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

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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.

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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