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+ servings
A close-up of a meal featuring shredded beef in a white dish, black beans with cheese in a cast iron skillet, cheesy dip with tortilla chips, and a small bowl of vegetables.

Brisket Taco Bowl Board

Print Recipe
This Build-Your-Own Brisket Bowl Dinner Board is a simple, customizable meal that makes dinner feel relaxed and special.
Prep Time:1 hour 55 minutes
Cook Time:9 hours
Instant Pot Cook Time:1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Brisket

  • 3 –4 lb beef brisket
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 –1½ cups beef broth see cooking method

Black Beans

  • 2 15-ounce cans black beans, not drained
  • Cotija cheese or feta cheese for topping

Rice

  • 2 cups cooked white rice such as basmati or jasmine

Toppings & Add-Ins

  • 1 cup shredded romaine or chopped lettuce
  • ¾ cup corn kernels
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup pickled red onions
  • ½ cup pico de gallo or salsa
  • ½ cup creamy taco or chipotle-style sauce
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Optional Extras

  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

Slow Cooker Brisket

  • Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season evenly on all sides with the salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Place the brisket in the slow cooker and pour 1 cup beef broth around the meat.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the brisket is tender and easily shreds.
  • Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes.
  • Shred the meat with two forks, removing excess fat as needed.
  • Return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking juices to keep it moist until serving.

Instant Pot Brisket

  • Pat the brisket dry and season on all sides with the salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and heat a small amount of oil. Sear the brisket for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned.
  • Turn off sauté mode and add 1½ cups beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Lock the lid and cook on Manual / Pressure Cook (High) for 75 minutes.
  • Allow a 15–20 minute natural pressure release, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
  • Transfer the brisket to a cutting board, rest for 10 minutes, and shred with two forks.
  • Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the brisket before serving or store the meat in the juices.

Simple Black Beans

  • Pour the black beans and their liquid into a small saucepan or cast iron skillet.
  • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with Cotija or feta cheese.

Assemble the Board

  • Warm the rice and transfer it to a serving bowl, fluffing gently with a fork.
  • Arrange the brisket, rice, and black beans on a large board or tray.
  • Place the remaining toppings and sauces in small bowls around the board.
  • Add tortilla chips to fill any open spaces.
  • Serve family-style and allow everyone to build their own brisket taco bowls.

Notes

Make-Ahead Notes
  • The brisket can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in its cooking liquid.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a covered skillet before assembling the board.
  • Leftovers make excellent bowls, tacos, or salads the next day.
Course: Beef Dinner
Servings: 4