Easy Beef Brisket Barbecue

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Juicy and tender beef brisket is slow-baked with a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, creating a flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of Worcestershire, vinegar, and liquid smoke enhances the rich meat, making it a satisfying and comforting main course for barbecue lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 4-5 lb. well trimmed brisket
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Rub the brisket with salt.
  2. Place the brisket in a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  3. Mix Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, liquid smoke, catsup, pepper, vinegar, and bay leaf; pour over the beef.
  4. Cover the pan with foil and bake in a 325°F oven for about 3 hours.
  5. Slice the brisket on the diagonal and serve with the pan juices.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, marinate the brisket overnight in the sauce mixture. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for the white vinegar for a different tang. If you prefer a sweeter barbecue sauce, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce mixture. Make sure to let the brisket rest after baking for optimal slicing. This dish pairs beautifully with Beans And Sausage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the brisket with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a hearty meal. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For a complete barbecue feast, offer up some Sweet And Sour Appetizers as a starter. A tangy pickle or a fresh salad can complement the rich flavors of the brisket beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the brisket and warm it gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of the pan juices to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Beef Brisket Barbecue contains roughly 70 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1121mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

70 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 14.6g 5% DV
Fiber 0.1g 1% DV
Sugar 11.5g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1121.2mg 49% DV
Potassium 164.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3% DV
Calcium 26.1mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

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?

While brisket is ideal for its flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can use chuck roast as an alternative. It will require similar cooking times but may need slightly more liquid to keep it moist.

Can I cook this brisket in a slow cooker instead?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply rub the brisket with salt and place it in the slow cooker. Mix the remaining ingredients and pour them over the brisket. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until tender.

What should I do if my brisket is tough after cooking?

If your brisket turns out tough, it may need more cooking time. Return it to the oven or a slow cooker with some added liquid and cook it longer. Slicing against the grain can also help improve tenderness when serving.

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).

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