Brisket in Gravy Recipe

Brisket in gravy is a wonderful dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The tenderness of brisket, paired with the delicious gravy, creates a meal that everyone will love. Today, I want to share my favorite brisket in gravy recipe along with tips and tricks to make the best version possible.

Ingredients for Brisket in Gravy Recipe

To get started, here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this succulent meat dish.

Brisket Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 lbs of beef brisket
  • 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or vegetable)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

  • 2-3 carrots, chopped
  • 2-3 potatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced

How to Make Brisket in Gravy Recipe

First things first, prepping your brisket properly is essential for a tasty dish. Start by trimming any excess fat from the brisket. A little fat is good as it keeps the meat moist, but too much can make it greasy.

Next, I like to season the brisket with salt and black pepper. This helps enhance the natural flavors of the beef and sets the stage for the gravy.

Searing the Brisket

Searing gives the brisket a beautiful color and locks in the juices.

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the brisket in the pot.
  3. Let it sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice brown crust, which adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
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Once seared, remove the brisket from the pot and set it aside for a moment.

Cooking the Aromatics

Now, it’s time to bring out the flavors of the aromatics.

  1. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The smell is simply divine at this point!

Building the Gravy

With the brisket and aromatics out of the way, it’s time to make the gravy.

  1. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it. This step helps loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the pot.
  2. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and any additional vegetables if you choose to add them.

Braising the Brisket

Return the brisket to the pot, placing it right in the gravy mixture.

  1. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 hours.

This slow cooking process allows the brisket to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the gravy.

Thickening the Gravy (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you might want to thicken it towards the end of cooking. Here’s how:

  1. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry.
  2. Stir the slurry into the gravy a few minutes before turning off the heat.

Wait a few minutes for the gravy to thicken up.

Serving the Brisket

Once the brisket is cooked and tender, it’s time to serve.

  1. Slice the brisket against the grain. This step ensures that the slices remain tender and not chewy.
  2. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and ladle the gravy over the top.
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I also like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness on my dish.

Side Dishes to Pair with Brisket in Gravy

Brisket in gravy pairs beautifully with several side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Mashed potatoes: The smooth texture complements the meat perfectly.
  • Rice: Both white rice or brown rice works well, soaking up that hearty gravy.
  • Roasted veggies: Carrots and Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients.
  • Bread: Freshly baked bread is ideal for dipping in the gravy.

Tips for Perfect Brisket in Gravy Recipe

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure my brisket in gravy turns out perfectly every time.

  • Choose the right cut: A well-marbled brisket will yield better results because of the fat content.
  • Don’t rush the cooking: Low and slow is the way to go here.
  • Let it rest: After cooking, let the brisket rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help retain the juices when slicing.
  • Adjust seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any delicious leftovers, I can’t blame you!

  1. Allow the brisket to cool to room temperature before storing.
  2. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
  3. It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Enjoy Your Brisket in Gravy Recipe

Brisket in gravy is more than just a meal. It’s a way of bringing family and friends together around the table. This dish offers comfort and satisfaction that everyone craves. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll make a delicious brisket that will make you feel proud. Give it a shot, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. It’s a dish that truly warms the heart!

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