Tender Slow Cooked Beef Brisket (Print View)

Tender beef brisket slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and spices, perfect for comforting family meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 whole beef brisket, trimmed (4 lb)

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large onions, sliced
03 - 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
04 - 3 celery stalks, chopped
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Seasonings

06 - 2 tsp kosher salt
07 - 1 tsp black pepper
08 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano

→ Liquids

12 - 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
13 - 1 cup dry red wine (240 ml) or additional beef broth
14 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Oil

15 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Evenly season all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until deeply browned.
03 - Arrange sliced onions, carrot chunks, chopped celery, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, dry red wine, and tomato paste until fully blended.
05 - Place the seared brisket atop the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the brisket.
06 - Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the brisket is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
07 - Transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into even pieces.
08 - Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid. Serve the sliced brisket with vegetables and spoon the pan juices over the top.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender, as if it melts in your mouth without any fuss.
  • The blend of smoky paprika and fresh herbs gives a depth of flavor that feels like a culinary secret shared just between friends.
02 -
  • Patting the meat dry before searing is crucial to get that beautiful caramelized crust which adds immense flavor.
  • Letting the brisket rest after cooking makes slicing easier and keeps every bite juicy.
03 -
  • To save time, do the searing the day before and refrigerate the brisket overnight to intensify the flavors intertwining.
  • Don’t skip the browning step; it’s the secret that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.