When it comes to preparing a hearty, flavorful meal for a crowd, brisket is a classic choice that never disappoints. For centuries, this slow-cooked cut of beef has been a staple in Jewish homes, particularly for Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, and other cherished holidays. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it the ideal centerpiece for any festive meal, evoking comfort and tradition in every bite.
This Jewish brisket recipe is a true showstopper. Braised low and slow for hours, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the deep, savory flavors of onions, garlic, and herbs. The best part? It’s not just about the meat. You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot, transforming this dish into a complete one-pot meal. This makes it not only delicious but also convenient—exactly what you need during the busy holiday season.
Whether you’re hosting family for a holiday celebration or simply gathering friends for a special occasion, this brisket delivers on flavor, tradition, and ease. It’s a dish that will leave everyone at the table satisfied, with the kind of meal that makes lasting memories.
Why Brisket?
Brisket is more than just a cut of meat—it’s a tradition. Known for its rich, deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked slowly, brisket is a beloved dish in Jewish cuisine, often gracing tables during Shabbat and Jewish holidays. This cut comes from the lower chest of the cow and is packed with connective tissue, which breaks down during long cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. It’s a great choice for feeding large groups, as it’s hearty, filling, and can be easily paired with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced meal.
Plus, brisket is incredibly versatile. You can braise it with vegetables for a one-pot meal, flavor it with different herbs and sauces for variety, and prepare it ahead of time, making it convenient for busy holiday cooking. With this classic brisket recipe, you’re honoring tradition while enjoying an easy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving in, make sure you have these essential ingredients on hand:
- One 4-5 pound brisket: Look for a piece with good marbling for extra flavor.
- 3 tablespoons oil: Olive or vegetable oil works well.
- Salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic: To season the brisket.
- 2 whole yellow onions: Peeled and thinly sliced.
- 1 jar Mikee Brisket Cooking Sauce: A flavor-packed marinade that makes preparation a breeze.
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary: Can be kept whole.
- Dry red wine (optional): For added depth of flavor.
- Optional vegetables: Carrots, celery, garlic cloves, and potatoes—perfect for turning this brisket into a one-pot meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Brisket
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Place the brisket or roast on a cutting board and generously season on all sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic.
2. Sear the Brisket
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear the seasoned brisket until it’s browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful crust for the meat.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Remove the brisket from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions until they’re soft and golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Braising Liquid
Next, stir in the Mikee Brisket Cooking Sauce and add the rosemary sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those little bits are packed with flavor!
5. Braise the Brisket
Return the seared brisket to the pot, fat side up. If you’d prefer to braise in a roasting pan, transfer the cooking liquid from the pot to the roasting pan and add the seared brisket, fat side up. If you’re adding carrots, celery, and potatoes, now’s the time to nestle them around the meat. Cover the pot (or roasting pan) tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
6. Cook Low and Slow
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and let the brisket cook for 3 to 4 hours. The key here is patience—cooking low and slow ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Check occasionally to make sure the liquid hasn’t evaporated, adding a splash of broth if needed.
7. Rest and Slice
Once the brisket and vegetables are fork tender, let it rest in the pot for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute. Slice the brisket into thin slices against the grain for the best texture and tenderness.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer brisket slices and vegetables to a serving platter. Spoon plenty of the rich braising liquid on top of the brisket. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary if desired. Serve with plenty of holiday side dishes for the perfect celebratory family meal.
What to Serve Alongside Brisket
Brisket is a hearty, savory dish that shines when paired with complementary sides. Here are a few traditional and creative options to serve with your brisket:
- Potato Kugel: This crispy, golden-brown casserole made with shredded potatoes is a favorite at holiday meals.
- Latkes: Crisp and savory, latkes are the perfect side to balance out the richness of the brisket.
- Tzimmes: A sweet and savory dish of stewed carrots, sweet potatoes, and sometimes prunes, tzimmes pairs wonderfully with the deep, savory flavors of brisket.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted in olive oil and seasoned with herbs add a vibrant and healthy contrast to the richness of the meat.
- Challah: A slice of soft, sweet challah bread is a classic pairing for brisket, perfect for soaking up the delicious braising liquid.
- Green Beans Almondine: If you’re looking for something lighter, try green beans tossed with toasted almonds for a fresh, crisp side.
No matter which sides you choose, brisket is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite traditional or seasonal accompaniments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time-tested flavor: This brisket recipe delivers classic, savory flavors with minimal effort thanks to the rich Mikee Brisket Cooking Sauce.
- Perfect for holidays: Whether for Shabbat or Rosh Hashanah, this brisket is a comforting, traditional meal that everyone at the table will love.
- One-pot convenience: Adding vegetables turns this dish into a complete meal, cutting down on additional prep and cleanup.
- Kosher-friendly: This recipe follows kosher dietary laws, ensuring it’s suitable for all your holiday gatherings.
FAQs
Can I make this brisket ahead of time?
Absolutely! Brisket tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving.
What if I don’t have Mikee Brisket Cooking Sauce?
No worries! You can create a similar sauce using beef broth, tomato paste, and a splash of soy sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, brisket freezes well. Just slice the meat, store it with the sauce in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months.
What’s the best way to reheat brisket?
To reheat brisket without drying it out, place the slices in a shallow baking dish and cover them with some of the reserved sauce or cooking liquid. Cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy this tender, flavorful brisket as the star of your next holiday meal! Whether you’re hosting a cozy Shabbat dinner, celebrating the sweetness of Rosh Hashanah, or gathering with loved ones for any Jewish holiday, this brisket is bound to take center stage. Its rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in its ability to bring people together around the table. Slow-cooked to perfection, this brisket embodies the warmth and comfort of tradition, while also offering the flexibility to add your personal touch with vegetables or seasonings. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and invites conversation, laughter, and togetherness—everything a special meal should evoke.
No matter the occasion, this classic brisket is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving your guests with full bellies and happy hearts.
Melted Onion and Rosemary Braised French Roast
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound French roast
- 3 tablespoons oil
- salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic to season
- 2 whole onions peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 jar @mikeesauceandmarinades Brisket Cooking Sauce
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Season both sides of the meat with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder to coat. Massage with hands to adhere to the meat, and make sure all is coated.
- Add oil to a large cast iron pot/Dutch oven and raise to medium/high heat. Add the meat and sear on both sides until golden. Remove from the pot and place on a plate. Add the onions and sauté for 5-8 minutes until softened. Add in the jar of Mikee’s and mix together. Add the meat back in, top with rosemary, and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place in the oven and cook for about an hour. Pull oven rack out, flip meat over and cover again. Continue cooking for another 2 hours or so until the meat is super soft. Let cool, remove the rosemary sprigs, and slice and serve fresh with the sauce!
Hey, I’m Dini Klein. I’m a cookbook author (you can shop my book here!) food host, former private chef, wife, and mama to some cute and very energetic kids.
Prep + Rally™ is my solution to getting a wholesome dinner on the table on those busy week nights when juggling mommy-ing and work life feels almost impossible. Prep + Rally is the system helping busy moms all over the world get through it with ease!
