Hearty Beef Brisket

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you're looking to impress with minimal fuss, this Hearty Beef Brisket is the one for you. It’s a comforting, no-fuss dish that brings out the rich, deep flavors of slow-cooked beef. Perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings!

Ingredients for Hearty Beef Brisket

The star of this dish is obviously the beef brisket. It's a cut that benefits from slow cooking, which breaks down its fibers and turns it tender and juicy. Olive oil is used to sear the brisket, locking in flavors and giving it a lovely crust. The onion and garlic add an aromatic base, blending with the other flavors. Beef broth and red wine create a rich, savory sauce, while tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add depth and complexity. A touch of brown sugar balances the acidity, and salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly. Finally, bay leaves add a subtle herbal note.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the brisket overnight with the Worcestershire sauce and pepper.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Let the brisket rest before slicing — this really makes a difference in the juiciness!

Serving Suggestions

This brisket pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter side, try a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables. If you’re serving a crowd, consider offering a variety of sides to cater to different tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen when made a day ahead. Just reheat gently in the oven.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, sear the brisket and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
What can I substitute for red wine?
Use additional beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for that extra depth of flavor.

Hearty Beef Brisket Recipe Walkthrough

First off, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow heat is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Grab a large Dutch oven and heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully add your brisket. Let it sear until it's beautifully browned on both sides. This step is all about building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Once browned, remove the brisket and set it aside for a moment. In the same pot, toss in your sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant — it should only take a few minutes. Now, stir in your tomato paste, pour in the red wine and beef broth, and make sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where the magic happens!

Return the brisket to the pot and add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Cover the pot and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours, checking occasionally, until the brisket is tender enough to fall apart with a fork.

When it’s ready, remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Slice it against the grain for the best texture, and serve it up with that heavenly sauce spooned over the top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, rich flavor from a slow cooking process.
  • Minimal prep time — let the oven do the work.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients

4 lbs beef brisket
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the brisket and sear on both sides until browned.
3. Remove the brisket and set aside. In the same pot, add sliced onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return the brisket to the pot, add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
6. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is tender.
7. Let the brisket rest before slicing against the grain. Serve with the sauce.

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