Tender, smoky pulled beef meets creamy mac and cheese — all packed into soft brioche buns for the ultimate game-day sliders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors

• Ideal for parties, game nights, and family gatherings

• Slow-cooked beef that’s fall-apart tender

• A fun twist on classic sliders with creamy mac and cheese

Ingredients

For the Pulled Beef:

• 2.5 lbs chuck roast

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• ½ cup beef broth

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1½ cups milk

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 brioche or slider buns

• Extra BBQ sauce, for drizzling

• Chopped parsley or sesame seeds, for garnish

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours
Yield: 12 sliders

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pulled Beef

Sear chuck roast in olive oil until browned. Add seasonings, beef broth, and BBQ sauce. Cook in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or pressure cook for 1 hour. Shred the beef with two forks.

Step 2: Make the Mac and Cheese

Cook macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth, then fold in pasta.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Toast brioche buns if desired. Layer each bottom bun with pulled beef, a spoonful of mac and cheese, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Top with the other half of the bun and garnish with parsley or sesame seeds.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy these cheesy, saucy sliders!

Tips & Variations

• Shortcut Method: Use pre-made pulled beef or leftover BBQ beef to save time.

• Cheese Swap: Try gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mac and cheese for extra heat.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare beef and mac and cheese a day ahead, then assemble sliders before serving.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze pulled beef separately for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm beef in a skillet or microwave, then reassemble sliders fresh for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with chicken or pork instead of beef?

Yes! Pulled chicken or pork works great and pairs deliciously with the mac and cheese.

Do I need a slow cooker for this?

Not necessarily. You can braise the beef in a Dutch oven at 325°F for about 3 hours until tender.

Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes, but keep the beef and mac separate until just before assembling so the buns don’t get soggy.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Pulled Beef Mac and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate comfort food — tender, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!