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Tender Braised Beef Brisket Recipe Easy Savory Sauce for Dinner

tender braised beef brisket - featured image

A comforting and tender braised beef brisket slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and perfect for cozy dinners or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat but leaving some for flavor and moisture
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced thinly
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the brisket and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
  4. Remove the brisket and set aside.
  5. Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
  8. Pour in the red wine and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
  9. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir gently.
  10. Return the brisket to the pot, nestling it into the liquid so it covers about two-thirds of the meat; add more broth if needed.
  11. Cover the pot with its lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, checking occasionally after 2.5 hours to ensure there’s enough liquid. The brisket is done when it shreds easily with a fork.
  12. Remove the brisket and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  13. Simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop over medium heat to thicken slightly if needed.
  14. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve drizzled with the rich sauce.

Notes

For an even more tender result, marinate the brisket overnight in red wine and garlic before cooking. Do not rush the searing step as the crust adds important flavor. If the sauce is too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Slice against the grain for tender bites. Slow cooker method possible but sauce may be less rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: braised beef brisket, beef brisket recipe, slow cooked brisket, savory beef brisket, easy brisket recipe, comfort food, dinner recipe