How many calories are in slow cooked beef brisket? A comprehensive guide

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a 3 oz serving of slow-cooked beef brisket can range from approximately 198 calories for a lean cut to over 280 calories when including fat. The precise number of calories are in slow cooked beef brisket depends on several variables that are crucial to understanding its nutritional impact.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for slow-cooked beef brisket varies significantly based on its fat content and preparation. Factors like the specific cut, level of fat trimming, and added ingredients all impact the final nutritional profile.

Key Points

Fat Content is Key: The primary determinant of calories is the amount of fat in the brisket, as fat contains more than double the calories per gram than protein.
Lean vs. Fatty Cuts: A 100g serving of lean, trimmed brisket has roughly 198-203 calories, while a cut with fat can be over 280 calories per 100g.
Trimming Makes a Difference: Removing the visible fat cap before cooking significantly reduces the final calorie count of the dish.
Watch the Add-ins: High-calorie sauces, sugary rubs, and rich braising liquids can add hundreds of calories to your slow-cooked brisket.
Cooking Method Matters: The slow cooking process renders fat, which can be skimmed off and discarded after chilling to lower calorie intake.
Calorie-Conscious Tips: Opt for a lean cut, trim excess fat, use low-calorie braising liquids, and serve with healthy sides to control calories.

The Core of the Brisket Calorie Count

The primary factor influencing the calorie content of slow-cooked beef brisket is its fat composition. Brisket is typically sold as a full packer cut, which includes both the lean 'flat' and the fattier 'point'. Fat is more than twice as calorie-dense as protein, with 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram. Therefore, the amount of fat included in your final serving is the most critical variable to consider.

How Cut and Trimming Affect Calories

Lean vs. Fatty Cuts: A lean cut from the flat half of the brisket, trimmed of fat, can be considerably lower in calories. For instance, 100 grams of braised, lean-only brisket might have around 198 calories. In contrast, the same amount from a cut containing both lean and fat could contain upwards of 280 calories.
Impact of Trimming: The way you trim the brisket before cooking plays a huge role. Leaving a 1/8-inch fat cap, as is standard for many recipes, retains a significant amount of fat, which renders during cooking and keeps the meat moist. A recipe focusing on a leaner outcome will suggest trimming all excess fat. After cooking, you can also skim the rendered fat from the braising liquid for further calorie reduction.

Add-ins and the Final Calorie Count

While slow cooking doesn't inherently add many calories, the other ingredients can dramatically change the nutritional profile. Many brisket recipes call for calorie-dense additions:

Braising Liquids: Using rich ingredients like dark beer, beef stock, or a sugary barbecue sauce will increase the total calorie count. For example, a recipe might specify a full bottle of beer for braising.
Sauces and Rubs: Barbecue sauces are often high in sugar and thus high in calories, with some adding 100+ calories per few tablespoons. Spice rubs are generally low in calories, but if they include sugar, it will contribute.
Serving Sides: The calories from the brisket itself are only part of the story. Serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a heavy gravy will significantly boost the overall meal's caloric load.

Comparison Table: Lean Brisket vs. Fatty Brisket (per 100g, cooked)


Characteristic	Lean Brisket (Flat Half, Trimmed)	Fatty Brisket (Lean & Fat)
Calories	Approx. 198-203 kcal	Approx. 216-280 kcal
Fat	Approx. 6-7g	Approx. 17-21g
Protein	Approx. 33-34g	Approx. 29g
Texture	Tends to be drier, can be stringy if overcooked.	Very tender, moist, and succulent.
Best For	Sandwiches, lighter meals, calorie-conscious diets.	Barbecue, stews, classic comfort food dishes.

Actionable Tips for a Lower Calorie Brisket

Achieving a delicious yet lower-calorie slow-cooked brisket is entirely possible with a few mindful steps. These tips focus on minimizing fat and high-calorie ingredients without sacrificing flavor.

Select the Right Cut: Always opt for the 'flat' half of the brisket, as it is naturally leaner than the 'point' end. Make sure to specify to your butcher that you want a lean cut.
Trim Aggressively: Before cooking, remove as much of the visible, excess fat as possible from the brisket. A completely trimmed brisket will still yield a tender result when slow-cooked correctly.
Use Low-Calorie Liquids: Instead of beer or sugary sauces, use a braising liquid based on a low-sodium beef broth, dry red wine, or even water with plenty of aromatic vegetables and herbs.
Chill and Skim: After cooking, refrigerate the brisket and its liquid. The fat will solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim off and discard before reheating and serving.
Build Flavor Smartly: Focus on herbs, spices, and non-starchy vegetables for flavor. Onions, garlic, carrots, and a touch of vinegar can create a deep, savory profile without adding significant calories.
Serve with Lighter Sides: Pair your brisket with healthy, low-calorie options like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of steamed green beans instead of starchy potatoes or creamy dishes.

Conclusion: Mindful Preparation is Key

The number of calories in slow-cooked beef brisket is not a fixed number but a variable influenced by your choices. By understanding the core factors—the natural fat content of the cut, the degree of trimming, and the type of liquids and sauces used—you can effectively control the calorie count of your meal. A lean, properly trimmed brisket cooked with low-calorie braising liquid can be a protein-rich and satisfying meal, while an untrimmed cut with a sugary sauce will be a much more calorie-dense dish. Mindful preparation ensures you can enjoy this classic dish while staying aligned with your dietary goals. For an alternative recipe idea, consider this low-calorie braised brisket recipe found on The Kitchn.

Frequently Asked Questions

The slow cooking process itself does not add significant calories to the meat. However, it does render fat, and the ingredients you add, such as high-sugar sauces or beer, will increase the final calorie count.

To reduce calories, choose a lean cut of brisket (the flat), trim all visible fat before cooking, use low-sodium broth or dry wine for braising instead of sugary sauces, and skim the rendered fat from the cooking liquid after chilling.

Yes, lean brisket is significantly better for calorie counting. A trimmed, lean cut has a lower fat percentage, making it less calorie-dense per serving compared to cuts that include more of the fatty point.

A 3 oz serving of slow-cooked beef brisket can have anywhere from approximately 198 calories for a lean cut to over 280 calories if it includes both lean meat and fat.

Yes, different grades like 'Select' or 'Choice' can have varying fat content, which in turn affects the calorie count. Higher-grade cuts may have more intramuscular fat, but trimming can mitigate this.

Restaurant brisket is often higher in calories because it may use a fattier cut, is cooked with a generous fat cap, and is frequently served with high-sugar barbecue sauces and other calorie-dense sides.

When cooked, the fat and moisture content of brisket changes. The reported calorie counts are for the final cooked product. Calorie counts for raw meat are generally not reflective of the final meal's nutritional value.