Southern-Inspired Pulled Pork with Creamy Macaroni and Tater Tot Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork infused with smoky spices served over creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with crispy tater tots for a delightful southern twist. This southern-inspired pork ready in about 240 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 220 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Roast for 3 hours until tender.
  2. Step 2: While pork roasts, cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and cook, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
  5. Step 5: Once pork is done, shred with two forks and mix with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
  6. Step 6: In a 9x13 baking dish, layer the cheesy macaroni, then top with pulled pork mixture. Arrange 2 cups frozen tater tots evenly on top.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Inspired Pulled Pork with Creamy Macaroni and Tater Tot Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 240 minutes (20 min prep + 220 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Southern-Inspired Pulled Pork with Creamy Macaroni and Tater Tot Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Inspired Pulled Pork with Creamy Macaroni and Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Southern-Inspired Pulled Pork with Creamy Macaroni and Tater Tot Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Southern-Inspired Pulled Pork with Creamy Macaroni and Tater Tot Casserole?

Southern pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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