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Brisket Tacos

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brisket tacos topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro on a wooden board
Enjoy the flavor of our Brisket Tacos, bursting with tender beef brisket nestled in warm flour tortillas, and topped with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and a zesty squeeze of lime. Quick to prepare, this easy 10-minute recipe is the perfect option for your next taco night fiesta.
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Table of Contents
  1. Brisket Tacos Ingredients
  2. Beef Brisket Tacos Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make This Brisket Tacos Recipe
  4. How To Serve This Brisket Tacos Recipe
  5. How To Store Pulled Brisket Tacos
  6. Why This Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe Is The Best
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Sink your teeth into these succulent Brisket Tacos, a fusion of smoky beef brisket and zesty queso fresco wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Perfectly portable and bursting with flavor, they’re a surefire hit at any gathering.

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These boldly flavorful Brisket Tacos bring together the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of beef brisket with the freshness of cilantro and tang of lime. They’re an irresistable treat for taco lovers everywhere! Simple yet sensational, they’re a must-try.

brisket tacos topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro

Brisket Tacos Ingredients

Brisket Tacos raw ingredients that are labeled

Take your Cinco de Mayo party to the next level with these mouthwatering Brisket Tacos! Loaded with your favorite flavors and irresistible juicy, they’re sure to become a new family favorite food in no time.

You’ll need:

  • 8 flour tortillas (5 ½ inch – also called fajita sized)
  • 4 cups chopped beef brisket (cut into bite-size pieces) – You can make your own (use our incredibly delicious recipe for slow cooked brisket), use leftover meat, or buy pre-cooked brisket from the grocery store.
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco cheese 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 lime wedges

Beef Brisket Tacos Substitutions and Additions

If you’re looking to personalize your Brisket Tacos or accommodate dietary preferences, here are some easy substitutions and additions to consider. Remember, while these alternatives can provide plenty of flavor variety, they may alter the taste and texture of the dish.

Flour Tortillas: For a gluten-free option or a traditional Mexican vibe, swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Be sure to warm them up before topping them with all the yummy fillings for the best flavor and texture.

Beef Brisket: This recipe calls for pre-cooked beef brisket. You can make a fresh beef brisket using our recipe, use leftover brisket, or pick up a pre-cooked package from the store to make this recipe even easier. You can also swap the brisket for cooked pulled pork for a delicious variation. We think leftover chopped steak or even cooked and seasoned ground beef will also be excellent replacements in this recipe.

Queso Fresco Cheese: If queso fresco isn’t available, crumbled cotija cheese makes a fantastic substitute. Its salty, tangy flavor complements the richness of the brisket very well. Look for it in the Mexican cheese section of your local deli. Can’t find cotija? Give feta cheese a try for a similar flavor and texture.

Fresh Cilantro: Let’s face it: We aren’t all cilantro fans. If you need a replacement, try pico de gallo, a dry salsa made of tomatoes and onions, loved by Mexican food fans everywhere for its fresh flavor and bright color. You can also sprinkle finely chopped green onions overtop.

Lime Wedges: Run out of limes? No problem! You can omit the lime squeeze altogether or add sliced avocado to your tacos to add even more creaminess. Its buttery texture and mild flavor only enhance the flavors of the dish.

How To Make This Brisket Tacos Recipe

Let’s dive into the steps for creating this Taco Tuesday masterpiece! This is such an easy taco recipe, you’ll be enjoying the amazing flavor of these beef tacos in minutes!

STEP ONE: Assemble your ingredients, including your crumbled cheese, sliced limes, and heated brisket.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

To reheat leftover brisket, you’ll need to place the beef into a disposable aluminum pan or roasting pan. Add any leftover pan drippings along with 1 cup water. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. You can spoon some of the liquids over the top of the beef brisket to re-moisten the meat if needed. Chopping into bite-size pieces before assembling your tacos.

STEP TWO:​ Set the flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with 2-3 damp paper towels. Heat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on high power. Once the tortillas are warmed through, begin assembling your tacos.

tortilla topped on a plate with a dampened paper towel

STEP THREE: Place one tortilla shell onto a dinner plate. In a line down the center of the shell, add ½ cup of chopped beef brisket. Add 1 tablespoon of crumbled queso fresco on top of the brisket. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, then squeeze a lime wedge on top. Fold up the sides of the tortilla and place the assembled brisket taco onto a serving plate or taco holder.

PRO TIP:

Don’t overfill your taco shells, or the fillings will fall out and be messy when you try to eat them.

tortillas topped with brisket, crumbled cheese, and cilantro

STEP FOUR: Repeat the process until all the brisket tacos are assembled.

brisket tacos topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro

How To Serve This Brisket Tacos Recipe

From a classic taco night to creative meal ideas, there’s no limit to how you can serve this easy and delicious beef brisket recipe.

One of our favorite ways to serve these tacos is as part of a classic taco bar. Serve alongside a variety of toppings like thinly sliced jalapenos, chopped red onion, shredded iceberg lettuce, and crema or sour cream. Allow guests to customize their tacos to their liking! Perfect for taco Tuesday, or a teenager’s birthday party.

Turn your Brisket Tacos into a hearty taco salad by layering chopped romaine lettuce with diced tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese, avocado slices, and crumbled tortilla chips. Top it all off with your favorite dressing (we like French salad dressing) or a homemade sauce, like our spicy cilantro lime dressing

For a completely different flavor, turn this recipe into BBQ brisket tacos by coating your brisket in your favorite smoky BBQ sauce before assembling.

Serve your brisket taco filling over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a satisfying taco bowl that will fill up even the hungriest bellies. Add black beans, roasted vegetables, sliced avocado, and a dollop of salsa for a colorful and nutritious meal that’s better than any takeout version.

Or, turn these into miniature shredded brisket sliders served on slider buns instead of soft tortillas. Just like our BBQ Chicken Sliders, these handheld sandwiches make for a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer or party snack. Top with a drizzle of BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Serve your smoky Brisket Tacos with a cold margarita for a refreshing and celebratory drink option alongside a pitcher of pretty pink strawberry lemonade

Round out your meal by serving your tacos with traditional Tex-Mex sides like rice and beansMexican street corn), refried beans, or a fresh pineapple mango salsa. Serve a classic fried ice cream or homemade churro bites for a sweet finish to your taco feast.

Whether you’re hosting a laid-back gathering with friends or planning a special family dinner, Brisket Tacos are the perfect addition to any occasion. They’re perfect for a game day fiesta alongside chips and salsa, classic taco salad, and fajita quesadillas. For family taco night, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, Mardi Gras, or a taco-lover’s birthday party, this recipe is sure to impress the entire family.

How To Store Pulled Brisket Tacos

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Prepare your ingredients and store them separately in covered containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, heat the chopped brisket and tortillas. Assemble and enjoy!

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sooner you eat them, the better. If you can, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers, but if your tacos are assembled, wrap them in plastic wrap to preserve the tortilla shells.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend you freeze leftover brisket tacos.

HOW TO REHEAT: If your fillings are separated, you can reheat your leftover smoked brisket and tortilla shells, then reassemble as directed above. If your tacos are already assembled, you can deconstruct them and reheat the filling separately from the shell. Alternatively, you can wrap the entire taco in a damp paper towel and reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

Why This Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe Is The Best

There’s something undeniably irresistible about Brisket Tacos that keeps us coming back for more. From their mouthwatering flavors to their versatility in serving, this is our new favorite taco recipe, and we know you’ll want to make it time and time again.

Reasons Why We Love This Recipe:

  • Simplicity: One of the most compelling reasons to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and easy instructions, anyone can whip up a batch of delicious leftover brisket tacos without breaking a sweat.
  • Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a huge birthday. bash, this Brisket Tacos recipe is always a hit. The recipe’s versatility allows you to customize toppings and side dishes to suit any occasion, making them a go-to choice for any get-together.
  • Bold Flavors and Fresh Ingredients: Bite into a Brisket Taco, and you’re greeted with all the best Tex-Mex flavors that make for an irresistible dinner. From the tender meat to the delicious flavor of creamy queso fresco cheese, this simple recipe is hard to beat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make leftover brisket tacos and use brisket from another recipe?

Yes, leftover brisket from a previous meal works perfectly for these tacos. Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces and reheat it gently before assembling the tacos for the best flavor.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time for a party?

It’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to so the tortillas don’t get soggy. We recommend serving the taco components without prior assembly. Your guests will enjoy making their own tacos. Just keep the toppings and fillings separate until ready to serve.

Can I make these tacos spicy?

Absolutely! Feel free to add some diced jalapenos, poblano peppers, or a sprinkle of chili powder to the brisket filling. You can also serve them with hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

Can I make the brisket ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brisket ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to reheat it gently before assembling the tacos to ensure it’s warm and tender.

Can I use different types of cheese for these tacos?

While queso fresco is traditional, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of a spicy kick.

Can I make these tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the beef brisket for roasted vegetables or marinated tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Be sure to season the veggies or tofu well to add flavor.

Can I use chicken instead of beef brisket for this recipe?

While beef brisket is the traditional choice for these tacos, you can certainly use chicken if you prefer. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or make a quick meal with a rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and seasonings accordingly for the best results. You can season your chicken with Mexican seasoning or coat it in barbecue sauce. Top with avocado crema, fresh lime juice, and all of your other favorite toppings.

Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner, throwing a party with friends, or enjoying a laid-back game day party, these Mexican brisket tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and an easy, go-to option, so hosting company is a breeze. These Brisket Tacos are sure to become a staple request on Taco night, and since they’re ready in less than 10 minutes, you won’t mind at all!

brisket tacos topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro on a wooden board

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brisket tacos topped with crumbled cheese and cilantro on a wooden board

Brisket Tacos

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Enjoy the flavor of our Brisket Tacos, bursting with tender beef brisket nestled in warm flour tortillas, and topped with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and a zesty squeeze of lime. Quick to prepare, this easy 10-minute recipe is the perfect option for your next taco night fiesta.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 tacos

Ingredients
  

  • 8 flour tortillas, 5 ½ inch – also called fajita sized
  • 4 cups chopped beef brisket, bite size pieces (see tips for reheating leftover beef brisket if needed)
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in 2-3 dampened paper towels and placing them onto a microwave safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds on high or until the tortillas are warmed through.
  • Place a single tortilla onto a plate. Add to the center of the tortilla ½ cup chopped beef brisket, 1 tablespoon crumbled queso fresco cheese, sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of one lime wedge. Fold up the sides of the tortilla and place the assembled brisket taco into a serving plate or a taco holder.
  • Repeat step 2 until all the brisket tacos are assembled.

Notes

  • To reheat leftover brisket, you’ll need to place the beef into a disposable aluminum pan or roasting pan. Add any leftover pan drippings along with 1 cup water. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. You can spoon some of the liquids over the top of the beef brisket to re-moisten the meat if needed. Chop into bite-size pieces before assembling your tacos.
  • Don’t overfill your taco shells, or the fillings will fall out and be messy when you try to eat them.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 77IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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