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Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Bowls with Bacon and Veggies

These pulled pork mac and cheese bowls layer creamy stovetop mac and cheese with warm pulled pork, sautéed bell pepper and onion, crumbled bacon, and green onions. An easy, hearty dinner ready in 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 stick butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded Colby cheese
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
The Veggie Mix
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling
  • 2 to 3 cups cooked pulled pork warmed
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sliced green onions
  • BBQ sauce optional

Instructions
 

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  2. Return the drained macaroni to the warm pot. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the milk and stir to combine. Add the shredded Colby cheese and chili powder and stir continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  3. While the macaroni cooks, heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Warm the pulled pork in a separate skillet or in the microwave until heated through.
  5. Divide the mac and cheese between bowls. Top with the warm pulled pork and the sautéed bell pepper and onion mixture.
  6. Finish with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Drizzle with BBQ sauce if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Make the mac and cheese first and keep it warm over the lowest heat while everything else comes together, stirring occasionally so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
The sautéed bell pepper and onion add a sweet, slightly charred contrast to the rich mac and cheese and pulled pork. Let them caramelize rather than just softening for the best flavor.
A drizzle of BBQ sauce over the top right before serving ties the pulled pork and mac and cheese together, but it is completely optional if you prefer the dish without it.
Have all the toppings prepped and ready before the mac and cheese is finished so everything can be assembled while it is still hot.