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Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

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Find it online: https://freshandtastyrecipes.com/slow-cooker-brisket-with-balsamic-gravy-recipe/