Lyndsay Burginger

8 of Our Favorite Beef Brisket Recipes

Nothing is more exciting than when a home cook breaks out their best brisket recipe. Cooking brisket is as much a technique as it is a combination of ingredients, so before you get started, there are a few things you need to know to make the perfect beef brisket recipes. First of all, it's good to understand the cut of meat. Next, you need to know the right amount of cooking time for a brisket. And then it's great to have your grandma's beef brisket recipe (or have spent some time at Camp Brisket).

Brisket can be cooked in a smoker or on a grill, on the stovetop or in the oven, and you can definitely cook a brisket in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. While the general rule is that it takes an hour of cook time per each pound brisket, but the total time will depend on your cooking method. The meat should be fork-tender when done. Although brisket has a reputation for being tough and hard to cook to tenderness, as long as you're patient and follow the recommended cooking time, you can get beef brisket to a delicious level of succulent juiciness.

This list of recipes has something for everyone in it, whether you're in the mood for Dr. Pepper-marinated brisket, BBQ flavor, or a unique Asian-inspired brisket. Plus, you can leave your brisket to cook in the slow cooker all day long as you go about your day, with the knowledge that your evening reward will be juicy and flavorful. You can also make any of these recipes your own by adding your own seasonings, from extra chili powder for spice to beef stock for extra tenderness. Enjoy your meal with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, mac n cheese, or corn on the cob. Here are 8 delectable beef brisket recipes that would make your grandmother proud.

1. Slow Cooker Mustard Beef Brisket

When done right, beef brisket is flavorful and tender, a far cry from the tough reputation it's earned for itself. This slow cooker beef brisket recipe is perfect if you're looking to make a recipe that allows you to go about your day as your dinner cooks to perfection. Although it has a cook time of 8-10 hours, every minute will be worth it once you take a bite. This recipe uses flavorings like garlic, bay leaf, lemon juice and cayenne to compliment the spicy flavor of mustard.

Get the recipe here.

2. Coca Cola Brisket

Using soda like Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola and Mountain Dew may sound gross until you've tried it, but once you have, you'll never go back. The sweet bubbliness of Coca-Cola, along with its ability to tenderize meat, makes this brisket a go-to recipe for when you're craving a delectable meal. Use paprika, garlic, onion powder, and chili powder for the dry rub for the perfect amount of spice and flavor.

Get the recipe here.

3. The Best Easy Smoked Brisket Recipe

Smoking a brisket isn't hard. But since this is your first time cooking brisket, go with something easy and that requires less prep time. We like this recipe from Sweet C's because it's designed for beginners.

Get the recipe at Sweet C's Designs.

4. Southwestern Braised Brisket

Southwestern-Braised-Brisket

Lyndsay Burginger

Just like you'd use a Coke to glaze a ham, you can use Dr. Pepper to braise a brisket. This brisket goes in a roasting pan with veggies and a sauce made of Dr. Pepper, ketchup, chili sauce, and tomatoes, then cooks for about four hours.

Get the recipe here.

5. Beer-Braised Beef Brisket Recipe

Beer makes for a wonderful braising liquid; this recipe uses a dark lager and Asian flavors to create a brisket that's definitely not your usual everyday brisket. You can make this brisket on the stovetop, but it's also perfect for your slow cooker. Serve the brisket over rice for a warm, comforting rainy day meal.

Get the recipe at The Fearless Kitchen.

6. Oven-Barbecued Beef Brisket

What's better than juicy brisket? A juicy beef brisket recipe with a bacon barbecue sauce. This recipe uses bacon for basting the beef with smoky flavor and extra fat, and then adds that bacon to a barbecue sauce that will knock your socks off. This brisket is excellent for leftovers; use it for nachos or sandwiches the next day.

Get the recipe at Spicy Southern Kitchen.

7. Beef Brisket Pot Roast

You can use the brisket cut of beef to make a delicious pot roast. Simply brown the meat, add some veggies and beef stock, then let it cook low and slow in the oven. You can turn the drippings into gravy to serve with mashed potatoes, too.

Get the recipe at Simply Recipes.

8. Homemade Corned Beef

Corned beef is a brisket that has been brined. This corned beef recipe results in a brisket that is tender and crispy, and it's so easy to make in your Crock-Pot if you don't feel like using the stove. You don't need to save it for St. Patrick's Day either; corned beef is great year-round!

Get the recipe here.

This post was originally published on July 27, 2021.

READ MORE: 13 Leftover Brisket Recipes When You Can't Eat it All