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We’ve got you covered on the best uses for leftover brisket! From brisket nachos to brisket empanadas, we’ve tried it all and compiled this list of all the ways you can used brisket in a new and fresh recipe.

Okay okay, so before you make any jokes — “Who the heck ever has leftover brisket?” Or, one of my favorites, “If you have leftover brisket you must be doing it wrong.” Ha ha, get your laughs out — let’s talk about the truth of brisket.

The truth is, when you are practicing at your brisket game, it’s likely you’re going to have leftovers. It happens. And no, it doesn’t mean that you did a bad job. A great brisket is RICH in flavor, and personally I can only enjoy a few pieces before I need to cut myself off. And let’s be honest, even the smallest briskets are pretty big, especially if you’re just feeding a small family.

We smoke our briskets, but no matter how you cook it — braised, baked, heck even Instant pot — all of these recipes would be great uses for that tender and delicious meat. But, of course, you just can’t beat a perfectly tender, juicy, smoky, smoked brisket! It’s one of the holy grails of BBQ.

So don’t be ashamed of having leftover brisket. Instead embrace it, because below are some ridiculously fantastic uses for that meat! In fact, we’ve been known to smoke a small brisket JUST to make that brisket chili below. True story!

But first, you need a good brisket recipe before you even yield any leftovers. Here are our two favorite:

Best Recipes for Leftover Brisket

Brisket Chili

Since I led off with that one it’s only fair to start with it. This is a multi-award-winning chili! We’ve even had readers email us to say they entered this chili in chili cook-offs and won first prize!

This chili is smoky, a touch spicy, rich, and jam packed with flavor. It’s actually quite controversial too. Find out why!

Smoked Brisket Tacos

May seem obvious and easy, but there are few things in the world more satisfying than a good taco. And smoked brisket makes for the greatest tacos ever. Find the recipe here.

Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich

These make me hungry just looking at them! Warmed up brisket mixed with melted cheddar cheese, on toasted sourdough. Add some smoked tomato bisque and I’m set for LIFE! Find the recipe for this dreamy sandwich here.

Brisket Enchiladas

Make your whole neighborhood happy with a batch of these enchiladas. Meaty, cheesy, and covered in a rich red chili sauce. This is the ultimate comfort food. Enchilada recipe here.

Smoked Brisket Nachos

Some might credit this recipe for the start of our catering company, Ember & Vine. It was a story that garnered national attention and the grand prize in a BBQ recipe competition! It is LEGIT! Find the recipe here.

Smoked Brisket Bruschetta

Having friends over for a cookout and looking for a fun and different appetizer to serve? These are not only gorgeous, but probably the most flavorful bruschetta a BBQ lover could ask for. Check it out.

Smoked Brisket Empanadas

I’m pretty sure these are one of my favorites. Take some help from the store and use a store-bought pastry dough for these treats I can only describe as pure brisket goodness. They’re filled with a combination of leftover brisket, some sweet bell peppers, jalapeño, BBQ sauce, and more, then wrapped in the pastry dough, baked to perfection and dipped in a Crème Fraîche BBQ Dipping Sauce. I could eat these for daaaaaayys. Recipe here!

Smoked Brisket Pizza

Use your own homemade dough or a store-bought to make the ultimate brisket pizza. This will make for the perfect Friday night! Throw in a bottle of wine and you’re set! Recipe here.