Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub

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

Tender smoked beef brisket infused with a robust coffee-spice rub, slow-cooked on a pellet grill to perfection. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs beef brisket flat cut, coffee grounds, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your pellet grill to 225°F using 2 cups of hickory pellets for a strong smoky flavor. Trim excess fat from 5 lbs beef brisket flat cut, leaving about 1/4 inch layer.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 2 tsp black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over all sides of the brisket after coating it lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Place the brisket fat-side up on the grill grates and smoke for approximately 8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, checking occasionally to maintain steady 225°F heat.
  4. Step 4: Wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil and rest it off the heat for at least 1 hour before slicing thinly against the grain to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket flat cut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub?

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 Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket with Coffee Rub?

American bbq & smoked 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.

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