Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Caramelized Onions and Vegetables

This slow-braised beef brisket is deeply savory, rich with sweet caramelized onions, tender vegetables, and a touch of wine. It’s the perfect comfort meal for a cozy weekend or a special gathering.

There’s just something magical about a slow-braised brisket—tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, sweet caramelized onions, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory juices. This recipe is a cozy weekend project, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you want your kitchen to smell insanely divine.

Bonus: it all comes together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal fuss!

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Cooking Tools Needed

• Large Dutch oven or oven-safe enamel cast iron pot with lid

• Tongs

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Small bowl (for flouring the brisket)

Ingredients

• 2 to 4 pounds flat-cut beef brisket, trimmed to leave 1/4 inch of fat

• Sea salt, taste to preference

• Freshly ground black pepper, taste to preference

• 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 to 4 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons

• 1 tablespoon salted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 cup dry vermouth or dry sherry (not sweet)

• 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 8 to 10 baby portobello mushrooms (depending on the size of your food-consuming audience), cleaned and stems trimmed

• 4 to 6 large garlic cloves, whole

• 2 bay leaves

• 3 to 4 ounces tomato paste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Season the brisket generously on all sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dust the brisket with flour, ensuring an even coating.

3. Sear the brisket: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe enamel cast iron pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Remove the brisket and set it aside on a platter.

4. Caramelize the onions: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the onions, butter, dried thyme, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the dry vermouth or dry sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

6. Layer the vegetables: Add the carrots, mushrooms, garlic cloves, and bay leaves to the onion mixture.

7. Prepare the brisket: Evenly coat the entire brisket with tomato paste. Place the brisket, along with any accumulated juices from the platter, atop the onion and vegetable mixture. Season with additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper!

8. Braise: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. All ovens vary!

9. Rest the brisket: Remove the pot from the oven and let the brisket rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

10. Serve and enjoy! Spoon the caramelized onions, vegetables, and rich pan juices over the sliced brisket.

Pro Tip:

For the absolute best flavor, make the brisket a day ahead! Let it cool completely, refrigerate overnight in its juices, and gently reheat before serving. The flavors deepen beautifully, and the meat becomes even more tender.

Serving Suggestions:

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing—perfect for soaking up all that rich pan sauce.

• Serve it with buttered egg noodles for a cozy, old-school comfort meal.

• Crusty artisan bread makes a simple and rustic side—great for mopping up the delicious juices.

• Soft, creamy polenta is a dreamy base for the brisket and its juices—rich, hearty, and comforting.

• For a lighter option, try roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Feeling indulgent? Spoon the brisket over cheesy grits for a Southern-inspired twist!

There’s nothing like a slow-braised brisket to make a meal feel special. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings all the comfort and flavor to the table.

Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

xoxoxo

~ Bek