Colorado beef is synonymous with flavor, nutrition, and tradition. The largest economic export from our state, our beef industry supports our economy with $86.1 billion annually. This is a major endeavor and worthy of some praise for our hardworking ranchers. In honor of the National Western Stock Show this month, we are celebrating with savory slow cooker beef brisket. You can do so much with slow cooked beef brisket, from the taco recipe below to a traditional Sunday dinner, beef brisket is a versatile dish that just requires time.
Kicking our new year off right, beef offers many nutritional benefits. It is a red meat and also a top source of vitamin B12. Consuming beef in moderation (3 ounces per serving) provides important essential nutrients and protein that can contribute to a healthy diet. The same serving size of cooked lean beef provides around 22 grams of protein. Beef has an array of important nutrients including iron, choline, vitamin B6 and B12, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and selenium, all of which contribute to an overall healthy diet (Food Smart Colorado).
Colorado farmers, ranchers, feeders, and processors, alongside the beef industry, are continuing to find more ways to be as productive and sustainable as possible, while maintaining quality products. Like the research team at AgNext at Colorado State University, their mission is to find sustainable solutions for animal agriculture through resiliency, efficiency, and regeneracy.
We encourage you to make your shopping local and know where your food comes from in 2024. Find your closest local farmer, rancher, or butcher on ColoradoProud.com. In the meantime, try this delicious recipe from Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and make your next meal memorable!
Recipe from Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, My Bueno Recipes and Stories
Yield: 12-14 tacos | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 pounds beef brisket
- 2 ounces marinade of choice, per pound of meat
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 12 ounces beer (light or NA recommended)
Directions
- Place the brisket, marinade sauce, bay leaves, garlic cloves (if using), and beer in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Remove the brisket and shred the meat and discard fat pieces.
- Serve as the basis for tacos, nachos, sopes, flautas or more!
If you would like to enjoy this meal with a Colorado wine, we suggest the 44 Red Blend from Red Fox Cellars. This wine is full-bodied, well-balanced, and smooth, pairing well with marinated beef.
For non-alcoholic alternatives, try drinks from Ceria Brewing Company. They created a whole new brewing process to produce 0.00% ABV beer with an incredible flavor that you don’t normally get in a non-alcoholic beer. They have options like Belgian Style White and Hoppy IPA are locally made in Arvada, Colorado.
