Simmered Braised Brisket with Onions and Garlic for Passover

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

Tender brisket slowly braised with caramelized onions and garlic, infused with Passover-inspired spices for a comforting meal. This Middle Eastern-inspired Passover recipe, ready in about 210 minutes, pairs beef brisket, olive oil, yellow onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Season 3 lbs beef brisket evenly with 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground allspice.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear brisket for 5 minutes per side until deeply browned and fragrant. Remove brisket and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 thinly sliced yellow onions and 6 smashed garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring frequently until onions are golden and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Return brisket to pot, nestle 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 2 sprigs fresh thyme around it, then pour in 3 cups beef broth.
  5. Step 5: Bring liquid to a simmer on the stovetop, cover pot tightly, and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3 hours until brisket is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove brisket and herbs from pot. Skim fat from sauce and simmer uncovered on stovetop for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Slice brisket against the grain and serve drizzled with sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Braised Brisket with Onions and Garlic for Passover take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Simmered Braised Brisket with Onions and Garlic for Passover?

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 Simmered Braised Brisket with Onions and Garlic for Passover?

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 Simmered Braised Brisket with Onions and Garlic for Passover 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 Simmered Braised Brisket with Onions and Garlic for Passover?

Middle Eastern passover 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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