Southern-Style Brisket With Collard Greens

There’s nothing quite like a plate of Southern-style brisket with collard greens to bring comfort and flavor to your table.

This dish features fall-apart tender brisket slow-cooked in savory spices, paired with smoky, garlicky collard greens that soak up all those delicious juices.

It’s a soul-warming meal rooted in tradition, perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something deeply satisfying and full of Southern charm.

Why You’ll Love This Southern-Style Brisket With Collard Greens?

• Comfort food at its finest: This dish is rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
• Slow-cooked perfection: The brisket becomes tender and flavorful with every hour of braising.
• Flavor-packed greens: Collard greens cooked with aromatics and seasoning bring a bold, savory side to the plate.
• Great for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and makes for delicious leftovers.
• Classic Southern flavors: Smoky, savory, and soulfully spiced from start to finish.

Ingredients For Southern-Style Brisket With Collard Greens

This recipe brings together tender beef brisket and flavorful collard greens for a soulful, satisfying Southern-style meal.

For the Brisket

• 3–4 lb beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Collard Greens

• 1 lb fresh collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step By Step Instruction Make Southern-Style Brisket With Collard Greens

Step 1: Sear the Brisket

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on both sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), thyme, and cumin. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Braise the Brisket

Return the brisket to the pot. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3–4 hours or until the brisket is fork-tender.

PRO TIP: Check occasionally and add a splash of broth if the liquid reduces too much during cooking.

Step 4: Make the Collard Greens

While the brisket cooks, prepare the collard greens. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute.

Add the collard greens and cook, stirring, until wilted slightly. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer on low for 30–40 minutes, until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Slice or shred the tender brisket and serve it with a generous helping of collard greens on the side. Spoon some of the braising liquid over the brisket for extra flavor.

FAQs or Tips Section

Here are helpful answers to common questions about this Southern-style brisket and collard greens dish.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the brisket and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours until the brisket is tender.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Store the brisket and collard greens separately in airtight containers for the best results.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Slice or shred the brisket and store it in a freezer-safe container with some of the braising liquid for up to 3 months. Collard greens can also be frozen, though their texture may soften slightly upon reheating.

Do I have to use collard greens?

If collard greens aren’t available, you can substitute with kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens. Cooking times may vary depending on the green you choose.

What’s the best way to reheat brisket without drying it out?

Reheat the brisket gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of its braising liquid to keep it moist. Cover it tightly with foil or a lid.

Variations or Serving Suggestions

• Add a Southern side: Serve this dish with cornbread, baked macaroni and cheese, or creamy grits for a true Southern feast.
• Turn up the heat: Add more cayenne or hot sauce to the collard greens or brisket if you prefer spicier dishes.
• Use smoked meat flavor: Add a smoked turkey leg or a piece of ham hock to the collard greens for extra smoky depth.
• Make it ahead: Both components taste even better the next day, making this a great dish for prepping in advance.

Nutrition + Summary

Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	540
Protein	42g
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	780mg

Summary:
Southern-style brisket with collard greens is a classic comfort food that delivers bold flavor and tender textures in every bite. The slow-braised brisket is rich and savory, while the greens bring a smoky, garlicky balance to the plate. Whether for a family gathering or a soul-satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to please anyone who appreciates Southern cooking at its best.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.