Hey food lover! If you’re ready to take your mac and cheese game to the next level, let me introduce you to this Short Rib Beecher’s Mac and Cheese with Burrata. Think tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs paired with the creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese, all topped off with a decadent burrata that oozes all the goodness. It’s comfort food, but like, a hundred times better.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love Short Rib Beecher’s Mac and Cheese with Burrata

If you’ve been craving something hearty, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying, this dish is about to blow your mind. Here’s why:

Elevated Comfort: We’re taking mac and cheese to a whole new level with the addition of rich, savory short ribs and creamy burrata. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, everyone’s going to want the recipe!
Easy Yet Impressive: Don’t let the fancy-sounding ingredients fool you. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, and the results will leave everyone asking, “How did you do that?”
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal for a gathering, this mac and cheese is perfect for any time you want to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this ultimate comfort food:

Short Ribs: The star of the show—tender, flavorful short ribs that melt in your mouth.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: This creamy, tangy cheese takes the mac and cheese to a whole new level.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love to hold all that cheesy goodness.
Butter: For that rich, indulgent base.
Heavy Cream: Adds that creamy, velvety texture to the sauce.
Garlic: A little garlic for that aromatic kick.
Flour: To create the roux for the sauce.
Burrata: For that creamy, gooey topping that takes this mac and cheese from great to out of this world.
Fresh Herbs: Optional, but fresh thyme or parsley makes a great garnish.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this indulgent masterpiece:

1. Cook the Short Ribs: Start by slow-cooking the short ribs until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. Once they’re ready, shred them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Make the Mac and Cheese Base: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

3. Add the Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

4. Stir in the Cheese: Add in the Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. You should have a rich, creamy sauce by now.

5. Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and add it to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

6. Combine with Short Ribs: Gently fold in the shredded short ribs, mixing everything together to combine the rich flavors.

7. Assemble and Top with Burrata: Transfer the mac and cheese into a baking dish and top with the burrata. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot. This dish is perfect on its own or as a side to your favorite protein.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Short Rib Beecher’s Mac and Cheese with Burrata

This dish pairs beautifully with a few side options that balance out the richness:

Fresh Salad: A simple, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots work wonderfully to add a little earthy depth to the meal.
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with some buttery, garlicky bread to scoop up that cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can cook the short ribs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy assembly when you’re ready to make the mac and cheese.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or sprinkle over the finished dish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the creaminess.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: While Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is the star here, you can substitute with any melty cheese like Gruyère or fontina.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can cook the short ribs and prepare the mac and cheese, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and reheat thoroughly.

Q5: Can I use a slow cooker for the short ribs?
A5: Yes, slow-cooking the short ribs is a great option! Just cook them on low for 6-8 hours until they’re tender and shred easily.

Q6: Can I add more veggies to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add roasted mushrooms, spinach, or even peas to the mac and cheese for added texture and flavor.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A7: You can skip the short ribs and add some sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.

Q8: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A8: Definitely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer—cavatappi or penne would work just as well.

Q9: How do I get a crispy topping?
A9: To get a golden, crispy top, bake the mac and cheese with the burrata at a high heat, and if you like, broil it for the last minute.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish!

Conclusion

That’s it! Short Rib Beecher’s Mac and Cheese with Burrata is the ultimate indulgent comfort food that will leave you craving more. With tender short ribs, creamy mac and cheese, and that gooey burrata topping, it’s guaranteed to impress. Make it for a special occasion, or just treat yourself to a cozy night in with this delicious, decadent dish!

Short Rib Beecher’s Mac and Cheese with Burrata

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and indulgent mac and cheese made with tender short ribs, Beecher’s flagship cheese, sharp cheddar, and gruyere. Topped with a gooey, cheesy crust and optional burrata, this dish is comfort food at its best.

Instructions

Divide the cheese into two piles. The first pile is for the sauce: 1 cup gruyere, 2 cups cheddar, and 1 1/2 cup Beecher’s cheese. The second pile is for topping before baking: 1/2 cup Beecher’s, 1 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup gruyere.
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, ensuring all sides are seasoned. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron pan on high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, and cook for 5 more minutes. Add 1 cup of broth, cover, and transfer to the oven for 2–3 hours. Remove the cover in the last 45 minutes to allow the ribs to continue roasting. The ribs are done when easily shredded.
Shred the short ribs, ensuring to include some garlic, and set aside until ready to use.
In a large pot, heat butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add half of the herbs, red pepper flakes, and the remaining garlic. Cook for a few minutes. Gradually whisk in the flour until fully incorporated.
Slowly whisk in the milk (not the heavy cream), then add the first pile of cheese while whisking continuously. Stir in the heavy cream, the rest of the herbs, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Reduce heat to low.
While the sauce simmers, cook pasta until al dente. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Return the cheese sauce to medium heat. Add the pasta and shredded short ribs, stirring to combine.
If using, prepare a baking dish or use the cast iron pan. Layer half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle some of the cheese, then top with the remaining pasta. Add the remaining cheese on top and bake for 10–15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Before serving, add burrata on top while the mac and cheese is still warm.

Notes

For an extra indulgent touch, serve with burrata on top while the mac and cheese is warm.
Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or gathering!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg