Braised Brisket With Apples and Onions
Braised brisket with apples and onions is the ultimate comfort food—a savory-sweet dish where melt-in-your-mouth beef is slow-cooked with soft, caramelized onions and tender apples.
The combination creates a rich, aromatic meal perfect for fall dinners, special occasions, or family gatherings.
The apples add a natural sweetness that balances the deep, beefy flavor of the brisket, while the onions add depth and a touch of earthiness. It’s a beautiful, hearty dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Why You’ll Love This Braised Brisket With Apples and Onions Recipe?
- Unforgettable flavor: Sweet apples, soft onions, and tender beef come together in a deliciously balanced braise.
- Perfect for holidays: A wonderful centerpiece for Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinner.
- Hands-off cooking: After a quick sear, everything goes into the oven or slow cooker.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for prep-ahead meals.
- Comforting and wholesome: A nourishing, soul-warming dish made from simple ingredients.
Ingredients For Braised Brisket With Apples and Onions
This recipe uses basic pantry staples to create a rich and aromatic brisket braise. Apples and onions bring sweetness and depth to the slow-cooked beef.
For the Brisket
- 3–4 lb beef brisket
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or more broth if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
For the Apples and Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2–3 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Step By Step Instruction To Make Braised Brisket With Apples and Onions
This step-by-step process ensures your brisket turns out fork-tender and deeply flavorful with a luscious apple-onion sauce.
Step 1: Sear the Brisket
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Pat the brisket dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on both sides until deeply browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Apples
In the same pot, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize. Add the apples and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until they just start to soften.
Step 3: Build the Braising Liquid
Push the onions and apples to the sides and add the tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor. Pour in the beef broth, apple cider, white wine, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well, then add the thyme and bay leaf.
PRO TIP: Deglaze the pot by scraping up the brown bits from the bottom after adding the liquids—this adds rich flavor to the braise.
Step 4: Braise the Brisket
Return the brisket to the pot, nestling it into the mixture. Cover with a lid and place in the preheated oven. Cook for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin pieces. Spoon the apple-onion mixture over the top before serving.
FAQs or Tips Section
Here are some helpful tips and answers to common questions about making braised brisket with apples and onions.
What kind of apples should I use?
Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape during braising and complement the richness of the beef.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is even better the next day. Prepare the brisket fully, then refrigerate it in the braising liquid. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, covered, until warmed through.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Absolutely. After searing the brisket and sautéing the apples and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the brisket is tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens as it sits, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or reheated dinners.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
- Add root vegetables: Carrots or parsnips can be added to the braise for extra heartiness.
- Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground cloves for a subtle, warming spice.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles: The savory-sweet sauce is perfect for draping over creamy sides.
- Holiday twist: Serve as a centerpiece dish for Rosh Hashanah with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Make it gluten-free: Ensure broth and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Nutrition + Summary
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Summary:
Braised brisket with apples and onions is a soulful, seasonal dish that balances savory and sweet with every bite. The slow cooking process transforms the meat into tender slices soaked in rich, aromatic flavors. It’s a wonderful make-ahead option for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want to serve something memorable and satisfying. With its warm spices, tender apples, and perfectly cooked beef, this dish is sure to become a treasured favorite at your table.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.