by-step guide to get the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory in every bite.
Step 1: Boil the Macaroni
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7–8 minutes for al dente. Drain well in a colander and set aside, you want it warm, not sticking together.
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef with your spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor.
Step 3: Add the Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch. Then add the prepared macaroni and cheese (follow the boxed instructions or use your homemade cheese sauce). Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Combine & Heat Through
Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently so the cheese stays creamy and the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning; a pinch of salt, pepper, or even smoked paprika can take it up a notch.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into bowls or onto plates. Sprinkle diced scallions on top for a pop of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, cheesy magic.
Serving and Decoration
Serving Suggestions
This Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese is a showstopper all on its own, but you can make it even better with the right accompaniments:
- As a Main Dish, serve with cornbread or garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
- As a BBQ Side: Pair it with ribs, pulled pork, or smoked chicken to round out your BBQ feast.
- With Fresh Greens: Balance the richness by adding a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Suggested Garnishes and Toppings
The finishing touch is where you can have fun and make this dish Instagram-worthy:
- Extra Bacon Bits: Because there’s no such thing as too much bacon.
- Shredded Smoked Gouda: For even more smoky, melty cheese goodness.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Adds a crunchy texture and savory bite.
- Hot Sauce Drizzle: For those who like a spicy kick.
Flavor Variations
Want to put your own twist on this recipe? Here are some ideas:
- Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese – Replace the ground beef with tender pulled pork for a more authentic BBQ flavor.
- Buffalo BBQ Mac – Stir in a splash of buffalo sauce along with the BBQ sauce for a smoky-spicy blend.
- Smoked Sausage Version – Slice smoked sausage and brown it before adding to the cheese mix.
- Veggie-Loaded BBQ Mac – Toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or sweet corn for extra flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
Keeping It Fresh
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store your Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make the pasta mushy.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid uneven heating.
Freezing for Later
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Mission Bbq Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese, the right tools make the process smooth and stress-free.- Large Pot – For boiling macaroni.
- Colander – To drain pasta quickly and avoid overcooking.
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – For browning beef and combining ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Helps evenly stir ingredients without scratching cookware.
- Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping onions, garlic, and scallions.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy is key to flavor balance.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese Recipe
1. Can I make Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of combining all the ingredients, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before reheating and serving.
2. What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
A smoky or hickory BBQ sauce works beautifully, but you can use sweet, spicy, or even Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce depending on your taste.
3. Can I use homemade mac and cheese instead of boxed?
Absolutely. A creamy homemade cheese sauce (like cheddar and Gouda) will make this dish even more decadent and more indulgent.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, extra chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce along with the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the ground beef and bacon, and add smoked paprika, roasted veggies, or plant-based sausage for flavor.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on low heat in a saucepan with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave in short bursts while stirring in between.
Conclusion
My Mission BBQ Mac and Cheese recipe is everything you love about barbecue and comfort food combined into one irresistible dish. The smoky BBQ sauce, creamy cheese, savory beef, and crispy bacon all come together to create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or whenever you need a serious comfort fix.
It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized to fit your taste, whether you want to add more heat, more cheese, or a different protein altogether. With proper storage and reheating, you can even enjoy this dish for days after making it.
So grab your pot, fire up the stove, and get ready to dig into a bowl of pure BBQ-cheesy happiness.
