The Top 15 Meats for Your Mac and Cheese

Have you ever wondered about the different meats that can go with your mac and cheese?

You’re not alone!

Mac and cheese is such a delicious entrée, but sometimes it leaves you wanting something more.

Read Also:

• What To Serve With Mac and Cheese – 30 Best Side Dishes
• Mac and Cheese Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Mac and Cheese

Today we’re here to tell you all about the top 15 meats that can make your mac and cheese a complete meal.

If you’ve never thought of your favorite carbs as something that needs a meaty sidekick, get ready to have your mind blown.

What Meats Go with Mac and Cheese?

How would you like to give your mac and cheese a meaty makeover?

If you’re like most people, your answer is “I can’t think of anything better!”

Mac and cheese is delicious on its own, but adding meat to the mix elevates it to an entirely new level.

1. Chicken: The Classic Choice

Chicken is the perfect complement to macaroni and cheese because it’s so versatile.

You can bake it on its own, add it to macaroni, or even fry up some tenders—which is a great way to get kids who don’t like macaroni and cheese to eat it!

2. Pork: Add A Little Smokey Flavor To Your Favorite Entrée

Just because mac and cheese is rich and creamy doesn’t mean it won’t go well with smoked flavors!

Try adding some sliced pork tenderloin to dish, or even bacon crumbles if you’re feeling extra decadent!

The smokiness will help balance out the indulgence of the macaroni and the cheese, giving your meal a little more depth.

3. Turkey: It’s Like Thanksgiving In Every Bite!

We all know that turkey is the star of Thanksgiving dinner.

But who says that star has to wait until November?

Bring some turkey home today, throw in a little mac, and prepare to be amazed by how much the two really go together!

4. Bacon: It’s Bacon, Need We Say More?

Did we really need to say anything else?

Bacon is always a top option to pair with any food—and even more so with mac and cheese.

Whether it’s cooked in the bacon or sprinkled on top, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience.

Just don’t eat too much of it at once or you might become one of those people who eats bacon every day for their entire life!

5. Sausage: A Fulfilling Addition To Any Dinner Table

There’s nothing like eating some nice, hot sausage with your mac and cheese.

It adds protein to the dish and is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters.

Cut up pieces of sausage in the same size as your macaroni, then sprinkle them on top.

What could be easier?

6. Hot Dogs: Did Someone Say Lunchables?

How many times has Lunchables taught us that hot dogs go with literally anything? We know they’ll go well with mac and cheese—how could they not?

The salty, savory flavors of hot dogs are a perfect complement to the creamy cheesiness of macaroni.

And while we don’t normally think of hot dogs as being healthy, they do contain some protein, which makes them an even better choice!

Not only will they make your meal more filling, but it will also be healthier as well.

7. Beef: For That Hearty, Meaty Feel

Beef is one of the most common accompaniments to mac and cheese.

When you need something hearty to go with your noodles, beef is the way to go.

Beef comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from ground beef to bacon-wrapped filet mignon (See Also: 8 Best Spices and Herbs for Filet Mignon).

You can use beef in your mac and cheese itself or just serve it alongside it, like in these easy-to-make cheeseburger bowls.

8. Tofu: For Our Vegan Friends Out There

For our vegan friends out there, tofu is a perfect option to add to your mac and cheese.

Just fry it up in some olive oil until it gets nice and brown, then add it to your macaroni pasta dish right at the end of cooking.

Why right at the end?

Because if you combine tofu with your mac and cheese too early, the tofu will break apart and your dish will be one big mushy mess (and not in a good way).

9. Fish: An Unusual Take On This Favorite Dish

You might think it’s weird to put fish on top of macaroni and cheese.

But trust us when we say it’s delicious!

Try adding chunks of salmon or tuna on top of your casserole for a new take on this classic dish. The tunafish-flavored version is especially tasty!

10. Shrimp: The Seafood Sensation

This popular seafood item is one of our favorites for several reasons.

Its fresh, briny taste adds a savory flavor to any dish, in addition to its nutritional profile.

Shrimp is low in saturated fats and high in protein, along with other vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium.

It’s also extremely versatile—you can boil it or add it to pasta dishes like our personal favorite (macaroni and cheese).

11. Steak: The Perfect Pairing

Put down that fork!

You’re going to want a knife for this one. Steak is the perfect meat to pair with your mac and cheese.

Why?

Because it’s a little daring, a little adventurous, and a little bit of wild—just like you.

When you think of steak on its own, it’s probably in the context of some kind of manly meal—you know, bacon-wrapped filet mignon or something like that.

But when you put it next to your mac and cheese, it takes an unexpected turn: suddenly, you’ve got a meal that’s both dainty and daring.

It’s the perfect balance! Plus, did we mention that steak is delicious? You can’t go wrong.

12. Salmon: The Catch of the Day

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the best fish options on this list—and it’s also one of the most filling.

If you’re looking for an entrée that’s going to fill you up (and keep you full) without leaving you feeling like you just downed half a cow, salmon is definitely the way to go.

Pair wild-caught salmon with our gourmet truffle macaroni for an unexpectedly rich flavor combination that will truly leave you speechless.

13. Rabbit: When You Want to Get Wild

Rabbit is an old-world treat.

Perfect when you’re feeling like something totally unique, rabbit has a taste that is reminiscent of chicken—but with an extra hit of gamey flavor.

For mac and cheese that’s a total adventure, look no further than rabbit meat.

14. Venison: Not Just for Hunters Anymore

No longer just for hunters—venison is now being offered at many local grocery stores, so everyone can enjoy the flavor of this lean meat.

It’s actually very easy to cook, too! Simply sauté it in butter until it’s browned on all sides.

Chop up the cooked venison into small pieces, and mix with your macaroni and cheese.

The rich, gamy flavor of the venison pairs well with the mild taste of mac and cheese, making this combination a real win.

15. Duck: Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New!

Duck is a delectable addition to any meal, especially when paired with a cheesy dish like macaroni and cheese.

Though it’s not as common as other meats, duck is worth trying out—and pairing with this comfort food classic will make it feel like old hat in no time.

Whether you go for a traditional duck à l’orange or something more modern, this meat has everything you need to turn your regular mac and cheese into an unforgettable feast.