Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce is a slow-baked beef dish that turns a tough cut into tender, flavorful slices.

introduction – Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce makes a big, comforting main dish for family meals.
It cooks low and slow so the meat becomes soft and easy to slice.
For easy side ideas, see this list of simple side recipes to serve with main dishes: side ideas.

why make this recipe – Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce gives deep flavor with little fuss.
You season the meat, bake it slowly, and make a quick homemade sauce to pour over.
If you like simple sauces that go well with meat and fish, try this lemon butter fish idea for another meal: lemon butter fish.

how to make Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce cooks mostly in the oven and finishes with a warm sauce.
Follow these main steps for a tender result and a bright, tangy sauce.
If you want a lighter main for another night, consider a different cook like this crispy trout recipe: crispy trout recipe.

Ingredients – Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

• 4 pounds beef brisket
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions – Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rub the brisket with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides.
3. Place the brisket in a baking dish or roasting pan and pour the beef broth around it. Cover tightly with foil.
4. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until tender.
5. In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
6. Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest before slicing.
7. Serve with the homemade barbecue sauce.

how to serve Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce tastes great sliced thin and served hot.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
For an easy starter to go with it, serve chilled shrimp with a tart sauce like this shrimp cocktail: shrimp cocktail.

how to store Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

• Cool the brisket to room temperature before storing.
• Keep sliced brisket and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freeze leftover brisket in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

• Pat the brisket dry before seasoning so the rub sticks.
• Cover tightly with foil to keep the moist heat in while baking.
• Let the meat rest 10–15 minutes before slicing across the grain for tender pieces.
• Reheat gently with a splash of beef broth to keep meat moist.

variation (if any) – Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

• Make the sauce spicier: add hot sauce or cayenne to taste.
• Use honey instead of brown sugar for a milder sweetness.
• Smoke the brisket first for a stronger smoky flavor, then finish in the oven with the sauce.

FAQs – Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Q: How long does brisket need to bake to be tender?
A: Bake at 300°F for 3–4 hours. Check for fork-tender meat and adjust time for size.

Q: Can I cook this brisket in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Cook on low for 8–9 hours or until tender. Finish the sauce on the stove and pour over before serving.

Q: Do I need a meat thermometer for brisket?
A: A thermometer helps. Aim for about 195–205°F for a tender finish. Buy it here.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Q: How do I reheat sliced brisket without drying it out?
A: Warm slices in a covered pan with a little broth and sauce over low heat until heated through.

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tender Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce is a slow-baked beef dish that turns a tough cut into tender, flavorful slices, perfect for family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Barbecue

Servings 8 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

Brisket Preparation

• 4 pounds beef brisket Choose a well-marbled brisket for best results.
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 cup beef broth

Barbecue Sauce

• 1 cup barbecue sauce Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Rub the brisket with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides.
• Place the brisket in a baking dish or roasting pan and pour the beef broth around it. Cover tightly with foil.

Cooking

• Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
• In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

Serving

• Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with the homemade barbecue sauce.

Notes

Pat the brisket dry before seasoning so the rub sticks. Reheat gently with a splash of beef broth to keep meat moist. Let the meat rest for tender slices.

Keyword Barbecue Sauce, Brisket, Comfort Food, Slow-Baked Beef, Tender Meat