Southern Pulled Beef Brisket

Transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South with this melt-in-your-mouth Southern Pulled Beef Brisket recipe. Featuring a perfectly seasoned rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of chili powder, this dish combines bold, smoky flavors with juicy tenderness. Slow-cooked to perfection for eight hours, the brisket absorbs a tangy, savory sauce made with apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire, with the option to add liquid smoke for an extra burst of barbecue flair. The result is irresistibly tender beef that shreds effortlessly and soaks up every bit of its rich, onion-infused sauce. Perfect for serving on toasted buns with creamy coleslaw or alongside classic Southern sides like cornbread and collard greens, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving all-day comfort food, this Southern Pulled Beef Brisket delivers a hearty, flavor-packed experience you won't forget.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:500 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 1 large onion, sliced

Directions

Step 1

Trim any excess fat from the beef brisket, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a spice rub.

Step 3

Generously rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring an even coating on all sides.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a slow cooker, add the sliced onion to form a base layer. Place the seared brisket on top of the onions.

Step 6

In a bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.

Step 7

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.

Step 8

Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 9

Using two forks, shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat if desired.

Step 10

Skim excess fat from the juices in the slow cooker, then return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce and onions.

Step 11

Serve the pulled beef brisket on toasted buns, with coleslaw on the side, or as a main dish with your favorite Southern sides like cornbread and collard greens.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3006.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4817.2

Total Fat 222.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.6g
Cholesterol 1705.5mg	0%
Sodium 14945.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.8g	0%
Total Sugars 84.8g
Protein 545.0g	0%

Vitamin D 145.1IU	0%
Calcium 448.2mg	0%
Iron 60.5mg	0%
Potassium 6794.5mg	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: 42.3%

Protein: 46.1%

Carbs: 11.5%