Pin A comforting, slow-cooked beef brisket served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes—a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Classic brisket with mashed sweet potatoes is a time-honored favorite in my family. The aroma fills the house and everyone gathers eagerly around the table as it finishes in the oven.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket: 1 (4&5 lb / 1.8&2.2 kg)
- 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 (large, sliced): 2
- Garlic (cloves, minced): 4
- Carrots (large, chunked): 3
- Celery stalks (chunked): 2
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Dry red wine: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sweet potatoes (peeled, cubed): 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Salt (for sweet potatoes): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for sweet potatoes): 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare 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 oil over medium-high. Sear brisket on both sides until browned (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside
- Saute Vegetables:
- Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Saute for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant
- Deglaze:
- 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:
- Return brisket to the pot, fat side up. Spoon some vegetables and liquid over the top. Cover tightly and transfer to the oven. Braise 3&3.5 hours, until brisket is fork-tender
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 15&20 minutes, until very tender. Drain well
- Mash Sweet Potatoes:
- Mash sweet potatoes with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy
- Rest Brisket:
- When the brisket is done, let it rest 10&15 minutes before slicing against the grain
- Serve:
- Serve slices of brisket with vegetables and braising sauce, alongside mashed sweet potatoes
Pin Gathering around the table for brisket and sweet potatoes is a highlight at our family holidays. Everyone reaches for seconds and the leftovers are always welcome the next day.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare brisket up to 2 days ahead and store it in the cooking liquid in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the meat tender.
Serving Suggestions
This brisket pairs beautifully with roasted green beans or a fresh salad. For extra color, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley just before serving.
Dietary & Allergen Information
This recipe is gluten-free if the Worcestershire sauce used contains no gluten—always check your ingredient labels. Contains dairy from butter and cream but can be adapted for dairy-free diets using alternatives.
Pin This classic meal brings warmth and comfort to any table. Enjoy the leftovers—they are even better the next day.
Recipe Questions
- → How should I prepare the brisket before braising?
Pat the brisket dry, then rub with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Sear on both sides in a hot pot until browned to develop a flavorful crust.
- → What vegetables enhance the braising liquid's flavor?
Sliced onions, chopped carrots, celery chunks, and minced garlic add aromatic depth and sweetness to the braising liquid.
- → Can I substitute the red wine in the braising liquid?
Yes, for a milder flavor, replace red wine with additional beef broth without compromising the richness of the dish.
- → How do I achieve creamy mashed sweet potatoes?
Boil peeled sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with unsalted butter, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- → What is the best way to serve the brisket and potatoes?
After resting the brisket for 10-15 minutes, slice against the grain and serve with the softened vegetables, braising sauce, and mashed sweet potatoes on the side.
- → Any tips to enhance the braising sauce?
After removing the brisket, simmer the braising liquid on the stove to reduce and concentrate flavors before serving.