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Beef Brisket Cooking Time Calculator

Beef brisket is a tough cut from the chest that transforms into incredibly tender, flavorful meat through low and slow cooking. It's the crown jewel of Texas BBQ and perfect for braising.

Beef Brisket Cooking Calculator
Enter your beef brisket details to calculate cooking time

Enter the weight of your beef brisket

Estimated Cooking Time

10h 0m

(600 minutes total)

Internal Temp

195°F

Resting Time

30 min

USDA Safe Temperature: The USDA recommends cooking beef to an internal temperature of at least 195°F for food safety. Always use a meat thermometer to verify.

Pro Tips for Beef Brisket

  • 1Keep fat cap up for self-basting during cooking
  • 2Wrap in foil or butcher paper at 165°F (Texas crutch)
  • 3Cook to 195-205°F until probe tender, not just by temp
  • 4Rest for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours in a cooler
  • 5Slice against the grain for tender pieces
  • 6The flat and point cook at different rates

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to smoke a brisket at 225?
At 225°F, brisket takes approximately 1.5-2 hours per pound. A 12 lb brisket would take 18-24 hours. The 'stall' at 160-170°F can add several hours - be patient.
When is brisket done?
Brisket is done when it reaches 195-205°F and the probe slides in like butter. Temperature alone isn't enough - it needs to be 'probe tender.' This usually happens between 195-205°F.
Should I wrap my brisket?
Wrapping (the 'Texas crutch') speeds up cooking and helps power through the stall. Use foil for more moisture or butcher paper for better bark. Many pitmasters wrap at 165-170°F internal temp.

Last updated: December 2025