Smoked Beef Brisket with Sauerkraut and Dumplings

Get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of Smoked Beef Brisket with Sauerkraut and Dumplings—a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any gathering. This recipe combines tender, smoky beef brisket, slow-cooked to perfection with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and black pepper, paired with tangy, broth-simmered sauerkraut enhanced by caraway seeds. The dish is rounded out with fluffy homemade dumplings that are easy to make and soak up all the rich, savory juices. Ideal for a weekend cookout or special occasion, this dish brings together smoky, tangy, and buttery flavors in one show-stopping plate. Pair with a cold beer or crisp cider for the ultimate culinary experience! Keywords: smoked beef brisket recipe, sauerkraut and dumplings, comfort food, homemade brisket meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:510 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 lbs beef brisket
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp coarse black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups sauerkraut
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt (for dumplings)
• 0.75 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 cups water (for steaming dumplings)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and ensure it has a good supply of wood chips or pellets (hickory or oak works great for brisket).

Step 2

Trim any excess fat from the beef brisket, leaving a thin layer for flavor.

Step 3

Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and coarse black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the brisket, ensuring it is fully coated.

Step 4

Drizzle olive oil over the brisket and rub it in gently to help the seasoning adhere.

Step 5

Place the brisket in the smoker and cook for 6–8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) and is fork-tender. Check occasionally, and spritz with water or broth if it appears dry.

Step 6

While the brisket is smoking, prepare the sauerkraut. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and chicken or beef broth. Let it simmer for 20–30 minutes to enhance the flavors, then set aside.

Step 7

To make the dumplings, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually stir in milk and melted butter until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 8

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and gently drop them into the boiling water. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 9

Once the brisket is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Step 10

To serve, arrange slices of smoked brisket on each plate, accompanied by a generous helping of sauerkraut and dumplings. Optionally, drizzle with the cooking juices from the sauerkraut for extra flavor.

Step 11

Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal with friends and family!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3016.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5930.7

Total Fat 288.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 110.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.2g
Cholesterol 1800.8mg	0%
Sodium 15888.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.8g
Protein 575.1g	0%

Vitamin D 242.5IU	0%
Calcium 711.0mg	0%
Iron 71.6mg	0%
Potassium 7052.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.3%

Protein: 39.2%

Carbs: 16.5%