If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s bursting with rich, comforting flavors, you’ve got to try this Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth brisket slow-cooked in a luscious tomato and red wine sauce with aromatic herbs and vegetables that creates a perfect harmony of rustic Italian flavors. This dish isn’t just a dinner; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with unforgettable taste. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for special family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe is how the ingredients come together so simply yet deliver complex, deep flavors. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender beef brisket to the fragrant combination of herbs and vegetables that create a vibrant sauce.
- 3–4 pound beef brisket, trimmed: The star of the dish, it needs to be well-trimmed to balance tenderness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the brisket to develop a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with that signature Italian aroma.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a little texture.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides a subtle herbal layer and crunch that softens with cooking.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The rich base of the braising liquid, balancing acidity with heartiness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the brisket moist.
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional): Adds complexity and depth to the sauce; worth it if you have some on hand.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a thick, luscious body.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Offers a subtle tang and sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that ties the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic quality to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to season the brisket and sauce perfectly.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds color and a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.
How to Make Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe
Step 1: Preparing and Searing the Brisket
First, you want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat your brisket dry with paper towels – this helps you get a beautiful brown crust later. Then generously season it with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the brisket on both sides until it develops a deep golden-brown color, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and creates a savory crust that elevates the dish.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Once the brisket is seared, remove it and set aside. In the same pot, add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to burn it. This combination of aromatic vegetables forms the perfect foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Creating the Braising Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook briefly to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine if you’re using it. Add the balsamic vinegar along with the oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth. Bring this mixture to a simmer, allowing all those layers of flavor to meld perfectly.
Step 4: Braising the Brisket
Return the seared brisket to the pot, nestling it comfortably into the rich sauce. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil to trap moisture, then place it in the preheated oven. Let it braise slowly for 3 to 3.5 hours until the meat is incredibly tender and easy to slice. This long, gentle cooking breaks down the fibers, making your brisket unbelievably soft.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
When the brisket is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite juicy and flavorful. Spoon the luscious sauce and vegetables over the sliced brisket and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. You’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note. For a bit more indulgence, feel free to add freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or rustic crusty Italian bread. Each side has its own way of soaking up the rich tomato-based sauce, turning your meal into a complete, comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, slice the brisket thinly and fan it out over a bed of polenta or roasted vegetables. Drizzle with the braising sauce and sprinkle with herbs. Another fun idea is to pile the sliced brisket onto toasted Italian rolls to create a hearty sandwich perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Letting it chill also makes slicing easier and cleaner.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this brisket freezes beautifully. Place the meat and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing to retain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe?
While brisket is ideal for braising thanks to its fat content and connective tissue, you can use other cuts like chuck roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times and texture may vary slightly.
Is the red wine necessary?
Red wine adds wonderful depth and complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply omit it. Extra beef broth will keep the sauce flavorful and rich.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After searing the brisket and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours or until tender. It’s a hands-off way to get the same great results.
What is the best way to slice brisket?
Always slice against the grain to ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew. Look closely at the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! This classic Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and other ingredients do not contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way this Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe transforms a humble cut of meat into a spectacular, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. It’s a dish that not only fills your home with inviting aromas but also brings people together around the table. I truly hope you give it a try soon and experience the joy of sharing a dish that feels like a warm hug from Italy itself.
Print
Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Italian Style Braised Brisket is a hearty and flavorful main course featuring tender beef brisket slowly braised in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish combines the robust flavors of Italian spices with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of slow-cooked brisket.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 3–4 pound beef brisket, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the brisket dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture and season it generously with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
- Sear the Brisket: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Place the brisket in the pot and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, which locks in juices. Remove the brisket and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add sliced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste into the softened vegetables, cooking briefly to deepen flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, optional red wine, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld all the flavors.
- Braise the Brisket: Nestle the seared brisket back into the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil to trap moisture and place it in the preheated oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the brisket becomes very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from the oven and let the brisket rest for 15–20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the brisket against the grain into thick pieces. Spoon the rich sauce and cooked vegetables over the slices, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Best made a day ahead—flavors deepen overnight, and it’s easier to slice when chilled.
- Reheat gently before serving to preserve tenderness.
- Serve with polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
