Tender beef brisket tacos are loaded with juicy chopped beef in a spicy chipotle sauce. Brisket tacos come together quickly for a delicious anytime meal and no one will guess they’re made with leftover brisket.
When I made our oven-baked beef brisket, I made sure that I’d have enough leftovers just for this Brisket taco recipe. It’s that good!
What we love about Brisket Tacos recipe
- Using leftover brisket guarantees a delicious dinner in a jiffy that the whole family will love.
- Taco bar – everyone can make their own brisket tacos. Set out your toppings and let everyone help themselves. You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd.
- Tough brisket – maybe your brisket got dry or came out tougher than you like? This juicy chipotle sauce will revive your tacos to gourmet status.
- Slow cooker tacos – this recipe is versatile. I cooked it on top of the stove but you could put it in your slow cooker for an amazing dinner when you’re ready.
Reader’s comment
Amazing! Great way to use leftover brisket! I’ll definitely be making these again and again!
What you need to make Brisket Tacos
Brisket – you can make one just for this recipe or like me use leftover brisket. I preferred to chop up the beef but you can use sliced or shredded as well.
Taco shells – Any size will do. You can use corn or flour. I used taco-sized corn shells. Street tacos at home!
What you need to make the Chipotle Sauce
Chipotle Chilies in Adobo sauce – you can use one or two if you want your brisket tacos spicy.
Fresh cilantro – the stems and leaves get used in this recipe. Save some to use as a garnish.
Spices – I use chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can add as little or as much as you like. The thing I like about adding my own spices is that I can control the salt and there are no preservatives. You could use a homemade taco seasoning of your choice or buy one for convenience.
Diced tomatoes – diced fire-roasted canned tomatoes are what I used. You could use any variety.
How to make Beef Brisket Tacos
- Add the chipotle chili to the spices, cilantro, and tomatoes in a mini food processor and blend together until you have a thick sauce.
- Add the chipotle sauce and the brisket to a deep skillet or braiser. Stir to combine and heat until hot.
Brisket Taco Toppings
Part of the fun of making tacos is the way you garnish your work of art. I like to set out bowls with some or all of these garnishes.
- Shredded cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. You could also use crumbled Cotija.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage. We use purple or green cabbage because it adds a nice crunch.
- Avocado. Cool creamy avocado is a delicious addition to this recipe for brisket tacos.
- Onion. Red onion or diced green onion.
- Cilantro. Delicious in the chipotle sauce and as a garnish.
- Fresh tomatoes are excellent for bringing down a spicy chipotle sauce.
- Jalapenos. For those who love more heat.
- Sour cream. Add a nice smooth flavor to tacos. Especially mixed with a little lime juice.
Pro Tips for Making Leftover Brisket Tacos
- If you like using avocado in tacos or sandwiches, mash them into a spread. I find that it helps keep all of your goodies in the taco shell or sandwich. Sliced avocado tends to slide right out taking the remaining ingredients with it.
- Cut the carbs and make a taco salad!
- Use the cilantro stems for the chipotle sauce and save the prettiest leaves for the garnish.
- The can of Chipotle in Adobe sauce contains about 12 chipotle peppers. This chipotle tacos recipe uses 1 or 2 chilis. When we make the Chipotle paste, I’ll double it and freeze what we don’t use so the rest of the can doesn’t go to waste.
- It also speeds up the time it takes the next time we want to make these tacos.
- We’ll put some in the refrigerator so ole cast-iron stomach (hubby) can smear more on his Brisket Tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Cooking brisket tacos in the slow cooker is a great way to soften or tender beef brisket. Combine all of the ingredients and cook it on low for 1 to 2 hours or until heated through.
You may need additional liquid if your brisket filling seems dry. Just add a little water or beef broth.
Yes, you can overcook leftover brisket. Whether you’re cooking it on the stove or in a slow cooker, use low heat and make sure you have some liquid in with the brisket such as our sauce, water, or broth.
Chilies in Adobo add a smoked flavor. You can still make an amazing brisket taco without this flavor profile. You’ll have to replace the sauce with tomato sauce or paste and adjust the spices if needed.
What to serve with brisket tacos
Black Beans – This recipe dresses up canned black beans. They’re delicious and you can skip the soak and long cook time dry beans require!
Tomatillo Rice – This recipe dish is amazing. It can be made in the instant pot or on the stove. Again, I use canned tomatillos so there’s no peeling.
Mexican Corn Casserole – You just can’t go wrong with layers of cheesy goodness and seasoned corn.
Margaritas – This recipe has ruined us! We no longer order margaritas at restaurants. It’s best to stay home if you drink more than one of these boozy cocktails.
Margarita Pie – If you like the beverage, you’ll love this cold and creamy pie.
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
Brisket Tacos Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups brisket diced. Can use up to 3 for this recipe.
- 10 taco shells – we use soft corn
Chipotle Paste
- 1 Chipotle Chilies in Adobo – 2 if you like it spicy!
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro – I use the stems for the paste and the leaves for garnish
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes – I used canned fire-roasted
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Suggested Garnishes
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce, avocado, cheese, red onion, tomatoes, lime, jalapeno, and cilantro
Instructions
- Combine the spices and whisk together.
- Add the cilantro, adobo chili, diced tomatoes, and spices to a food processor or blender. Blend until you have a smooth sauce.
- Pour the sauce into a large skillet or braiser pan. Add the diced brisket and stir until the brisket is coated with the sauce. Cook the meat mixture together until hot and bubbly.
- Serve with taco garnishes of your choice.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
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Pin these amazing Brisket Taco Recipe!
Tiffany
Friday 5th of July 2024
Good flavor but way too much sauce. I followed.the recipe and the sauce was enough for 4 cups of meat, not 2.
Julie Menghini
Saturday 6th of July 2024
While this hasn't been a typical comment for this recipe, I might suggest just adding the sauce to cover the meat. Thank you for your reply.
Brenda
Sunday 4th of February 2024
Amazing! Great way to use leftover brisket! I’ll definitely be making these again and again!
Julie Menghini
Monday 5th of February 2024
Thank you, Brenda! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Michaela Kenkel
Friday 21st of October 2022
This was the perfect way to use up leftover brisket!! So yummy!
Julie Menghini
Saturday 22nd of October 2022
We really liked this easy recipe for leftover brisket too. Thank you!
MS
Thursday 20th of October 2022
Such a yummy recipe! I added more cayenne because we like it spicier. It was perfect.
Julie Menghini
Thursday 20th of October 2022
Perfect recipe to make your own! So glad you enjoyed it!
Susan
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
That chipotle paste looks amazing. It would be fantastic with soooo many things!
Julie Menghini
Thursday 20th of October 2022
We really love it on so many things too, Susan!