Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—so comforting and delicious! The brisket is cooked low and slow, which makes it incredibly tender and infused with all those amazing flavors. I love how the balsamic vinegar brings a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rich beef. It’s honestly one of my go-to meals when I want to impress my family without spending all day in the kitchen. I remember the first time I served this at a family gathering; everyone raved about it! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your home too. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Onion Gravy
- 3-4 pounds beef brisket
- 2 large onions, sliced into thin rings
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a heartwarming dish that’s packed with flavor! Make sure to slice the onions thinly, as they’ll soften beautifully during cooking and add a luscious texture to the gravy. Don’t forget to measure out your balsamic vinegar carefully—it’s the secret star of this recipe! And trust me, the combination of garlic and brown sugar adds a delightful depth that you’ll absolutely love. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Onion Gravy
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this slow cooker brisket! I promise it’s super simple, and the end result is just heavenly. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love!
Step 1: Season the Brisket
First things first, let’s get that brisket ready! I like to generously season the brisket with salt and pepper. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper—this helps enhance all those great flavors. Don’t be shy; rub it all over the surface to ensure every bite is packed with seasoning!
Step 2: Prepare Onions
Next up, the onions! Slice those two large onions into thin rings. You want them nice and delicate so they’ll cook down perfectly in the slow cooker. Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker—this creates a flavorful bed for the brisket to sit on.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s whip up that amazing sauce! In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup of beef broth, the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all up until it’s combined nicely. The sweetness from the brown sugar and the tang from the vinegar are just magical together!
Step 4: Cooking Process
Place the seasoned brisket right on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Then, pour that luscious balsamic mixture over the brisket. Cover it up and set your slow cooker to low for about 8 hours. Cooking on low is key here; it allows the brisket to become incredibly tender while soaking up all those delicious flavors. When it’s done, you’ll be left with a dish that’s practically falling apart—so good!
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Brisket
To make sure your slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! First, don’t rush the seasoning—let the brisket sit for at least 15 minutes after you’ve seasoned it. This allows those flavors to really penetrate the meat. Also, if you have the time, searing the brisket in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker can add an incredible depth of flavor. Just be careful, as it can splatter!
Another key tip is to avoid lifting the lid while it’s cooking. I know it’s tempting, but every time you open that lid, you let out precious heat and moisture! Lastly, if you want a thicker gravy, you can remove the onions and sauce after cooking and simmer them on the stove to reduce it. Trust me, these little details make a world of difference!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional info for this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy. Keep in mind that the values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how much of each ingredient you decide to add. This is just an estimate to give you a general idea of what to expect!
For each serving (about one slice), you’re looking at roughly 350 calories, 18g of fat, 40g of protein, and 10g of carbs. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs, but remember to adjust based on your own ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! While brisket is my favorite for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast or even pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, definitely! You can toss in some carrots, potatoes, or even bell peppers along with the onions. They’ll soak up all that delicious gravy and make for a heartier meal. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with this brisket?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving this brisket with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the savory gravy. A side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad also pairs wonderfully for a balanced meal!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This brisket actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the brisket and gravy for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is super easy! First, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its juicy goodness. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, go ahead and freeze it! Just wrap the brisket and gravy tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to dig in again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid to keep it moist. Trust me, the flavors will still be amazing, and you’ll feel like you’re having a fresh meal all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with just 20 minutes of active cooking time
- The brisket becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking for 8 hours
- Rich, savory flavors from the balsamic onion gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Minimal cleanup—just one pot to wash after a delicious meal
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh salad
- Perfect for meal prep or making ahead, as the flavors get even better the next day
- Gluten-free and hearty, making it a crowd-pleaser for all dietary preferences
Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Onion Gravy Bliss
- Temps Total: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is a flavorful and tender dish that cooks slowly to enhance the taste.
Ingrédients
- 3–4 pounds beef brisket
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
- In a slow cooker, add the sliced onions.
- Place the brisket on top of the onions.
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, beef broth, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the brisket.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until tender.
- Remove the brisket, slice, and serve with the gravy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Try serving with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 8 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: slow cooker brisket, balsamic onion gravy, beef brisket, slow cooked beef
