Brisket Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Brisket Nachos are a game-changing twist on the classic nacho recipe, combining the rich, smoky flavor of tender brisket with the perfect balance of crispy tortilla chips, melty cheese, and a variety of toppings. The result is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s ideal for sharing at a party, game day, or casual family dinner. The savory brisket pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese, while the nacho toppings add a burst of freshness and texture, creating a mouthwatering dish everyone will love.

Whether you’re a nacho enthusiast or a brisket lover, this dish brings together two beloved comfort foods in a creative way. The brisket is slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing a blend of spices and flavors, while the nachos come together easily and quickly, making this recipe both satisfying and convenient. Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main course—the possibilities are endless.

Why You’ll Love Brisket Nachos

• Rich, Smoky Brisket: The brisket is slow-cooked and seasoned to perfection, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, smoky flavor that elevates the nachos to a whole new level.
• Layered Perfection: Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of crispy tortilla chips, creamy melted cheese, juicy brisket, and fresh toppings, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Customizable: Brisket Nachos can be tailored to suit any taste. Add or subtract toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, or salsa, and you can even choose different types of cheese or chips.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day, a family dinner, or a party appetizer, Brisket Nachos are versatile and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
• Easy to Make: While slow-cooked brisket takes some time, the rest of the nacho assembly is quick and easy. It’s a great way to utilize leftover brisket or meal-prep for the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including brisket preparation)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (for assembling nachos)
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (for brisket cooking time)
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 28-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2-5g

Ingredients

For the Brisket:

• 2-3 lbs beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Nachos:

• 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 cups)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook the Brisket

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow method ensures that the brisket becomes tender and absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the seasoning.

Rub the brisket with olive oil to coat the surface. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat the brisket with the spice mixture, making sure to cover all sides evenly.

In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket on all sides until it develops a rich brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavors and juices of the meat.

Once the brisket is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, scraping up any browned bits left on the bottom of the pot. These bits are full of flavor and will infuse the brisket while it cooks.

Return the brisket to the pot, fat side up, and cover the pot with a lid. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and slow-cook the brisket for 2-2.5 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easy to shred. Check the brisket halfway through and add more beef broth if needed to keep the meat moist.

2. Shred the Brisket

Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat and set the shredded brisket aside.

If you’re preparing the brisket in advance, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The brisket can also be frozen for longer storage—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

3. Prepare the Nachos

While the brisket is cooking, you can prepare the nacho base. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking the nachos.

On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer. You may need two sheets depending on the size of your chips and the amount of nachos you want to make.

Generously top the chips with a mixture of the shredded cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed so every chip gets a cheesy coating. If you prefer extra cheesy nachos, feel free to add more cheese!

4. Assemble the Brisket Nachos

Once the cheese is melted, it’s time to assemble the nachos. Take the shredded brisket and scatter it evenly over the cheesy chips. You want to make sure every bite has some of that delicious, tender brisket.

Place the baking sheet back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. The nachos should be hot and the brisket should be warmed through.

5. Add the Toppings

After baking, remove the nachos from the oven and top them with fresh toppings. Add a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, and a generous scoop of guacamole. For some extra heat, sprinkle the nachos with pickled jalapeños, or fresh chopped jalapeños if you prefer a more intense spice.

Sprinkle the nachos with freshly chopped cilantro and red onion for added flavor and crunch. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the nachos just before serving for a zesty finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Brisket Nachos immediately while they’re hot and fresh. They are best enjoyed right out of the oven, with all the flavors at their peak. Enjoy this hearty, flavor-packed dish as a main course or share it with friends and family as an appetizer or snack.

Tips for Perfect Brisket Nachos

• Use Leftover Brisket: If you have leftover brisket from a previous meal, this is the perfect way to repurpose it. Just shred the leftover brisket and add it to your nachos for a quick and easy meal.
• Don’t Overload the Chips: While it’s tempting to load your nachos with as much topping as possible, be careful not to overload the chips. Too many toppings can cause the chips to become soggy, and the nachos may not bake evenly. Stick to a balanced layer of toppings.
• Customize the Toppings: Brisket Nachos are versatile! Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as black beans, corn, olives, or even diced tomatoes. You can also switch up the cheese—some people prefer a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack.
• Make It Spicy: If you like heat, consider adding some diced fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to the nachos. You can also mix in a bit of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper with the brisket seasoning for an extra kick.
• Use Thick Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy tortilla chips for your nachos. Thicker chips are less likely to break under the weight of the toppings and will hold up better during baking. Look for restaurant-style or kettle-cooked chips.

Variations of Brisket Nachos

• BBQ Brisket Nachos: For a smoky, tangy twist, drizzle your nachos with your favorite BBQ sauce before baking. This pairs perfectly with the brisket and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Tex-Mex Brisket Nachos: Add a handful of seasoned black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers to the brisket nachos for a more Tex-Mex-inspired version. You could also swap the guacamole for a spicy chipotle sour cream.
• Brisket Nacho Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can turn the nachos into a salad by serving the toppings on a bed of lettuce. Add the cheese, brisket, and other toppings on top for a fresh, crunchy take on nachos.
• Spicy Brisket Nachos: For those who love spice, incorporate diced fresh chilies or jalapeños into the brisket while it cooks. Top the nachos with spicy salsa and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Storage and Shelf Life

Brisket Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers.

• Brisket: Store any leftover brisket in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before adding it to your nachos.
• Toppings: Fresh toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole should be stored separately in the refrigerator and used within 1-2 days.

When storing leftover nachos, keep in mind that the chips will likely become soggy after being topped with the brisket and cheese. If you want to reheat the nachos, it’s best to do so in the oven or under the broiler to get the chips crisp again.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Brisket Nachos

Pair your Brisket Nachos with complementary sides for a complete meal or a well-rounded snack:

• Mexican Street Corn: Serve your nachos with some grilled Mexican street corn, slathered in creamy cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
• Fresh Pico de Gallo: A fresh pico de gallo salsa, made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, adds a refreshing element to balance the rich, smoky flavor of the brisket.
• Margaritas: For a fun, festive pairing, serve these nachos with a cold margarita. A classic lime margarita or a fruit-flavored margarita (like mango or strawberry) would be a perfect complement to the flavors of the brisket.
• Refried Beans: Serve a side of creamy refried beans for a comforting and flavorful addition to your meal.

Print

Conclusion

Brisket Nachos are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines two fan favorites—brisket and nachos—into one mouthwatering creation. The tender, smoky brisket paired with the gooey cheese, crispy chips, and fresh toppings creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual meal, or a party, these nachos are sure to be a hit. With a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll have a dish that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Enjoy!