Dutch Oven Beef Brisket Recipe: A Campfire Delight

Introduction:

Welcome, fellow camper, to the world of Dutch oven cooking! I’m thrilled to guide you through a delicious recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing around the campfire. Today, we’re going to explore the wonders of Dutch Oven Beef Brisket. This hearty dish will serve 6-8 hungry campers and is perfect for sharing stories and creating lasting memories in the great outdoors. So, let’s gather our ingredients, stoke the fire, and get ready for a culinary adventure!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Total Cooking Time: 4-5 hours

Ingredients:

– 4-5 pounds beef brisket (whole or flat cut)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 teaspoons salt

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 teaspoons paprika

– 2 teaspoons garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

– 1 teaspoon brown sugar

– 1 onion, thinly sliced

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 cups beef broth

– 1 cup barbecue sauce

– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke for a smoky flavor

Ingredient Alternatives:

– If beef brisket is not available, you can use chuck roast or bottom round roast as a substitute. Just ensure it’s a cut suitable for slow cooking.

– Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or substitute dried herbs with fresh ones if available.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dutch Oven:

– Place 12-14 hot charcoal briquettes on a fireproof surface, forming a circular pattern slightly larger than the base of your Dutch oven.

– Position the Dutch oven on top of the briquettes, ensuring a stable and level surface.

2. Season the Brisket:

– In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and brown sugar.

– Rub the brisket with olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

– Sprinkle the spice mixture over the entire brisket, patting it down to help it adhere.

3. Sear the Brisket:

– Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire or on a stovetop.

– Sear the brisket on both sides until nicely browned, creating a flavorful crust. This process will take about 5 minutes per side.

4. Create the Flavorful Bed:

– Remove the brisket from the Dutch oven and set it aside momentarily.

– Add the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic to the Dutch oven. Sauté them until softened and slightly caramelized.

– Place the seared brisket back into the Dutch oven, on top of the bed of onions and garlic.

5. Add the Liquid Ingredients:

– In a separate bowl, mix together beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using).

– Pour the liquid mixture over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

6. Slow Cooking:

– Put the lid on the Dutch oven, and now it’s time to transfer the heat to the top. Place 12-14 hot charcoal briquettes on the lid.

– Let the Dutch oven do its magic! Slow cook the brisket for 4-5 hours, adding additional charcoal briquettes to the bottom of the Dutch oven every 45 minutes to maintain a consistent temperature.

7. Checking for Doneness:

– After about 4 hours, carefully remove the lid and check the brisket for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easily pull apart.

– If it’s not yet tender enough, cover it back up and continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes until desired tenderness is achieved.

8. Resting and Serving:

– Once the brisket is tender, remove it from the Dutch oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful result.

– After resting, slice the brisket against the grain into thin, juicy pieces.

– Serve the Dutch Oven Beef Brisket with its delicious juices spooned over the top, along with your choice of side dishes.

Side Dish Ideas:

1. Dutch Oven Roasted Vegetables:

– While the brisket is cooking, you can prepare a delightful medley of roasted vegetables in another Dutch oven.

– Simply toss your favorite vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini) with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs.

– Place the vegetables in a preheated Dutch oven and cook them alongside the brisket until tender and lightly charred.

2. Campfire Baked Beans:

– No Dutch oven meal is complete without a side of delicious baked beans!

– In a Dutch oven, combine canned baked beans, diced bacon or ham, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and a touch of barbecue sauce.

– Let the mixture simmer over the campfire, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.

3. Dutch Oven Cornbread:

– Whip up a batch of savory cornbread to complement the rich flavors of the beef brisket.

– Prepare your favorite cornbread recipe and pour the batter into a greased and preheated Dutch oven.

– Cook it alongside the brisket, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean.

4. Tangy Coleslaw:

– Balance the richness of the beef brisket with a refreshing and tangy coleslaw.

– Shred cabbage and carrots, then toss them with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

– Let the coleslaw chill in a cooler or refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Congratulations, newbie camper! You’ve just mastered the art of Dutch Oven Beef Brisket. I hope this recipe adds a flavorful twist to your camping adventures and brings smiles to the faces of your fellow campers. The tender, succulent brisket, combined with the aromatic spices and savory bed of onions, will create a meal worth savoring. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side dishes to complete the camping feast. Happy cooking and happy camping!

Here are some camping related links that might be helpful.

Free Campsite Map	https://freecampsites.net/
Free Campsite	https://www.campendium.com/
Recreation	https://www.recreation.gov/
Campground Passes for Seniors	https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm