Block Party Barbecue
A smoky, savory barbecue beef brisket with rich flavors of ketchup, Worcestershire, and brown sugar, perfect for gatherings and casual cookouts.
Ingredients
- 6 lb. beef brisket ⓘ
- 1/4 cup liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) bottle Heinz tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 1 cup reserved meat juices ⓘ
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Put the beef brisket, liquid smoke, garlic powder, minced onion, salt, pepper, and water in a roaster.
- Cover and bake in a 275°F oven until fork-tender, about 5 to 6 hours.
- Reserve 1 cup of meat juices.
- Chill meat for easier slicing.
- Remove excess fat from meat and slice thinly across the grain.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the brisket overnight in the liquid smoke and seasonings. If you don't have liquid smoke, smoked paprika can be a good alternative. Ensure you slice the brisket against the grain for tender pieces. For a twist, try adding a bit of barbecue sauce to the meat juices before serving, similar to those used in Beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sliced brisket on a platter with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side. It pairs wonderfully with coleslaw and baked beans, making it a perfect centerpiece for a backyard gathering. You can also serve it on sandwiches with pickles and onions for a delicious twist. This recipe is a great addition to any summer cookout, reminiscent of Church Supper Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a low oven or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Block Party Barbecue contains roughly 368 calories, with 18g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1283mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while brisket is traditional for barbecue, you can use a chuck roast or flank steak. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, and you should adjust accordingly to achieve fork-tender meat.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the seasoning mix. You can also add chopped jalapeños to the cooking liquid for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
What sides go best with barbecue brisket?
Classic sides include corn on the cob, potato salad, and cornbread. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the rich flavors of the brisket and enhance the barbecue experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).