Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket with Lexington Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

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

Juicy beef brisket slow-roasted until tender, served with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce infused with Kentucky bourbon and a hint of smoky paprika. This american southern-inspired beef ready in about 320 minutes blends beef brisket, kosher salt, black pepper 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 600 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: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 American Southern cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over 4 lbs beef brisket.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer pan with brisket to the oven and roast uncovered for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: While brisket roasts, combine 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dry mustard powder, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove brisket from oven and let rest 20 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with warm bourbon barbecue sauce drizzled over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket with Lexington Bourbon Barbecue Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket with Lexington Bourbon Barbecue 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-Roasted Beef Brisket with Lexington Bourbon Barbecue 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-Roasted Beef Brisket with Lexington Bourbon Barbecue 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-Roasted Beef Brisket with Lexington Bourbon Barbecue Sauce?

American Southern 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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