Tender Rosemary-Infused Slow Cooked Beef Brisket
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Beef brisket (preferably flat cut, well-trimmed of excess fat)1.5 kg
- Fresh rosemary sprigs3 pieces
- Garlic cloves, minced4 cloves
- Onion, sliced1 piece
- Beef broth or stock500 ml
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Salt2 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground1 tsp
- Paprika1 tsp
This slow cooked beef brisket recipe infuses the rich flavors of rosemary into a tender, juicy cut perfect for comforting meals. The slow cooking process allows the brisket to become melt-in-your-mouth soft while absorbing aromatic herbs. With clear step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for home cooks with standard kitchen tools and beginners looking to master slow cooking beef safely. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $18 USD, €16 EUR, £14 GBP, and ₹1500 INR. Each serving contains roughly 320 calories, making it a hearty dish suitable for a balanced diet. The complexity is medium due to the cooking time and handling of the brisket, with an active preparation time of 20 minutes and a slow cooking time of 6 hours for a total of 6 hours 20 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the brisket and seasoning
1Pat dry the beef brisket with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire brisket to season the meat well. This step enhances flavor and helps develop a nice crust.
Sear the brisket
2Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear each side for about 3 minutes until browned. Browning seals in juices and adds flavor. Remove and set aside.
Set up the slow cooker
3Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker pot to create a rack. Put the seared brisket on top. Add fresh rosemary sprigs around the brisket and pour beef broth to cover the brisket halfway. The liquid keeps the meat moist during slow cooking.
Slow cook the brisket
4Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours. This slow and low cooking tenderizes the brisket gorgeously. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain even temperature.
Check doneness and internal temperature
5After 6 hours, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the brisket. It should reach a safe internal temperature of at least 90°C (195°F) for tender brisket. The meat should be fork-tender and easily pulled apart.
Rest before serving
6Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Resting redistributes juices, making the meat more moist and tender.
Cooking Tips
-If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon to avoid overpowering the meat.
-For added flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth.
-Ensure the brisket is fully thawed if previously frozen for even cooking.
-Use a clean cutting board and utensils for raw meat and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Beef brisket (1.5 kg) - Approx. $12.50: Choose brisket with even marbling for flavor and tenderness.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary sprigs (3 pieces) - Approx. $1.00: Pick bright green, fragrant sprigs with no wilting.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 cloves) - Approx. $0.50: Select firm, unblemished bulbs.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Approx. $0.50: Choose firm onions without soft spots.
- [ ] Beef broth or stock (500 ml) - Approx. $2.00: Use low sodium if possible for better control of salt.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approx. $1.50 (portion cost)
- [ ] Spices: salt, black pepper, paprika - Approx. $0.50 (portion cost)
Total estimated cost: $18
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Brisket is ideal for slow cooking due to its connective tissue which breaks down and becomes tender. Other tougher cuts like chuck roast can be used but may have a slightly different texture and cooking time.
How do I know when the brisket is fully cooked and safe to eat?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For tender brisket, it should be at least 90°C (195°F). Also, the meat should be fork-tender and easy to pull apart.
Can I cook this brisket in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes. You can cook the brisket in a covered roasting pan at 150°C (300°F) for about 4 to 5 hours until tender, adding broth and rosemary similarly.