Chipotle Beef Brisket

Chipotle Beef Brisket

Let's talk about a dish that's been making my kitchen smell absolutely divine lately: Chipotle Beef Brisket. The first time I cooked this, I swear the neighbors stopped by just to see what I was cooking. 😅

Best of all, if you love using your slow cooker, this is the perfect recipe for it.  Combine all the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.

The Making of a Perfect Chipotle Beef Brisket

At the heart of this brisket is a yummy rub that includes garlic powder, the warm kick of chili powder, the smoky whisper of cumin, and the sweet and woody notes of smoked paprika. This isn't just a coating; it's a promise of the deliciousness to come because you also use it in the sauce. It’s the kind of rub that gets you excited, the kind that has you dreaming of the final product before it even hits the heat.

And then there's the sauce. Oh, the sauce! We're talking about a rich, spicy, and complex concoction that takes this brisket to a whole new level. Picture this: the gentle heat of poblano chilis, the sweetness of caramelized onions and garlic, the bright, fresh notes of coriander, and the earthy aroma of oregano. Add to that the tang of tomatoes, the subtle bitterness of a bay leaf, a touch of molasses for a deep, dark sweetness, and of course, the smoky, fiery kick of chipotle chilis. It’s a sauce that tells a story, a sauce that’s a journey in every single bite.

Think About the Possibilities

But here's where the real fun begins. Once you've slow-cooked your brisket to tender, fall-apart perfection, what do you do with it? The possibilities are endless!

• Taco Tuesday, Elevated: Shred that beautiful brisket and pile it high on warm corn tortillas. Add some pickled red onions, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a bit of homemade salsa. You've just created a taco that will have your friends and family begging for more.

• A Chili with Soul: Cube the brisket and use it as the base for the most incredible chili you've ever tasted. The smoky, spicy notes of the brisket will meld perfectly with beans, tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices. Top it with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheddar for a truly comforting meal.

• Not-Your-Average Nachos: Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with shredded brisket, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake until bubbly and then go crazy with your favorite toppings: guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, you name it!

• The Ultimate Sandwich: Pile the brisket high on a crusty roll, top with some crunchy coleslaw, and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s a sandwich that’s messy, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying.

This Chipotle Beef Brisket is more than just a recipe; it's a starting point. It's a canvas for your culinary creativity. So, I encourage you to take these flavors, these ideas, and make them your own. Don't be afraid to experiment, to add your own personal touch, and to create something that is uniquely and deliciously you.

Happy cooking!

Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020.  Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook.  Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking.  Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.