14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (2024)

14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (1)

After cooking up a large brisket, there are almost always going to be leftovers. We've got you covered with how to use up every ounce of that delicious meat in the best and most delicious ways possible. It's all about using that delicious and flavorful brisket in different ways from sandwiches to ragu so each meal is unique and equally great.

Sure, smoked brisket is just amazing the same day it is cooked, but it is really even better the next day after the flavors have time to meld together in the refrigerator. Yep, it's true! The flavors get even more complex overnight in the refrigerator.

The other big benefit of leftovers is you can make recipes in a fraction of the time it took to smoke that big brisket in the first place. Pretty exciting, right? Now let's get to the leftover recipe inspiration. And don't forget all the best sides to serve with your brisket.

The Best Ways to Use Leftover Brisket

Leftover Brisket Sandwiches

Indulge in the ultimate brisket sandwich, a delicious treat that is sure to satisfy. Whether you're using leftover brisket or cooking it specifically for sandwiches, this flavor-packed sandwich is sure to be a hit with pickled red onions, slaw and perfectly warmed through brisket. .

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Brisket Tacos

After putting in the effort to cook the brisket to perfection, the easy part is here - creating quick and mouthwatering tacos that will leave you wanting more. Crisped up chopped brisket with avocado and onions.

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Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You have to try this mouth-watering crispy brisket grilled cheese sandwich that will take your leftovers to the next level. This recipe is the perfect way to use up your extra brisket, while satisfying your cravings for a comforting and cheesy meal. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, savory interior, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your leftover recipe rotation.

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Brisket Ragu

For those who are always looking for new and exciting ways to use their leftover smoked meats, this brisket ragu is a perfect solution, offering a delicious and comforting meal.

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (6)

Smoked Brisket Chili

Make this recipe for smoked brisket chili. Not your typical Texas style chili, but it is amazing.

Recipe and photo from Vindulge

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (7)

Brisket Quesadillas

A quesadilla is the perfect solution to leftover brisket problems. It's packed with melted cheddar, sliced red onions, and a smoky BBQ sauce, all nestled between a crispy tortilla and a gooey, cheesy center.

Recipe and photo from Running to the Kitchen

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (8)

Smoked Brisket Shepherd’s Pie with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Smoked Brisket Shepherd's Pie recipe. Topped with Jalapeno Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, it's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. Get the recipe below, but if you managed to finish the brisket all by yourself, kudos to you!

Recipe and photo from Country Cleaver

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (9)

Brisket Baked Beans

Brisket Baked Beans just could be the most delicious baked beans ever! Flavored with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, and made slightly sweet with brown sugar.

Recipe and photo from Dinner Then Dessert

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (10)

BBQ Brisket Pizza

Cheesy skillet pizza with leftover brisket? Yes, please!

Recipe and photo from Dude That Cookz

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (11)

The Ultimate BBQ Brisket Nachos

Crunchy ooey, gooey, cheesy nachos with some jalapeno heat. And these nachos have a few secret ingredients I am interested to explore.

Recipe and photo from Oh Sweet Basil

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (12)

Brisket Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is such a comforting dish. But made with leftover brisket, it's a whole new level of comfort. Served over wide noodles, it's creamy, meaty goodness.

Recipe and photo from A Pleasant Little Kitchen

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (13)

Brisket Enchiladas

For those who love Mexican cuisine, this is a particularly delicious option. One great use for leftover brisket is to chop it up and add it to traditional Mexican dishes like these enchiladas. The rich, smoky flavor of the brisket pairs perfectly with the bold spices and flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Recipe and photo from Vindulge

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (14)

Brisket Hash and Eggs

Now you have the best excuse to eat brisket for breakfast with a potato hash and a fried egg on top. It's the best way to start your day.

Recipe and photo from The Spruce Eats

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (15)

Leftover Brisket Fried Rice

This dish is a perfect balance of smoky, meaty brisket and fresh, crisp vegetables, all brought together with a touch of spicy green hot sauce. The added veggies and sauce give new life to the brisket and elevate the dish to a new level. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes to prepare.

Recipe and photo from With The Woodruffs

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This of course isn't an all-inclusive list. Just some of the amazing ways to use up that leftover gold that never gets old if you keep a variety going. What are your favorite ways to utilize leftover brisket?

Interested in learning more about brisket? Be sure to read Brisket 101 - The Beginners Guide to Brisket and check out the best places to buy your brisket.

If you love these ideas, be sure to check out the ideas for Leftover Pulled Pork Recipes!

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14 Delicious Leftover Brisket Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you make leftover brisket tender? ›

If your leftover brisket seems a bit dry, never fear. It can still be revived and no one will be the wiser. To moisten the meat, give it a marinade in some warm beef broth, and make sure to add broth when reheating. Another option is to use the meat in dishes where it can soak up a rich sauce.

What is the secret to moist brisket? ›

Set the temperature to a low heat, around 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C), and cook the brisket slowly. You can wrap it in foil or use a roasting pan with a lid to help retain moisture. Slow Cooker Method: Using a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off method.

Can you freeze brisket? ›

When wrapped airtight and frozen right away, fresh brisket can be kept in the freezer from six to twelve months.

Why is my brisket tough after slow cooking? ›

The meat was overcooked: Slow cookers are known for their ability to tenderize meat, but if the meat is cooked for too long, it can become overcooked and tough. It's important to follow the recommended cooking time for your recipe to ensure that the meat is cooked to the correct doneness.

Why is my brisket tough and dry? ›

It's more likely that a dry brisket is overcooked, rather than under, but the dryness can also be the result of improper seasoning or particularly low fat marbling. Not to mention, brisket usually is cooked to like, 180ºF, so overcooking it takes quite a bit of effort/negligence.

What is the best liquid to keep brisket moist? ›

If you want to give your brisket some extra moisture without messing with the flavor, just use plain water. It will get the job done and allow you to focus on imparting your desired flavor into the meat through a brisket injection and exterior rub.

How do you make brisket more flavorful? ›

Rubs and Marinades

Common go-to rubs include seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices. Just be sure to take it easy on the rub so that your brisket doesn't come out too salty. If you plan to mop or baste your brisket while smoking, be sure to coordinate the flavors properly with your rub.

Is dry rub or wet rub better for brisket? ›

Dry rubs are great on their own but can be spectacular when finished with a sauce in the case of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Wet rubs are fantastic when you are cooking low and slow – again, brisket and pulled pork. This allows your food to develop a unique bark and allows the sugars to caramelize instead of burn.

What can I do with a tough brisket? ›

As for what to do now I would put all the brisket in an oven dish with a lid, put in some stock to about 2/3 of the way up and then braise it for at least 3 hours at about 145°C. Braise it until it starts to get tender, then braise it for a bit longer.

Can you make cooked brisket tender? ›

When the meat has cooled, cut off the fatty top layer. Slice the brisket into 1/4-inch-thick slices and put the slices into a roasting pan. Cover the sliced meat with the defatted cooking liquid and reheat slowly. All the fat is gone and the meat is tender and juicy.

How do you moisten a dry brisket? ›

As we mentioned, to keep your brisket moist, you can also splash a little beef broth, cooking liquid, or water on it before you put it in the oven, and you can drizzle on some gravy or barbecue sauce once it's heated to liven it up again.

Should you freeze cooked brisket whole or sliced? ›

For smoked brisket — a staple on every Texan's table — your best bet is to freeze whole, unsliced slabs of meat well wrapped in plastic and thaw those in the refrigerator when it comes time to nosh. That's both the safest way to thaw large pieces of meat and the best way to retain as much moisture as possible.

Can you keep cooked brisket in the fridge for a week? ›

USDA recommends using cooked beef within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

How long is vacuum sealed brisket good for in the fridge? ›

Raw Meats – Raw meats can be kept up to 10 day when vacuum packed before needing to be cooked or frozen. In comparison, raw meat that is not vacuum packed will only last 3-5 days in the refrigerator before turning.

Can you tenderize already cooked brisket? ›

Cover the sliced meat with the defatted cooking liquid and reheat slowly. All the fat is gone and the meat is tender and juicy. This is why, I found out, my Mom's leftover brisket, reheated in its juices, came out tender and tasted so much better than it did the night it was first served.

How do you tenderize brisket overnight? ›

Whisk the red wine, olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, horseradish, salt, cayenne pepper, if using, and onion and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Pour the marinade over brisket and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.

Does resting brisket make it more tender? ›

As the brisket cools, those muscle fibers start to relax. and redistribute that moisture throughout the meat, which is essential. if you want a tender and juicy brisket. Now I recommend resting for at least an hour, but preferably 2 or 3.

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