Name: Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Beef Brisket: 3–4 lb beef brisket, trimmed; Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; Seasonings and Liquids: 1 cup dry red wine; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 bay leaf; 1 cup beef broth; salt and black pepper to taste; Garnish: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re longing for comfort food that’s deeply savory, aromatic, and bursting with Italian spirit, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Italian Style Braised Brisket. This dish takes everything you love about slow-cooked beef and infuses it with tomatoes, wine, and herbs until the brisket is meltingly tender. The thick, luscious sauce soaks into every slice, making each bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re gathering friends for Sunday supper or cooking ahead for a cozy weeknight meal, this is the recipe to keep in your back pocket!

Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Italian Style Braised Brisket is how such an incredible meal comes from a simple lineup of ingredients. Each addition builds flavor and depth, resulting in a sauce that’s both bold and balanced.

Beef brisket (3–4 lb, trimmed): Look for a piece with some marbling—this keeps the brisket juicy as it braises.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): This adds richness and brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables and meat.
Onion (1 large, sliced): Provides sweetness and builds the flavor base for the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings a quintessential Italian aroma and depth to the dish.
Carrots (2, peeled and chopped): For a subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Balances the sauce with savory notes and texture.
Dry red wine (1 cup): Deglazes the pot and infuses the brisket with richness—choose something you’d enjoy drinking!
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): The heart of the sauce, lending body and tanginess.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the braising liquid.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds that unmistakable Italian herb fragrance.
Dried basil (1 tsp): Softens the sauce with a touch of sweet, floral notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For just a hint of gentle heat—totally up to your preference.
Bay leaf (1): Imparts subtle earthiness as it steeps in the broth.
Beef broth (1 cup): Further enhances the depth of meaty flavor throughout the brisket and sauce.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): For perfect seasoning every step of the way.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens up the dish and makes it irresistibly appealing.

How to Make Italian Style Braised Brisket

Step 1: Prep and Season the Brisket

Begin by patting your beef brisket dry—a crucial step for getting that beautiful sear. Sprinkle it generously all over with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning ensures the flavors will soak deep into the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Brown the Brisket

In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high. When it shimmers, add the brisket and let it cook untouched until deeply browned, about 4 or 5 minutes per side. This caramelized crust gives the Italian Style Braised Brisket its signature savory depth—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Transfer the browned brisket to a plate. In that same pot (don’t wipe it out!), add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up those delicious browned bits on the bottom. This builds the first layer of flavor for your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, coating the softened vegetables. Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up every remaining bit of savory goodness. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two so the alcohol cooks off, then add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and beef broth.

Step 5: Braise

Return the brisket—plus any juices—back into the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Make sure the meat is mostly submerged in the luscious tomato mixture. Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, until the brisket is tender enough to fall apart with a fork. This is what makes Italian Style Braised Brisket so irresistible!

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Finish the Sauce

Remove the pot from the oven and carefully transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 or 15 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute. Meanwhile, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop to thicken it if needed. Slice the brisket against the grain, then slide those beautiful slices back into the sauce.

Step 7: Serve

To serve, spoon some of that velvety sauce over the sliced brisket and finish with fresh chopped parsley. Your Italian Style Braised Brisket is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Italian Style Braised Brisket

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness that wakes up the rich flavors of the brisket. If you like, a light dusting of lemon zest or even a grating of Parmesan can send it over the top—don’t be shy with the finishing touches!

Side Dishes

For the ultimate Italian feast, serve Italian Style Braised Brisket with creamy polenta, pillowy mashed potatoes, or sturdy slices of crusty bread to soak up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. Steamed green beans or garlicky sautéed greens offer a fresh, vibrant contrast alongside this slow-cooked main.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange brisket slices on a big platter, spooning the sauce over the top and scattering fresh herbs. Or, try piling the brisket atop rustic Italian rolls for unbelievable sandwiches—perfect for leftovers! You can even shred the brisket and use it in pasta, risotto, or atop baked potatoes for a weeknight twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Style Braised Brisket tastes even better the next day, so it’s an ideal dish to prepare ahead. Let the brisket cool, then slice and store it in an airtight container submerged in its sauce. This keeps everything juicy and flavorsome for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

If you want to stash away a batch for later, simply freeze sliced brisket in the sauce in a well-sealed container. Portioning ahead makes future meals extra convenient. Brisket freezes well for up to 3 months, and the tomato-based sauce protects the meat from freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, warm the brisket gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but go low and slow to keep the meat tender.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Style Braised Brisket in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day. Just refrigerate the sliced brisket in its sauce, then reheat gently when ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

What’s the best wine for braising brisket?

Choose a dry red wine you enjoy drinking, such as Chianti, Barbera, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The subtle notes from the wine really enhance the sauce without overpowering the beef.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an oven?

Yes, after searing the brisket and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. It’s a great alternative if you want to set it and forget it!

Is Italian Style Braised Brisket gluten-free?

It is! There’s no flour or gluten-containing ingredients in this recipe, so it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your beef broth if you’re serving anyone with allergies, as some brands may add gluten.

What’s the secret to extra-tender brisket?

Low and slow is the name of the game—braising at a gentle heat for several hours ensures the brisket relaxes and becomes wonderfully tender. Always slice against the grain for the softest bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a show-stopping main course that doubles as pure comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Italian Style Braised Brisket. Gather your ingredients, let the oven do its magic, and you’ll be rewarded with a meal that warms the heart and delights every palate. Give it a try—you might just start a new family tradition!

Italian Style Braised Brisket Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Style Braised Brisket recipe yields tender, flavorful beef in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Brisket:

3–4 lb beef brisket, trimmed;

Vegetables:

2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped;

Seasonings and Liquids:

1 cup dry red wine; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 bay leaf; 1 cup beef broth; salt and black pepper to taste;

Garnish:

chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat the brisket dry, season with salt and pepper.
Sear: Sear brisket in a Dutch oven until browned. Set aside.
Sauté: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Deglaze and Braise: Deglaze with red wine, add tomatoes, broth, bay leaf. Return brisket to pot and braise in the oven.
Rest and Serve: Rest brisket, slice against the grain, simmer sauce, and serve with parsley.