This Beef Brisket with a Rich Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, slow-cooked beef is covered in a rich, savory gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef
2–3 lb (900 g–1.4 kg) beef brisket
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Reserved beef cooking juices
For Serving
Creamy mashed potatoes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the beef: Pat the brisket dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
Sear the brisket: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
Build the flavor: Add the sliced onion to the same pot and cook until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.
Add the liquid: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Slow cook: Return the brisket to the pot. Cover and cook over low heat until the beef is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork, about 3–4 hours, depending on the size of the brisket.
Make the gravy: Remove the cooked brisket and strain or reserve the cooking juices. Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the reserved cooking juices until smooth and thickened.
Finish the beef: Slice or gently shred the tender brisket.
Serve: Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with tender beef, generously pour over the rich gravy, and finish with freshly chopped parsley.
Pro Tips
Sear the brisket well before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
Cook the beef slowly until it is genuinely fork-tender.
Don’t discard the cooking juices—they are the key to a flavorful gravy.
Let the brisket rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 550–650 per serving, depending on the portion size and mashed potatoes used.
Beef Brisket with a Rich Gravy
