Show-Me Smoked Brisket with Spiced Barbecue Rub

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

Tender smoked brisket rubbed with a blend of smoky and spicy seasonings, celebrating the barbecue culture of the Springfield region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 640 minutes pairs beef brisket, paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 40 min Cook: 600 min Serves 8 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp coarse salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika to create the spiced barbecue rub.
  2. Step 2: Trim excess fat from 5 lbs beef brisket and pat dry. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the brisket. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F using indirect heat and add 2 cups soaked apple wood chips for smoke.
  4. Step 4: Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 8-10 hours, maintaining 225°F and replenishing wood chips every hour, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker, wrap loosely in foil, and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Show-Me Smoked Brisket with Spiced Barbecue Rub take to make?

Total time is about 640 minutes (40 min prep + 600 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 Show-Me Smoked Brisket with Spiced Barbecue 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Show-Me Smoked Brisket with Spiced Barbecue 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 Show-Me Smoked Brisket with Spiced Barbecue 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 Show-Me Smoked Brisket with Spiced Barbecue Rub?

American beef 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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