Description
This Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Onion Gravy is a savory, slow-cooked meal that transforms a humble cut of beef into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. With caramelized onions, a tangy balsamic kick, and a rich, comforting gravy, it’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lb beef brisket (flat cut or point cut)
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups beef stock or broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening gravy)
Instructions
- Pat brisket dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear brisket on both sides until golden brown (4–5 minutes per side). Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add onions and sauté until softened and starting to caramelize, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Pour in beef stock, scrape up any brown bits, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour the onion mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Remove brisket and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Optional: Transfer gravy to a saucepan and stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer to thicken.
- Serve sliced brisket topped with the balsamic onion gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours