Print Options:

Keto BBQ Beef Brisket with Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

There’s something about BBQ brisket that just feels like a celebration. Whether it’s a weekend gathering or just a night where we want something hearty and indulgent, brisket always makes it feel like a special occasion. And when we’re keeping it keto, this version lets us have it all—tender, smoky beef with a rich, cheesy cauliflower bake on the side that feels like comfort food done right.

We started making this combo when we were looking for a way to get that full BBQ platter experience without the baked beans, sugary sauces, or carb-heavy sides. The brisket is slow-cooked until it practically melts, and the cauliflower bake? It’s creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying without a single breadcrumb in sight.

This is one of those meals that feels like it shouldn’t be keto—but it is. Every bite is smoky, creamy, and rich in flavor and nutrients. It’s great for feeding a group, storing leftovers, or just treating yourself to something that tastes like a BBQ joint classic.

Cuisine , ,
Courses , ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 7 hrs Rest Time: 20 mins Total Time: 7 hrs 40 mins
Servings 6
Calories 540
Description

This keto BBQ beef brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly smoky. Paired with a cheesy cauliflower bake that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, it’s the perfect low-carb comfort plate.

Ingredients
    For the Brisket:
  • 3 lb beef brisket (flat cut)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
    • For the Cheesy Cauliflower Bake:
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
    For the Brisket:
  1. Preheat your smoker or oven: Set to 225°F.
  2. Season the brisket: Pat brisket dry. Rub with olive oil, then season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  3. Smoke or slow-roast:
  4. Smoker: Place brisket fat-side up and smoke for 6–8 hours, or until internal temp reaches 195°F–205°F.
  5. Oven: Wrap brisket in foil or place in a covered Dutch oven with beef broth. Roast for 6–8 hours until fork tender.
  6. Glaze with sauce: During the last 30 minutes, brush with sugar-free BBQ sauce.
  7. Rest: Let brisket rest, covered, for 20 minutes before slicing against the grain.
    8. For the Cheesy Cauliflower Bake:
  8. Prep the cauliflower: Steam or microwave cauliflower florets until tender (about 7–8 minutes). Drain well.
  9. Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and cream cheese over medium heat until smooth. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
  10. Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, combine cauliflower and cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 ServingCalories:540kcalTotal Fat:37gSaturated Fat: 15gTotal Carbohydrate:7gDietary Fiber: 2gSugars: 2gProtein:40g

Note

Substitutions & Variations

  • Dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the cauliflower bake.
  • No BBQ sauce? Use a dry rub only or try a mustard-based keto sauce.
  • Different cut? Use chuck roast if you don’t have brisket—adjust cook time accordingly.
  • Add-ins: Mix broccoli or spinach into the bake for added greens.
  • More heat? Add jalapeño slices to the cauliflower or brisket rub.
Read it online: https://ketoeatsrecipes.com/recipe/keto-bbq-beef-brisket-with-cheesy-cauliflower-bake/