Instant Pot Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Spiced Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef brisket cooked in the Instant Pot with bold Texas-style spices and a rich, savory gravy. This american-inspired beef ready in about 125 minutes pairs beef brisket, olive oil, large, sliced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 110 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Brown the 3 lbs beef brisket on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return the brisket to the pot. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 90 minutes. Allow natural release for 15 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.
  6. Step 6: Remove the brisket and tent with foil to rest. If desired, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry, then stir into the pot and simmer on sauté until gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the spiced gravy spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Spiced Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (15 min prep + 110 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Spiced Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Spiced Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Spiced Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Instant Pot Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Spiced Gravy?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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