Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary mac and cheese into an extraordinary comfort food experience! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs nestled within a creamy, rich cheese sauce, elevating the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness. This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a gourmet comfort food masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g macaroni
- 1 cup cooked short ribs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add cooked short ribs and warm them through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in milk. Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cooked macaroni to the skillet with the cheese and short rib mixture. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach desired consistency. If too thin, continue cooking for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Plate the mac and cheese, ensuring an even distribution of short ribs throughout the dish. Serve hot.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful short ribs, consider slow-cooking them in advance or using leftover braised short ribs for maximum flavor.
- Choose a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese to ensure a robust and creamy sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Cook the macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce while warming in the skillet.
- Control the sauce consistency by adding milk gradually. If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, continue cooking to reduce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
