Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Smoked Paprika Gravy
Tender slow-braised beef brisket simmered in a smoky paprika-infused gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners. This american-inspired beef ready in about 215 minutes pairs trimmed beef brisket, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, trimmed beef brisket
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs beef brisket evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp smoked paprika.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the brisket for 5 minutes per side until deeply browned; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 sliced carrots to the pot, sautéing for 6 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits, then add 1 tsp dried thyme and 2 bay leaves.
- Step 6: Return brisket to the pot, cover tightly, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
- Step 7: Remove brisket and tent with foil. Discard bay leaves and reduce the braising liquid over medium heat on stovetop for 10 minutes to thicken before slicing meat and serving with the gravy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Smoked Paprika Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 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 Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Smoked Paprika 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 trimmed beef brisket from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Smoked Paprika 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 Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Smoked Paprika 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 Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with Smoked Paprika 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.
