Slow-Cooked Banana Leaf Beef Brisket with Chipotle-Adobo Sauce

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

Tender beef brisket wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in a smoky chipotle and adobo sauce, resulting in rich, deeply flavored meat perfect for comforting meals. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 270 minutes blends beef brisket, peppers dried chipotle peppers, peppers dried guajillo peppers 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 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 30 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 4 dried chipotle peppers and 3 dried guajillo peppers in 1 cup hot water for 20 minutes until softened, then blend with 5 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs beef brisket with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat evenly with the prepared chipotle-adobo sauce.
  3. Step 3: Lay 4 large banana leaves on a clean surface, place the brisket in the center, and wrap tightly to seal the meat completely.
  4. Step 4: Place wrapped brisket in a deep roasting pan, add 2 cups water around it for moisture, cover tightly with foil, and slow-cook in the oven for 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender and infused with smoky sauce.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 15 minutes before unwrapping banana leaves and slicing the brisket against the grain to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Banana Leaf Beef Brisket with Chipotle-Adobo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 270 minutes (30 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Banana Leaf Beef Brisket with Chipotle-Adobo Sauce?

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 Slow-Cooked Banana Leaf Beef Brisket with Chipotle-Adobo Sauce?

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 Slow-Cooked Banana Leaf Beef Brisket with Chipotle-Adobo Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Cooked Banana Leaf Beef Brisket with Chipotle-Adobo Sauce?

Latin 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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