Save A comforting, slow-cooked beef brisket served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes—a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
I first made this classic brisket and mashed sweet potatoes for a holiday dinner, and it has become a much-anticipated tradition. The aroma filling the kitchen while the brisket slow-cooks always brings everyone together in anticipation of a truly comforting meal.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket: 1 (4–5 lb / 1.8–2.2 kg) beef brisket
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onions: 2 large, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 3 large, cut into chunks
- Celery: 2 stalks, cut into chunks
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Dry red wine: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sweet potatoes: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), peeled and cubed
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Salt (for potatoes): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for potatoes): 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Season Brisket:
- Pat the brisket dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Sear Brisket:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot, heat a little oil over medium-high. Sear the brisket on both sides until browned (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Braising Liquid:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Braise Brisket:
- Return brisket to the pot, fat side up. Spoon some vegetables and liquid over the top. Cover tightly and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3–3.5 hours until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15–20 minutes, until very tender. Drain well.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Mash sweet potatoes with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Rest and Slice Brisket:
- When the brisket is done, let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve:
- Serve slices of brisket with vegetables and braising sauce, alongside mashed sweet potatoes.
Save This brisket is often a centerpiece at our family get-togethers—everyone loves gathering at the table to share in this comforting, homemade meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the brisket and sweet potatoes with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal. Garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme adds a touch of color and extra freshness.
Make Ahead & Storage
This dish can be made a day ahead—the flavors improve overnight. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before serving.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream). Gluten-free if you select the correct Worcestershire sauce. Contains no nuts, eggs, or soy.
Save This classic brisket with mashed sweet potatoes brings warmth and joy to any table. Enjoy the deep flavors and creamy sides for a truly satisfying meal.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How long should the brisket be braised?
Braise the brisket for 3 to 3.5 hours until it becomes fork-tender and easily slices against the grain.
- → Can red wine be substituted in the braising liquid?
Yes, red wine can be replaced with extra beef broth if preferred, which will still create a rich braising sauce.
- → What is the best way to achieve creamy mashed sweet potatoes?
Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with unsalted butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper for a smooth and creamy texture.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the braising sauce?
After removing the brisket, reduce the braising liquid over medium heat to concentrate flavors and thicken the sauce.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
This dish contains dairy from butter and cream but is gluten-free if using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Always check ingredient labels.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich flavors, making it an excellent pairing for this hearty meal.