Grilled Tex-Mex Brisket Tacos with Cowboy Mac’s Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled brisket slices served in warm tortillas topped with zesty Cowboy Mac’s inspired fresh salsa for a vibrant Tex-Mex experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes blends beef brisket, cooked and sliced, small corn tortillas, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 1 lb sliced beef brisket with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and slightly charred.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 diced tomato, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to make Cowboy Mac’s inspired fresh salsa.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by placing grilled brisket slices on each tortilla, topping with 2 tbsp fresh salsa, 1 tbsp sour cream, and a sprinkle of 1 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tex-Mex Brisket Tacos with Cowboy Mac’s Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tex-Mex Brisket Tacos with Cowboy Mac’s Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tex-Mex Brisket Tacos with Cowboy Mac’s Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Tex-Mex Brisket Tacos with Cowboy Mac’s Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Tex-Mex Brisket Tacos with Cowboy Mac’s Salsa?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.