Loaded Brisket Nachos (3 Simple Steps)

Do you have leftover brisket waiting to be devoured?

Or fancy adding a little bit more zing (apart from a lime wedge) to your nachos at the start of the football season?

Everyone is gonna love this beef brisket recipe with nachos!

Using Leftover Smoked Brisket

You can either use leftover smoked brisket for this recipe or smoke some specially.

Brisket is such a HUGE cut!

So we always have lots of leftovers so nachos are a perfect way to use up that leftover brisket!

If you want to cook some for this recipe, see my method below.

Brisket Smoked on a Pit Boss Boss

Smoked Brisket on an Electric Smoker

Brisket Smoked on a Big Green Egg

Nachos – The Analysis of Our Favorite Group Snack

We get to thank our Mexican friends for this one and the humble corn kernel.

Corn tortilla chips stacked with your favorite toppings and baked… American cheese, black beans, and sour cream.

The pile leading to taste heaven was invented in the 1940s when Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya wanted to feed a group of US Military wives who were visiting his town of Piedras Negras.

Since then Americans have been enjoying the traditional Mexican flavors together because these are a simple, quick, and easy way to enjoy with friends and family.

Why Brisket Is Always Top of the Menu

Now we shift over to brisket.

I want to start by pointing out that cooking brisket is usually over a long period of time which is very different from nachos.

Brisket started in the BBQ culture in Southern Texas during the 1950s and was specifically beef.

This cheaper cut of meat came on the menu as a way to feed lots of people.

So we can now look at nachos and brisket and see that they actually are very similar in terms of the origins and method of use!

Nachos & Brisket? – Who Would Have Thought!

I know that making a brisket does take a while but it’s also important to note you can save the pieces to heat up anytime and it will still be just as delicious.

Our Favorite Brisket Nacho Toppings:

  • leftover BBQ brisket
  • pinto beans
  • jalapeños
  • corn
  • cheese
  • cilantro
  • avocado
  • red onion
  • green onion
  • salsa

Loaded Brisket Nachos – The Ultimate Experience

Adding a BBQ brisket chili mixed with melted American cheese (protein and fat) to cups of tortilla chips (starch) really does fire up the tastebuds.

I want to get across to you guys that experimentation and a rustic approach are key.

Think pinto beans and cheddar cheese or sour cream with a vinegar-based hot sauce on melted succulent brisket.

The optional toppings and creativeness are what makes these unique!

Our Method for Loaded Brisket Nachos

I’ve sent this out in two stages so you know how to make the brisket and then load the nachos.

Even though we are doing the brisket at a higher temperature and for half the time, it would still be wise to cook it the day before you plan on serving the nachos.

Enjoy!

Ingredients: Brisket

  • A trimmed beef brisket
  • High smoke oil
  • Worchester Sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar

Brisket Spice Rub (Choose Your Ratios)

  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Hot chili pepper flakes
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground chipotle peppers
  • Greek oregano
  • Garlic & onion powder
  • Brown sugar

 

Ingredients: Nachos

  • 1 (16-ounce) bag of tortilla chips OR 2 cups tortilla chips per person
  • Choice of cheese (we picked a 4-cheese Mexican blend)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Avocado slices
  • Mexican bean mixture of your choice
  • 1 cup jalapeno slices
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream

BBQ Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cups of tomato sauce
  • Tbsp brown sugar
  • 100ml Worchester sauce
  • Honey
  • A pinch of the brisket spice rub
  • Enough apple cider vinegar for the right consistency
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Electric pellet grill/oven
  • Apple hardwood chips
  • Butcher paper
  • Sharp knife
  • BBQ brush
  • BBQ spray bottle
  • Oven tray
  • Meat probe
  • Mixing bowl

Making the Spice Rub

A classic and simple rub where I want you to decide the ratios.

Just mix everything together well in a bowl.

Make sure the sugar is no more than 1/10 otherwise it will burn in the high heat we are smoking today.

Making the BBQ Sauce

This tangy sauce is so simple!

Mix everything in a bowl and taste, adjust seasoning accordingly with the right consistency.

It shouldn’t fall off the back of a spoon easily.

Making Your Own Nacho Chips

You can use store brough chips or make your own.

To make your own, cut corn tortilla shells into quarters and fry in small batches until slightly browned.

Place tortilla chips on a rack to dry and coat lightly with sea salt.

Make Your Own Cheese Sauce

Making a gooey oozy cheese sauce will take your nachos to the next level.

Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a saucepan, when bubbly and melted add 2 tbsp of flour and stir until combined.

Whisk in 1 cup of milk and bring to a simmer.

Slowly mix in 8 oz of smoked cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

What Smoking Temperature to Cook the Brisket

What temperature should I be smoking the brisket at? This brisket is cooked hot and fast at 325°F. Set the temperature at 325°F.

What Internal Temperature Does the Meat Need to Be?

The internal temperature for your meat should be 204°F.

To accurately do this, insert a temperature probe into the thickest part of the brisket.

How Long to Smoke the Brisket?

The brisket should take around 3-4 hours depending on the size if you are smoking at 325F.

15 minutes per pound should be enough to get this bad boy done!

How Long to Heat the Loaded Nachos?

Once we have loaded our nachos we need to warm them through enough to crisp and melt the cheese.

Put the nachos in an oven at 200°F for around 15 mins or until you can see the brisket fat rendering and the corn chips darkening in color.

Put on the sour cream, green onion & cilantro after it’s been in the oven.

Loaded Smoked Brisket Nachos With a Spicy Bbq Sauce

If you are using leftover brisket jump straight to step 3!

Step 1: Preparation of the Spice Rub, Brisket & Smoker

  • Using a sharp knife, trim any excess silver skin.
  • Leave at least an inch of fat on the cap.
  • Cover with oil and spice rub liberally around the whole thing.
  • Leave for an hour before cooking.
  • Make sure your smoker or grill is clean from the previous use and the load and prime with applewood
    chips.
  • Set the temperature on direct heat of 325F.
  • Mix the spices together thoroughly and set apart a few pinches for the sauce.
  • Cover the trimmed brisket in a binder like mustard or oil and coat with the spice rub and rest.
  • Load and prime your clean smoker with applewood chips.
  • Set temperature to 325F.

Step 2: Cooking the Brisket

Step 3: Making The Cheese Sauce

  • Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a saucepan, when bubbly and melted add 2 tbsp of flour and stir until combined.
  • Whisk in 1 cup of milk and bring to a simmer.
  • Slowly mix in 8 oz of smoked cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Step 4: Making the BBQ Sauce & Loading the Nachos

  • Make the BBQ sauce as per above.
  • On an oven tray with a baking paper sheet at the bottom, start layering the nacho ingredients liberally in stages.
  • Add the brisket & BBQ sauce on top with more cheese.

Step 4: Heating & Eating the Brisket Loaded Nachos

  • Put the loaded brisket nachos into the oven at 200F as per the directions above.
  • Remove from the oven and add the chopped fresh ingredients as mentioned above.
  • Enjoy with friends and try not to burn your mouth while focusing on the football!

Have More Leftover Brisket?

See how other ways to use your leftover brisket

Leftovers Cottage Pie Recipe (Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Beef Brisket)

Smoked Brisket Chili

Brisket Lasagna

What to Serve With Brisket Nachos?

Wondering what to serve with your nachos?

Nachos can be a heavy meal so go for something light like;

Wasabi Potato Salad

Smoked Brussel Sprouts

Smoked Asparagus

Want more sides for nachos?

Loaded Brisket Nachos

Adding smoked brisket to your nachos makes them 10/10! You can use leftover brisket or smoke a brisket for them. Don't forget all the delicious toppings, like cheese, sour cream, green onions and guacamole
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, main, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Barbecue, bbq, dinner, grill, lunch
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 500kcal
Cost: 20

Equipment

  • Electric pellet grill/oven
  • Apple hardwood chips
  • Butcher Paper
  • Sharp knife
  • BBQ brush
  • BBQ Spray bottle
  • Oven tray
  • Meat probe
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

Brisket

  • A trimmed beef brisket
  • High smoke oil
  • Worchester Sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Brisket Spice Rub Choose Your Ratios
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Hot chili pepper flakes
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground chipotle peppers
  • Greek oregano
  • Garlic & onion powder
  • Brown sugar

Nachos

  • 1 16-ounce bag of tortilla chips OR 2 cups tortilla chips per person
  • Choice of cheese we picked a 4-cheese Mexican blend
  • Sliced green onions
  • Avocado slices
  • Mexican bean mixture of your choice
  • 1 cup jalapeno slices
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedgesSour cream

BBQ Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cups of tomato sauce
  • Tbsp brown sugar
  • 100 ml Worchester sauce
  • Honey
  • A pinch of the brisket spice rub
  • Enough apple cider vinegar for the right consistency
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Making the Spice Rub

  • A classic and simple rub where I want you to decide the ratios.
  • Just mix everything together well in a bowl but make sure the sugar is no more than 1/10 otherwise it will burn in the high heat we are smoking today.

Making the BBQ Sauce

  • Mix everything in a bowl and taste, adjust seasoning accordingly with the right consistency.

Making Your Own Nacho Chips

  • You can use store brough chips or make your own.
  • To make your own, cut corn tortilla shells into quarters and fry in small batches until slightly browned.
  • Place tortilla chips on a rack to dry and coat lightly with sea salt.

Make Your Own Cheese Sauce

  • Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a saucepan, when bubbly and melted add 2 tbsp of flour and stir until combined.
  • Whisk in 1 cup of milk and bring to a simmer.
  • Slowly mix in 8 oz of smoked cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Loading the Nachos

  • On an oven tray with a baking paper sheet at the bottom, start layering the nacho ingredients liberally in stages.
  • Add the brisket & BBQ sauce on top with more cheese.

Step 4: Heating & Eating the Brisket Loaded Nachos

  • Put the loaded brisket nachos into the oven at 200°F
  • Remove from the oven and add the chopped fresh cilantro

Smoke On!

Charlie

Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking, and getting out in the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)

You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling adventures with you!

You can read more on our About Us page.

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