Smoky, cheesy, and outrageously indulgent, these bold, flavor-packed, comfort-loaded bites bring serious satisfaction—Brisket Mac & Cheese Tacos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking to combine the best of two comfort food worlds, this is your new go-to:
- Combines two favorites—BBQ brisket and mac and cheese
- Great use of leftovers, especially brisket
- Fast and easy to assemble and cook
- Kid-friendly and party-approved
- Incredible texture with crispy tortillas and melty cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups cooked brisket, shredded or chopped
- 6 small flour tortillas
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for melting inside tacos)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for toasting tacos)
Directions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Add macaroni, stir well, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them flexible.
- On one half of each tortilla, layer brisket, mac & cheese, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Fold tortillas over into half-moons.
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast the folded tacos for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden and crisp and cheese is melted inside.
- Remove from skillet, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6 tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 525 kcal per taco
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap brisket for BBQ jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for added flavor.
- Different Protein: Use shredded chicken, tofu, or lentil taco meat.
- Crunch Wrap Style: Add a crispy tostada inside for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooled tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Toast in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and heated through.
- Freeze: Assemble tacos without toasting, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 1 month. Toast from frozen on low heat until hot and golden.
FAQs
Can I Use Leftover Mac And Cheese?
Yes! Just warm it slightly before assembling to make it easier to spread.
Do I Have To Use Brisket?
No, you can substitute with pulled chicken, beef, or a vegetarian option like jackfruit.
What Kind Of Tortillas Should I Use?
Flour tortillas work best here as they fold and crisp nicely.
Can I Make This In The Oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
How Do I Prevent The Tacos From Falling Apart?
Don’t overfill and press gently when toasting to help the cheese act as a binder.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
You can prep the tacos in advance and toast them right before serving.
What Sides Go Well With These Tacos?
Coleslaw, corn salad, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly.
Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?
Yes—just go easy on the BBQ sauce if it’s too tangy or spicy.
Can I Make This Without BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely. Try a chipotle mayo or creamy ranch as an alternative.
How Do I Make It Extra Crispy?
Use a cast iron skillet and press with a spatula while toasting for maximum crunch.
Conclusion
Brisket Mac & Cheese Tacos are the ultimate fusion food, bringing together the bold flavors of BBQ and the indulgence of creamy pasta—all tucked into a crispy taco shell. Whether you’re entertaining or just upgrading taco night, this fun and hearty dish is guaranteed to impress.
Crave-Worthy Pairings for Brisket Mac & Cheese Tacos
- Dive into even more cheesy indulgence with Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole.
- Pair your tacos with a refreshing side like Pineapple Cucumber Salad to balance the richness.
- Enjoy Tex-Mex fusion with Layered Taco Casserole, ideal for taco night spreads.
- Serve your tacos with crunchy Crispy Fried Pickles for that essential bar-style crunch.
- Double down on bold flavors with Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Shells—a heat-loving crowd favorite.

Brisket Mac & Cheese Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Inspired by viral comfort food creations, these indulgent tacos are stuffed with smoky shredded brisket and ultra-creamy mac and cheese, then toasted in a skillet for crispy edges and gooey centers. A mouthwatering mash-up of BBQ and taco night.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups cooked brisket, shredded or chopped
- 6 small flour tortillas
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for melting inside tacos)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for toasting tacos)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Add macaroni, stir well, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them flexible.
- On one half of each tortilla, layer brisket, mac & cheese, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Fold tortillas over into half-moons.
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast the folded tacos for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden and crisp and cheese is melted inside.
- Remove from skillet, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg