Meemaw’s Brisket Recipe: A Timeless Classic for Any Occasion

When it comes to soul-warming comfort food, nothing quite compares to Meemaw’s brisket recipe. This tender, slow-cooked beef brisket, infused with flavors of love and tradition, is a staple for family gatherings, holidays, or Sunday dinners. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of preparing this mouthwatering dish while sharing tips, ingredient substitutions, and answers to commonly asked questions to help you create the perfect brisket.

Why Meemaw’s Brisket Recipe Stands Out

Meemaw’s brisket isn’t just another recipe—it’s a slice of family history passed down through generations. What makes it unique is the balance of flavors: smoky, savory, and slightly sweet, all enhanced by a slow-cooking process that turns a simple cut of beef into a tender masterpiece.

Here’s the reorganized ingredient list for Meemaw’s Brisket Recipe, clearly laid out in a sequential cooking order and with the serving size mentioned:

Meemaw’s Brisket Recipe – Ingredients 

1. 4–5 pounds beef brisket (flat cut)
   – Choose a brisket with good marbling for maximum tenderness.
   
2. 2 tablespoons onion powder
   – Adds depth to the seasoning rub.
   
3. 2 tablespoons garlic powder
   – Enhances the savory flavor.
   
4. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
   – Provides a subtle smoky taste.
   
5. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
   – Balances the savory spices with a touch of sweetness.
   
6. 1 tablespoon kosher salt
   – Essential for seasoning the meat thoroughly.
   
7. 1 tablespoon black pepper
   – Freshly ground pepper is best for robust flavor.
   
8. 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
   – Used for layering and flavor infusion.
   
9. 4 garlic cloves, minced
   – Adds bold, aromatic depth.
   
10. 2 cups beef broth
    – Keeps the brisket moist during the long cook time.
    
11. 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    – Adds umami and richness to the cooking liquid.
    
12. 1 cup BBQ sauce (optional)
    – For glazing or serving on the side, based on preference.
    

How to Make Meemaw’s Brisket?

1. Prepare the Brisket

1. Trim the brisket: Remove excess fat, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking.
2. Season generously: In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

2. Sear the Brisket

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sear the brisket on both sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This locks in the flavors.

3. Layer the Ingredients

1. In a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, layer sliced onions and minced garlic on the bottom.
2. Place the seared brisket on top, fat side up.

4. Add Liquid

1. Mix beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour the mixture around the brisket, making sure not to wash off the seasoning rub.

5. Slow Cook

1. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. Cook in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
2. Baste the brisket with its juices every hour for added moisture and flavor.

6. Rest and Slice

1. Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender.
2. Slice against the grain for the most tender bites.

7. Serve

1. Optionally glaze the brisket with BBQ sauce before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
2. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh coleslaw for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Meemwa’s Brisket

• Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, rub the brisket with the spice mix the night before and refrigerate.
• Low and Slow: Patience is key! Cooking at a low temperature ensures the brisket becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The ideal internal temperature is 195-205°F (90-96°C) for a tender brisket.

Ingredient Alternatives

• Beef broth substitute: Use chicken broth or a mix of water and a beef bouillon cube.
• Brown sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Smoked paprika: Replace with regular paprika and add a few drops of liquid smoke.

Final Thoughts: A Recipe Worth Sharing

Meemaw’s brisket recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition that brings families together around the table. With its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this brisket is sure to become a favorite in your home too. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, this timeless recipe will never disappoint.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the magic of Meemaw’s brisket. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

Meemaw’s Brisket Recipe: A Timeless Classic for Any Occasion

This slow-roasted brisket is a beloved family recipe passed down from Meemaw's kitchen—tender, flavorful, and infused with rich, comforting spices. Coated in a savory rub with hints of sweetness and slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a beefy broth, this dish delivers fall-apart, fork-tender beef every time. Whether served at Sunday dinner or a holiday feast, Meemaw’s Brisket brings people together and tastes like home.

Author: Olivia Carter Cuisine: American cuisine Courses: Main Course

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 240 mins Total Time 4 hrs 20 mins Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 25 Calories: 290 Best Season: Fall, Winter

Ingredients

• 4 pounds 4–5 beef brisket (flat cut)
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove excess fat, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking.
   Mark as complete
2. In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
   Mark as complete
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sear the brisket on both sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This locks in the flavors.
   Mark as complete
4. In a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, layer sliced onions and minced garlic on the bottom.
   Mark as complete
5. Place the seared brisket on top, fat side up.
   Mark as complete
6. Mix beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour the mixture around the brisket, making sure not to wash off the seasoning rub.
   Mark as complete
7. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. Cook in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
   Mark as complete
8. Baste the brisket with its juices every hour for added moisture and flavor.
   Mark as complete
9. Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender.
   Mark as complete
10. Slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
    Mark as complete
11. Optionally glaze the brisket with BBQ sauce before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
    Mark as complete
12. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh coleslaw for a complete meal.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 290kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 600mg25%

Total Carbohydrate 4g2%

Sugars 2g

Protein 25g50%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.