13 Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is a classic BBQ cut that yields a lot of delicious smoked meat. But once you’ve had your fill of brisket sandwiches and tacos, leftovers can start piling up. Get creative with these 13 recipes to transform brisket scraps into enticing new dishes.

When smoking a whole packer brisket, you can easily end up with pounds of leftover meat. Brisket leftovers keep well, so you have lots of options for repurposing them into tasty meals throughout the week.

Here are some great ways to use up leftover brisket beyond the standard sandwich:

1. Hearty Chili

Chili is a perfect way to utilize shredded brisket. The smoky flavor pairs well with tomatoes, beans, peppers, and spices.

To make:

• Cook onions, peppers, garlic, spices, and tomato paste as the base.
• Add canned beans and tomatoes.
• Shred 2-3 cups of leftover brisket and stir in.
• Simmer 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Top with cheese, onions, cilantro or jalapeños. The brisket makes this chili extra meaty.

2. Chopped Brisket Sammies

For an easy sandwich, chop or shred brisket with the point and flat combined. The fattier point brisket keeps these sandwiches juicy.

• Toast thick slices of crusty bread or rolls.
• Top with chopped brisket, BBQ sauce, pickles, and slaw.

These sammiches featuring your already smoked meat come together fast.

3. Brisket Breakfast Tacos

Leftover brisket makes a delish addition to a breakfast taco. Warm tortillas with:

• Shredded brisket
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Potatoes
• Onion, peppers
• Avocado, hot sauce

With smoked brisket, these breakfast tacos work for any meal and are perfect for using up leftovers.

4. Smoky Baked Beans

Bacon and smoky meat give baked beans serious upgrades. Stir chopped brisket into beans along with:

• Diced onion, peppers, garlic
• Ketchup, mustard, brown sugar
• Spices like chili powder, paprika, pepper

The brisket adds great texture and flavor to elevate basic baked beans into a soulful side dish.

5. Shepherd’s Pie

Ground beef is commonly used, but substitute shredded brisket for a uniquely smoky twist on shepherd’s pie.

• Sauté veggies like peas, carrots, onion, garlic.
• Mix in shredded brisket and gravy.
• Top with mashed potatoes and cheese.
• Bake until hot and bubbly.

The brisket makes a more complex, savory filling underneath that creamy potato topping.

6. Brisket Stroganoff

Incorporate brisket slices or shreds into a sauce of:

• Sour cream, broth, Worcestershire
• Onions, mushrooms
• Paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper

Served over noodles, stroganoff is a fast, hearty way to repurpose extra meat into a meal.

7. Brisket Pizza Topping

Leftover brisket makes an awesome pizza topping. Sprinkle on brisket slices or shredded meat along with cheese. Or make it into a barbecue chicken pizza by adding:

• BBQ sauce base
• Shredded brisket
• Chopped onion
• Cilantro
• Dash of hot sauce

The brisket’s smoky flavor and moist texture takes pizza up a notch.

8. Brisket Hash

Hash is a quintessential way to use up leftover meats. Sauté cubed potatoes and veggies like onion, peppers, spinach.

• Add 2-3 cups chopped or shredded brisket.
• Season with salt, pepper, spices.
• Top with a fried egg for breakfast.

Hash makes a hearty, Protein-packed meal with brisket as the star player.

9. Brisket Noodle Soup

Boost chicken noodle soup with shredded brisket. Noodles, broth, vegetables plus:

• 2-3 cups shredded brisket
• Leafy greens like spinach or kale
• Spices like garlic, cumin, red pepper

The brisket adds nice smoky depth and makes this soup feel like a real meal in a bowl.

10. Brisket Quesadillas

Quesadillas provide unlimited possibilities for using leftover meat.

• Warm tortillas and fill with shredded brisket and cheese.
• Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts.
• Top with avocado, salsa, cilantro.

It’s an easy, customizable way to quickly transform leftover brisket.

11. Brisket Bolognese Sauce

Instead of ground beef, use shredded brisket in a traditional Bolognese sauce with tomatoes, wine, herbs and spices. Toss with hot pasta and parmesan cheese for a decadent, meaty pasta dish.

The brisket makes for an upscale, sophisticated take on this classic Italian meat sauce.

12. Brisket Burritos

Burritos freeze well for quick, hearty meals later. Fill tortillas with:

• Shredded brisket
• Beans, rice, peppers, onion
• Cheese, avocado, hot sauce

Roll up and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave for an easy dinner utilizing brisket leftovers.

13. Brisket Casserole

For a comforting brisket casserole:

• Combine chopped brisket, vegetables, broth and seasonings.
• Pour into a baking dish. Top with biscuit dough or mashed potatoes.
• Bake until heated through and the topping is browned.

It transforms leftover brisket into a hearty, homestyle one-dish meal.

Tips for Storing Leftover Brisket

Use these tips to keep leftover brisket fresh longer:

• Let brisket cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for 3-4 months. Portion into ziplock bags or airtight containers.
• Reheat to 165°F before eating. Add BBQ sauce or au jus to moisten.

With proper storage, you can keep leftover brisket for meals all week long. Then get creative using it in casseroles, tacos, pizza, pasta, soup and more!

FAQs About Repurposing Leftover Brisket

What’s the best way to reheat brisket?

Wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven until warm throughout. Add moisture by reheating with broth, BBQ sauce or au jus.

How long does leftover smoked brisket last?

5 days in the fridge, 3-4 months in the freezer. Reheat fully to 165°F before eating. Discard if moldy, smells off, or is past 5 days refrigerated.

Can you freeze leftover brisket?

Yes, brisket freezes very well for 3-4 months. Portion into bags or airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to 165°F.

What dishes use up brisket leftovers?

Chili, baked beans, pizza, pasta sauce, tacos, burritos, hash, soup, casserole, sandwiches, quesadillas, and more. Get creative!

Can you make brisket burgers with leftovers?

Yes! Chop or shred brisket and mix with a little BBQ sauce and spices. Form into patties and grill or pan fry until heated to 165°F. Top burgers with cheese, pickles, and onions.

Enjoy Those Leftovers!

Don’t let leftover brisket go to waste! Refrigerate or freeze it to save that smoky meat for later use. Then transform bites and shreds into easy new dishes throughout the week.

From chili to pasta sauce to burritos, brisket adds indulgent, smoky flavor to many meals. Follow recipes or get innovative with your own creations using up every last scrap.

With the right storage and creative recipes, you can continue enjoying every ounce of your lovingly smoked brisket.