When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of a Holiday Brisket slow-roasting in the oven. As the tender meat simmers alongside sautéed vegetables and a savory tomato sauce, it magically transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven, bringing back memories of gatherings around the dinner table. I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when takeout was starting to lose its charm. The simplicity of one pan, slow-cooked comfort—combined with the rich flavors—was a revelation.
Imagine inviting friends over, the door opening to a wave of mouthwatering scent, and everyone instantly drawn in by the promise of a delicious feast. This brisket not only impresses with its depth of flavor but also boasts a versatility that allows it to shine whether it’s your holiday centerpiece or a cozy family dinner. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, leaving fast food out in the cold!
Why is Holiday Brisket a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: This dish melds rich beef with vibrant veggies, creating a savory sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Effortless Cooking: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while it roasts slowly to perfection.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for gatherings, sure to impress family and friends, bringing everyone to the table.
Make-Ahead Magic: Great for meal prep, this brisket can be made ahead, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company.
Versatile Splendor: Whether served with mashed potatoes or on a sandwich, it adapts beautifully to your favorite sides.
Make sure to check out some easy dinner ideas to pair with this hearty brisket!
Holiday Brisket Ingredients
For the Brisket
• 5-7 pounds brisket – Choose first or second cut and don’t trim the fat, especially if it’s grass-fed, for that perfect tenderness.
For the Vegetables
• 2 large brown onions – Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.
• 1 pound carrots – Provides a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 pound celery – Contributes a fresh crunch and aromatic depth.
• 10 peeled whole garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with a rich, savory essence.
For the Sauce
• 28 ounces tomatoes – Use whole, diced, or crushed canned tomatoes for a hearty base.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.
• 1/4 cup vinegar – Choose apple cider or white vinegar for a tangy kick.
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth – Keeps the brisket moist while enhancing the flavor profile.
For Cooking
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – Divided for browning the brisket and sautéing the veggies.
• Salt and pepper – Season generously for a well-rounded taste throughout the dish.
Consider gathering these ingredients for a heartwarming Holiday Brisket that’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your table!
How to Make Holiday Brisket
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to create the perfect environment for slow roasting that makes the brisket tender and flavorful.
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Prepare the Brisket: Rinse and pat the brisket dry with a paper towel. Generously rub both sides with salt and black pepper, ensuring it’s well-seasoned for optimum flavor.
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Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the brisket. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until browned, creating a beautiful crust.
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Blend the Sauce: While the brisket is browning, combine canned tomatoes, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, and 1 ½ cups of broth in a blender. Pulse until well mixed, then add salt and pepper to taste.
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Sauté the Onions: Once the brisket is browned, take it out of the skillet. In the same pan, add another drizzle of olive oil and toss in the sliced onions. Sauté over medium-high heat until they soften.
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Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the carrot and celery slices, cooking together for another 5-6 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
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Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in ½ cup of broth to the skillet, scraping up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom for extra deliciousness.
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Layer the Pan: Spread half of your tomato mixture in a large roasting pan. Place the brisket on top, making sure the fat cap is facing up to retain moisture as it cooks.
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Add the Veggies: Top the brisket with the sautéed vegetables and pour in the remaining broth along with the reserved brown bits for a flavorful sauce.
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Finish with Tomato Sauce: Carefully pour the rest of the tomato mixture over the brisket and veggies, ensuring everything is well covered.
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Seal the Pan: Cover the roasting pan tightly with parchment paper followed by aluminum foil to trap all the moisture for tender brisket.
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Roast Slowly: Place it in the oven and let it roast for 5 to 7 hours, or until the brisket is perfectly tender and easily flakes with a fork.
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Rest and Skim: After roasting, remove the brisket and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Skim off the fat from the sauce in the pan and reheat until hot.
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Slice and Serve: Trim off the fat cap from the brisket, then slice thinly against the grain. Serve it warm topped with the tomato sauce and softened veggies.
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Make-Ahead Option: If preparing in advance, allow the brisket to cool to room temperature, transfer it to a glass dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.
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Reheat Before Serving: Before serving, take the brisket out of the fridge, skim off any fat; slice and return to the dish. Spoon the sauce over it, cover, and reheat in the oven for 45-60 minutes.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Holiday Brisket
Fridge: Store leftover Holiday Brisket in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce alongside the meat to maintain moisture.
Freezer: If freezing, wrap slices of brisket tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating: Before serving, thaw brisket overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in a 325°F oven for about 45-60 minutes, covered with foil to keep it juicy.
Make-Ahead: For a make-ahead option, prepare the Holiday Brisket and refrigerate overnight after cooking. Just reheat when ready to serve!
Make Ahead Options
These Holiday Brisket preparations are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the entire brisket dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply let the brisket cool to room temperature after cooking, then transfer it to a glass dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, remove the brisket from the fridge, skim any solidified fat from the sauce, slice it, and return it to the dish. Spoon the sauce over the brisket, cover, and reheat in the oven for 45-60 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously tender brisket that tastes just as delightful as when it was freshly made!
What to Serve with Holiday Brisket?
Nothing elevates a gathering like a complete meal that tantalizes every taste bud and warms the heart.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, velvety texture perfectly soaks up the rich sauce from the brisket, creating a dreamy mouthful.
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Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, balancing the brisket’s richness in a delightful way.
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Yorkshire Pudding: A classic pairing, these fluffy, golden delights soak up juices beautifully, adding a comforting touch to your holiday table.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these vibrant carrots complement the savory brisket, while their glossy finish adds a festive touch.
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Homemade Bread: Freshly baked bread, whether it’s a crusty loaf or soft rolls, serves as the ideal vehicle for the luscious brisket sauce.
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Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied red to enhance the deep flavors of the brisket, creating a harmonious dining experience that warms the soul.
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Apple Pie: End the meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert, providing a lovely contrast to the savory flavors that preceded it.
Creating a full spread around your Holiday Brisket allows you to savor every moment, bringing together family and friends for a feast to remember.
Holiday Brisket Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists and substitutions to make this Holiday Brisket uniquely yours!
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Smoky BBQ: Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a delightful smoky flavor that’ll elevate your brisket to new BBQ heights. Imagine the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a minced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce into the tomato mixture for a mild yet exciting heat that’ll warm up your gathering.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with the vegetables for an aromatic and fragrant boost that beautifully complements the richness of the brisket.
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Red Wine Reduction: Swap out half the broth for red wine to create a deeper, more complex flavor profile, turning this dish into a comforting and sophisticated meal.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to customize the dish to your family’s tastes while keeping the texture interesting.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the tomato sauce for a refreshing burst of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the savory brisket.
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Slow Cooker-Friendly: If you’re short on oven space, cook the brisket in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours. The results will be just as tender, with a great flavor.
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Cranberry Twist: Include a cup of cranberry sauce in the mix for a seasonal touch that adds a sweet and tart balance to the savory brisket, perfect for holiday festivities.
These variations are not just swaps; they’re opportunities to create memorable flavors that will keep your holiday table exciting year after year!
Expert Tips for Holiday Brisket
Choose the Right Cut: Use a well-marbled brisket for optimal tenderness and flavor, allowing the fat to baste the meat during cooking.
Patience is Key: Don’t rush the cooking process! Low and slow roasting ensures the meat becomes wonderfully tender, making your Holiday Brisket melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for around 195°F for a perfectly tender brisket that flakes apart easily.
Resting Time: Let the brisket rest after cooking for 20-30 minutes to lock in juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice.
Don’t Skip the Fat: Leaving the fat cap intact while cooking enhances flavor and moisture. Trim only after cooking for the best results!
Holiday Brisket Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best brisket?
Absolutely! Look for a brisket that has good marbling, as those flecks of fat help keep the meat tender during cooking. The first cut (flat) is leaner, while the second cut (point) has more fat and flavor. I often recommend a grass-fed brisket for its rich taste and melting texture, and make sure not to trim any fat before cooking!
How should I store leftover Holiday Brisket?
Very! To keep your brisket moist and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep some of the tomato sauce with the brisket to maintain moisture—this ensures that each slice is just as scrumptious as when it was freshly cooked.
Can I freeze Holiday Brisket?
Definitely! If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the brisket slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped meat in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the brisket in the fridge overnight and then warm it in a preheated oven at 325°F for 45-60 minutes, covered with foil to retain juiciness.
What should I do if my brisket turns out tough?
The more the merrier! If your brisket is a bit tough, it may need more cooking time. Return it to the oven, covering with foil, and let it cook for an extra hour or so until it’s fork-tender. Remember, low and slow cooking is key, so patience goes a long way here!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re serving this dish to guests with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that brisket is a beef product and may not be suitable for individuals avoiding red meat. For those with allergies, check that the broth and any additional ingredients are free from gluten or other allergens they may have.
Can I prepare Holiday Brisket in advance?
Very! In fact, making it ahead is a fantastic idea! After cooking, allow the brisket to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a glass dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just scoop off any solidified fat, slice it up, spoon the sauce over, cover, and reheat at 325°F for 45-60 minutes for a ready-to-enjoy meal!
Irresistible Holiday Brisket for Memorable Family Meals
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Rinse and pat the brisket dry, rubbing both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sear the brisket for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Blend the canned tomatoes, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, and 1 ½ cups of broth until mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- In the skill, add oil and sauté the onions until softened.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with ½ cup of broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Layer half the tomato mixture in a roasting pan, place brisket on top, fat cap up.
- Top with sautéed vegetables and remaining broth.
- Pour remaining tomato mixture over brisket and veggies.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with parchment paper and aluminum foil.
- Roast for 5 to 7 hours until brisket is tender.
- Remove brisket and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Skim fat from sauce and reheat before serving.
- Slice the brisket against the grain and serve topped with sauce and veggies.
- For make-ahead option, refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving.