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Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners · Main CourseAmerican BBQ

Smoked Texas-Style Brisket

By Robert P. Anderson · US & Metric Measurements · Ready in 15 hr 20 min

★★★★★4.8
·(40 home cook ratings)·✓ Tested in US Kitchens

Smoked Texas-Style Brisket layers beef brisket, kosher salt, coarse black pepper with clean hardwood smoke at 225°F on your Pit Boss pellet grill. Steady indirect heat builds a flavorful outer bark while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Plan on roughly 15.3 hours from prep to pull so the meat has time to take on smoke and rest before slicing.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 15 hr
Total: 15 hr 20 min
Servings: 6
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Ingredients (5)

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Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories
410 kcal
Total Fat
26g
Protein
38g
Carbs
12g
Sodium: 730mgFiber: 2g
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Rinse the brisket and pat dry. Remove extra fat, leaving a quarter of an inch.
2
Combine the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Over the brisket, rub evenly.
3
To marinate, cover and place in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.
4
Set the smoker's temperature to 225°F (107°C). Add bits of hickory wood.
5
For 12 to 15 hours, smoke the brisket fat-side up until the internal temperature reaches 195 to 203°F (90 to 95°C).
6
Before slicing against the grain, rest for an hour, wrapped in foil.

💡 Chef Tips for Best Results

  • ✓Preheat your Pit Boss with the lid closed for 15–20 minutes until thin blue smoke appears before putting Smoked Texas-Style Brisket on the grates.
  • ✓Cook to internal temperature rather than the clock alone (target smoker setting 225°F), using a calibrated leave-in meat probe in the thickest part.
  • ✓Rest cooked meats loosely tented in butcher paper or foil for 10–20 minutes so the juices redistribute before carving.

🧊 Storage, Freezing & Safe Reheating

Cool leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently until steaming hot (165°F internal temperature).

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood pellets work best for Smoked Texas-Style Brisket on a Pit Boss?

A competition blend (maple, hickory, and cherry) is a reliable all-rounder; use fruitwoods like apple or cherry for poultry, pork, and fish, or stronger hickory and oak for beef and rich game-day dishes.

How do I know when Smoked Texas-Style Brisket is done smoking?

Always verify with an instant-read digital thermometer in the thickest part of the food: USDA safe minimums are 165°F for poultry, 145°F with a 3-minute rest for whole cuts of pork or beef, and 195–203°F for probe-tender brisket or pulled pork.

📖 More Recipes from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners

Adapted from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners by Robert P. Anderson. Explore all 160 recipes in this collection or look up the print & Kindle edition on Amazon.

RP

Recipe by Robert P. Anderson

Adapted from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners and edited for American kitchens by the RecipeVault Pro editorial team — US & metric measurements, USDA-safe doneness temperatures, and practical tips. Our editorial policy

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