West Texas Beef Belly Recipe: Smoked and Slow-Cooked

Here at Wellborn 2R Ranch, we know our way around a cut of beef, and one of our favorite cuts to work with is beef belly. This underrated cut of meat is incredibly flavorful and versatile, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. So, saddle up and let's get cooking!

West Texas Beef Belly Recipe: Smoked and Slow-Cooked

Ingredients:

• 1 beef belly, approximately 5-6 lbs.
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 2 cups beef broth
• Wood chips (hickory or oak work well)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Set the temperature to 225°F.

2. While the smoker is heating up, prepare the beef belly. Mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef belly, making sure to coat it evenly.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. This will be used as a baste for the beef belly later on.

4. Once the smoker is up to temperature, place the beef belly on the rack and close the lid. Smoke the beef belly for approximately 2-3 hours, adding wood chips as necessary to maintain the smoke.

5. After 2-3 hours, remove the beef belly from the smoker and place it in a large disposable aluminum pan. Pour the beef broth into the pan, making sure to cover the bottom of the pan.

6. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the smoker. Continue cooking the beef belly for an additional 6-8 hours, or until it's tender and has reached an internal temperature of 190°F.

7. Every hour or so, baste the beef belly with the apple cider vinegar mixture to keep it moist and flavorful.

8. Once the beef belly is fully cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This beef belly is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Slice it thin and serve it on a sandwich with pickles and mustard.
• Chop it up and use it as a topping for nachos or loaded fries.
• Cube it and use it in a beef belly chili.
• Serve it alongside your favorite BBQ sides, like coleslaw and baked beans.

Tips:

• Don't be afraid to experiment with different wood chips to achieve the flavor profile you prefer. Hickory and oak are classic choices, but mesquite or fruit woods can also work well.
• Make sure to let the beef belly rest before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender and flavorful end product.
• If you don't have a smoker, you can still achieve similar results by slow-cooking the beef belly in a Dutch oven in the oven at a low temperature (around 225°F) for 6-8 hours.

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. And remember, when you choose Wellborn 2R Beef, you're not just getting delicious beef – you're supporting a family-owned ranch that takes pride in producing high-quality, sustainable, and humane beef. Thank you for choosing Wellborn 2R Beef!