If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, then you must try my Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy Recipe. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket with a rich, tangy balsamic gravy that brings an irresistible depth of flavor to your table. It’s a fantastic recipe to prepare any day of the week, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and delighting family and friends alike with each hearty bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable slow-cooked masterpiece. Each component enhances the final dish in its own way, contributing to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this brisket truly shine.
- 3 to 4 lb beef brisket (flat cut preferred): The star of the show, providing tender, flavorful meat when slow-cooked to perfection.
- 2 yellow onions, sliced: Add natural sweetness and create a luscious base layer of flavor in the slow cooker.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the dish with savory aroma and depth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Keeps the brisket moist while enriching the gravy with robust, meaty notes.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang and sweetness, giving the gravy its signature character.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity that amplifies the overall richness of the dish.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the acidity of balsamic vinegar with smooth, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A fragrant herb that brightens the slow-cooked flavors without overpowering them.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry): Thickens the cooking liquid into a beautiful, glossy balsamic gravy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Brisket
Start by seasoning your brisket generously with salt and black pepper. Then, heat a skillet until very hot and carefully sear the brisket on all sides until it develops a deep brown crust. This initial searing locks in the juices and creates a richer flavor in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Layer the sliced yellow onions and minced garlic evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This aromatic base will slowly soften and infuse the brisket with sweetness and savory tones throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this savory and slightly sweet mixture over the onions and garlic. This flavorful liquid forms the foundation of your luscious balsamic gravy.
Step 4: Place and Season the Brisket
Carefully lay the seared brisket on top of the onion and sauce mixture. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the meat for an herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow the brisket to cook for 8 to 10 hours, until it becomes fork-tender and full of flavor. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the connective tissues, making the meat irresistibly tender.
Step 6: Rest and Prepare the Gravy
Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for several minutes to redistribute the juices. Strain the cooking liquid to remove the onions and garlic, then pour it into a saucepan.
Step 7: Thicken the Gravy
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the strained liquid over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy, velvety balsamic gravy.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested brisket against the grain into generous portions. Serve warm with a generous ladle of the balsamic gravy drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprigs make excellent garnishes that add a burst of vibrant color and freshness to the plate. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top enhances the savory notes, while a light drizzle of additional balsamic vinegar adds a bright finish if desired.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful slow cooker brisket with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up every last drop of the balsamic gravy. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans also provide a satisfying contrast of texture and nutrition, completing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve slices of brisket atop a rustic wooden board with small bowls of gravy and a side of fresh arugula salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Alternatively, pile tender brisket into warm sandwich buns with a slather of gravy for an unforgettable comfort food experience that’s both casual and indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slow cooker brisket with balsamic gravy keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to pour some gravy over the slices before storing to maintain moisture and keep the meat tender.
Freezing
You can freeze both the sliced brisket and the balsamic gravy separately for up to 3 months. Store them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat brisket gently in a covered dish in the oven or microwave, adding some reserved gravy or beef broth to keep it moist. Warm the gravy separately on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through, then serve together for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While brisket is ideal due to its marbling and texture, you can substitute chuck roast for a similar slow-cooked experience. Just adjust cooking times as needed to achieve fork-tender results.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand?
You can replace it with a mix of red wine vinegar and a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor profile, though balsamic vinegar offers a unique depth that’s hard to replicate perfectly.
Can I speed up the cooking time?
While the slow cooking process is key to tender brisket, you can cook it on high for 4 to 6 hours instead of low for 8 to 10 hours. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.
How do I know when the brisket is done?
The brisket should be fork-tender, meaning you can easily insert and pull out a fork with little resistance. It should also have developed a deep, rich color and aroma.
Is the gravy gluten-free?
The gravy is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and cornstarch, which naturally does not contain gluten. Always check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the warmth and satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a perfectly slow-cooked brisket, especially when paired with that irresistible balsamic gravy. I hope you’ll give this Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy Recipe a try and enjoy creating a meal that’s full of love, flavor, and comfort. It’s a dish that turns any day into a special occasion, promising smiles around every dinner table.
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Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy is a tender and flavorful beef dish perfect for a comforting meal. The brisket is first seared to develop a rich crust, then slow-cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and a savory balsamic-infused sauce until fork-tender. Finished with a thickened balsamic gravy, this recipe yields a deliciously moist, melt-in-your-mouth brisket that’s ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Brisket and Aromatics
- 3 to 4 lb beef brisket (flat cut preferred)
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking Liquid
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Gravy Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Season and Sear Brisket: Generously season the beef brisket with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the brisket on all sides until it develops a rich, browned crust. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the brisket.
- Mix and Add Cooking Liquid: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add Brisket and Season: Lay the seared brisket on top of the onion mixture. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the meat to enhance its savory notes.
- Slow Cook the Brisket: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender and easily shredded.
- Rest and Strain Liquid: Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan to separate the onions and garlic from the gravy base.
- Prepare Balsamic Gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Whisk this into the strained cooking liquid over medium heat on the stove, cooking until the mixture thickens into a smooth, glossy gravy.
- Serve: Slice the rested brisket against the grain into thin slices and serve it warm, generously topped with the balsamic gravy.
Notes
- For best results, use a flat cut brisket as it cooks more evenly.
- Make sure to sear the brisket well; this enhances both color and flavor.
- You can prepare this recipe the day before and reheat it gently to improve flavor melding.
- If thicker gravy is desired, adjust the amount of cornstarch accordingly.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
