Are you craving a truly delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Beef Brisket with Chili Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender, juicy brisket slow-cooked to perfection and bathed in a vibrant, homemade chili sauce – it's a flavor explosion in every bite! This recipe offers a delightful blend of savory and spicy, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
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For the Brisket:
- 3-4 lb beef brisket
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Chili Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Brisket:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until nicely browned. Remove the brisket from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building Flavor:
Return the brisket to the pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot tightly and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Step 4: Slow Cooking the Brisket:
Cook the brisket for 3-4 hours, or until it's fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your brisket. Check for tenderness by inserting a fork; it should easily pierce the meat.
Step 5: Making the Chili Sauce:
While the brisket is cooking, prepare the chili sauce. Heat the olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion and sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Simmering the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 7: Combining and Serving:
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it against the grain. Add the delicious chili sauce to the cooking liquid in the pot, stirring to combine the flavors. Serve the sliced brisket generously topped with the chili sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the brisket while it's cooking.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chili sauce for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the beef brisket with a large portobello mushroom or a hearty vegetable such as butternut squash.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Sear the brisket as directed, then transfer it to your slow cooker along with all the other ingredients for the brisket. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your brisket and the specific ingredients used. A general estimate would be around 400-500 calories, with a moderate amount of protein and fat. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator.
This Beef Brisket with Chili Sauce recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and memorable meal. Enjoy this delicious and relatively quick dinner idea! It’s sure to become one of your best recipes!