Pin It A comforting, slow-cooked beef brisket served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes—a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
I first made this classic brisket & mashed sweet potatoes for a holiday dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite—the rich, tender meat and creamy sweet potatoes are truly irresistible together.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket: 1 (4–5 lb / 1.8–2.2 kg)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onions: 2 large, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 3 large, cut into chunks
- Celery stalks: 2, cut into chunks
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Dry red wine: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sweet potatoes: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), peeled and cubed
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (for sweet potatoes)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (for sweet potatoes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season brisket:
- Pat the brisket dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Sear brisket:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot, heat a little oil over medium-high. Sear the brisket on both sides until browned (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze & add liquids:
- Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Pour in beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Braise brisket:
- Return brisket to the pot, fat side up. Spoon some vegetables and liquid over the top.
- Oven time:
- Cover tightly and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3–3.5 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Mashed sweet potatoes:
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15–20 minutes, until very tender. Drain well.
- Mash & season:
- Mash sweet potatoes with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Rest & slice brisket:
- When the brisket is done, let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve:
- Serve slices of brisket with vegetables and braising sauce, alongside mashed sweet potatoes.
Pin It This meal always brings our family together, with everyone scrambling for seconds and the kitchen filled with savory aromas. Even picky eaters can't resist the combination of fork-tender brisket and creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme for a burst of color and freshness. A glass of robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, is a perfect complement.
Allergen & Dietary Info
The dish contains dairy (butter and cream) but is naturally gluten-free and contains no nuts, eggs, or soy. Always check the Worcestershire sauce label if preparing for gluten-free diets.
Make-Ahead & Tools
Brisket can be made ahead and reheated, as it tastes even better the next day. Essential tools include a Dutch oven, large saucepan, potato masher, chef's knife, and cutting board.
Pin It Try this classic brisket & mashed sweet potatoes for your next special dinner—you may find it's requested again and again!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best cut of beef to use?
Brisket is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and toughness, which breaks down over time creating tender, flavorful meat.
- → Can I substitute red wine in the braising liquid?
Yes, extra beef broth can replace red wine for a milder flavor while maintaining the dish's richness.
- → How do I know when the brisket is done?
The meat should be fork-tender and easily pierced, typically after 3 to 3.5 hours of braising at a low oven temperature.
- → What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce in this dish?
It adds a tangy depth and umami that enhances the overall flavor of the braising liquid and meat.
- → How can I make the mashed sweet potatoes creamier?
Incorporate butter and heavy cream while mashing; adjust quantities to reach desired smoothness and richness.
- → Is it necessary to sear the brisket before braising?
Searing locks in flavor and creates a caramelized crust, enriching the final taste and appearance.