Brisket and Vaquero Beans with Texas Beef BBQ Rub

July 6, 2025

Slow-simmered brisket and beans might not be a classic Texas plate combo, but this recipe draws its backbone from bold, beefy Central Texas flavors. Inspired by the smokehouse staples found across the Lone Star State, this dish brings together tender smoked brisket and heirloom Vaquero beans in a rich, tomato-laced broth. It’s not a traditional Texas side, but it honors the region with every bite—especially with a generous dose of Revolution Barbecue’s Texas Beef BBQ Rub adding depth and kick. Think of it as a backyard pitmaster’s version of chili beans—hearty, smoky, and loaded with soul.

Brisket and Vaquero Beans with Texas Beef BBQ Rub and Bird Brine

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Author:

Glenn Connaughton

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

5 hours

Calories

390

This dish brings leftover smoked brisket to life in a pot of deeply seasoned Vaquero beans, making it a smart and soulful way to stretch barbecue into the next day. The beans start with an overnight soak in Revolution Barbecue Bird Brine for extra flavor and tenderness, then simmer low and slow with onion, red bell pepper, garlic, tomato, and beef stock. What sets it apart is the addition of Texas Beef BBQ Rub, giving every spoonful a dose of that signature salt, pepper, and bell pepper flavor profile. The brisket gets folded in at the end to keep its bark and texture intact, infusing the pot with smoky richness without overpowering the beans.

Cook Mode

Ingredients

For Soaking the Beans

2 pounds Vaquero beans from Rancho Gordo
12 cups water
2 tablespoons Revolution Barbecue Bird Brine

For the Beans

2 tablespoons beef tallow (or neutral oil)
1 medium white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium beef stock
4 cups water
2 avocado leaves or bay leaves
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes
1 tablespoon Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub
5 cups leftover smoked brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes

Directions

Soak the Beans: In a large bowl, combine the beans, water, and Bird Brine. Cover and soak overnight, at least 12 hours. Drain and rinse well before cooking.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the beef tallow. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Simmer the Beans: Add the beef stock, water, avocado or bay leaves, soaked beans, tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, and Texas Beef BBQ Rub. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and cook for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Brisket: Stir in the smoked brisket and simmer uncovered for 1 more hour until the beans are fully tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more Texas Beef BBQ Rub, if desired. Discard the avocado or bay leaves before serving.

Recipe Note

Bringing together smoky brisket and creamy Vaquero beans, this one-pot meal is a celebration of resourcefulness and bold flavor. By brining the beans with Revolution Barbecue Bird Brine and seasoning the pot with Texas Beef BBQ Rub, you get layers of salt, pepper, umami, and smoke in every bite. Whether served as a main dish or alongside cornbread and pickles, this recipe bridges barbecue and bean pot traditions in a way that’s undeniably satisfying. Visit Revolution Barbecue to grab both the Bird Brine and Texas Beef BBQ Rub and bring the flavor home.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation

Serving Size 1 serving (445 grams)
Calories 390, Fat 12 grams, Polyunsaturated Fat 1 milligrams, Monounsaturated Fat 5 milligrams, Carbs 42 grams, Protein 30 grams, Potassium 780 milligrams, Fiber 9 grams, Sodium 610 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, Iron 4 milligrams