Enjoy your childhood comfort food, but kicked up a few notches. Chef Jose's signature macaroni and cheese is totally irresistible with al dente cavatappi pasta and a decadent four-cheese sauce. Adding braised beef makes the dish a bit heartier and more balanced. To take it over the top, Chef tops it with a buttery Panko breadcrumb topping infused with fresh herbs, plus some Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses for extra nuttiness, then bakes the entire dish. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone fighting over the last bite!
Total Time
210 minutes
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
180 minutes
Ingredients per serving
1
Panko Breadcrumbs
0.30 oz
1
Unsalted Butter
0.30 oz
1
Chives
0.01 oz
1
Fresh Thyme
0.01 oz
1
Grated Parmesan Cheese
0.40 oz
1
Italian Parsley
0.01 oz
1
Kosher Salt
0.02 oz
1
Guajillo Chile Paste
0.90 oz
1
Juniper Berries
0.01 oz
1
Peeled Garlic
0.06 oz
Preparation
1. Breadcrumbs Toasted
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add panko breadcrumbs, stirring constantly until golden brown.
Mix in chives, thyme, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Set aside for topping.
2. Red Chile Braised Beef
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Sear the short rib in the oil blend until browned on all sides.
Add garlic, juniper berries, and thyme, followed by the guajillo chile paste, black pepper, onion, beef base, and tomato paste.
Braise in the oven for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Shred the beef and set aside.
3. Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add shallots and cook until softened.
Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
Stir in all cheeses until melted and smooth.
Season with nutmeg, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
Remove from heat and stir in nutritional yeast.
4. Mac n' Cheese
Cook cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain and return to the pot.
Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, stirring to combine.
Mix in the shredded braised beef.
Nutritional facts
Protein
46g
Carbs
90g
Calories
90kcal
Fat
72g
Reviews
4.3
Based on 20 reviews
03/04/26
03/02/26
It pretty good, I feel like it needs a bit more cheese sauce.
02/27/26
02/26/26
02/25/26
02/23/26
02/23/26
02/21/26
02/21/26
02/20/26
husband loved it.
02/20/26
02/20/26
02/20/26
so good!
02/20/26
Needs more short rib.
02/19/26
not much flavor
02/19/26
The macaroni was watery
02/19/26
Mac n cheese and short rib is an absolute great meal! the ribs are tender will definitely get again!
02/19/26
Taste is great, meat was tender, but the cheese sauce could be thinner/creamier.
02/18/26
02/18/26
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