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beef brisket drizzled with bbq sauce
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4.56 from 86 votes

BBQ Brisket in Oven - Beef Brisket Recipe

This easy brisket recipe is the best way to get tender and juicy beef. Cover it with BBQ sauce and cook in the oven for a delicious result!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 hours
refrigerated8 hours
Total Time13 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

  • 6 pounds beef brisket point cut with a ½-inch fat cap
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp celery powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 8 oz. BBQ sauce (click for our favorite!)
  • 2.5 oz. liquid smoke (½ bottle)
  • 2 cups water

For Serving

  • Homemade BBQ sauce (brisket sauce) or store bought my favorite store bought is Sweet Baby Rays.

Instructions

  • Before starting, read all notes. The brisket needs to be prepped and refrigerated at least 8-24 hours before cooking.
  • Remove any silverskin (white film on meat) and trim the fat cap to ½-inch.
    6 pounds beef brisket
  • Line a large baking pan (I use a lasagna pan) with foil. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the brisket in the foil-lined pan and generously sprinkle all sides with each seasoning.
    1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp celery powder, 2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and liquid smoke.
    8 oz. BBQ sauce, 2.5 oz. liquid smoke
  • Pour the BBQ sauce/liquid smoke mixture over the brisket. Pour the water around the brisket but not on top. Cover the brisket with foil and refrigerate 8-24 hours.
    2 cups water, Homemade BBQ sauce (brisket sauce) or store bought
  • Remove the brisket from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Heat the oven to 275°F and set the oven rack to the middle position.
  • Set the foil-covered pan of brisket in the oven and cook 5 hours.
  • Check the internal temperature of the brisket. The brisket is done when the temperature registers 200°F. You should be able to lift the brisket in the middle, with tongs, without the brisket breaking.
  • If the internal temperature doesn’t register at 200°F, then place it back in the oven (covered) and retest every ½ hour.
  • Once the brisket reaches the desired temperature, transfer it to a cooling rack, open the foil (to let the steam vent), and let it cool at least 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  • After 30 minutes, transfer the brisket to a cutting board to slice and discard the cooking liquid.
  • Serve with “Homemade” BBQ Sauce. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • If cooking the brisket one day before serving, wrap it tightly with foil (after it cools), refrigerate overnight, and slice it the next day for easier slicing.
  • If the brisket cooks a little too long and falls apart, it will still be delicious. I have often served it this way (before purchasing a meat thermometer) and have never had one complaint.
  • Halving the Recipe: You can use a smaller brisket, but cooking time will still depend more on thickness than weight. Start checking early, but expect a similar low-and-slow process.
  • Adjusting Seasoning: Scale the rub proportionally, but don’t skimp. Brisket needs a generous amount of seasoning.
  • Internal Temperature Matters: Aim for at least 195°F for tender slices, or up to 205°F for fall-apart texture.
  • Slice Against the Grain: This shortens the muscle fibers and keeps each bite tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 1169mg | Potassium: 1017mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 6mg