Mac & Cheese Lasagna with a Soul Food Upgrade
When it comes to comfort food, few things compare to mac and cheese—or lasagna. But what happens when you fuse them with fall-off-the-bone short ribs? You get a decadent, stick-to-your-ribs dish that delivers Black culinary excellence in every layer.
This Short Rib Mac & Cheese Lasagna is the kind of meal that turns dinner into a celebration. Created by @mrcheffito, this recipe levels up two classics with soul, flavor, and a whole lot of cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to flex in the kitchen, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients List
For the Short Ribs
- 6 pieces short ribs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken stock
For the Mac & Cheese Lasagna
- Macaroni, cooked al dente
- Mac and cheese sauce
- Cheese, shredded (for layering and topping)
- Besciamella (béchamel sauce)
Step-by-Step
1. Sear and Braise the Short Ribs
- Season the short ribs, and sear them on all sides.
- Braise in a mixture of onions, garlic, tomato paste, and chicken stock at 325°F for 4 hours until tender.
2. Shred the Meat
- Remove the cooked short ribs.
- Shred the meat and mix it with the reduced braising sauce.
3. Make the Mac and Cheese
- Prepare macaroni and coat it with your creamy mac and cheese sauce.
4. Make the Mac and Cheese
- In a baking dish, layer mac and cheese on the bottom, followed by shredded cheese, then a layer of short ribs.
5. Add Béchamel and Repeat
- Drizzle with béchamel sauce.
- Repeat with another layer of mac and cheese, short ribs, and cheese on top.
6. Bake Until Golden
- Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Sear the ribs well to lock in flavor before braising.
- Use sharp cheddar in your mac sauce for extra bite.
- Let it rest before cutting to hold those beautiful layers.
- Freeze portions for the ultimate make-ahead comfort food.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Cheffito, the flavor-forward mind behind @mrcheffito. Known for reimagining classic dishes with bold flavor and elevated technique, Cheffito brings culinary creativity straight to your feed.
Cheffito | @mrcheffito