3Easy step To Make Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Onion Gravy

There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of a slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy that’s been simmering all day. I discovered this recipe years ago, and it’s become a family favorite ever since. The first time I made it, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of slow cooking a big cut of meat like brisket. But trust me, it’s so much easier than you might think! For more recipes like this, check out slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy. For more recipes like this, check out cranberry balsamic flatbread with goat cheese arugula easy gourmet. For more recipes like this, check out balsamic chicken with spinach and tomatoes. For more inspiration, I recommend checking out best ever slow cooker pulled pork recipe. For another great variation, check out homemade pumpkin dog treats recipe with oatmeal. For more inspiration, I recommend checking out slow cooker coca cola pulled pork recipe. My friend at slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe has a similar recipe that you might enjoy. My friend at sunday gravy spaghetti sauce has a similar recipe that you might enjoy.

The beauty of this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is that it’s packed with flavor, but requires minimal effort. You just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. I’ve found that it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy recipe. First of all, the balsamic onion gravy is to die for. It’s rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, and it pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy brisket.

In my kitchen, this recipe is a go-to for feeding a crowd. It’s always a hit at potlucks, game day parties, and family gatherings. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make incredible sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients List

One of the things I love about this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is that it doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
1 large onion, sliced into thin half-moons
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) beef broth, low-sodium if possible
1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar, good quality for best flavor
1/4 cup (60ml) Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce, regular or low-sodium
2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar, light or dark
1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch, for thickening the gravy

I usually buy my brisket from the local butcher, and I prefer to use a well-marbled cut for maximum flavor and tenderness. For the balsamic vinegar, I splurge on a good quality brand since it really makes a difference in the gravy.

Variations

One of the great things about this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy recipe is that it’s super versatile. Here are a few variations I’ve tried over the years:

Spice It Up: Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy kick. My husband loves this version!
Herby Goodness: Mix in a tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence for an extra layer of flavor.
Beer-Braised: Swap out half of the beef broth for your favorite stout or porter beer. It adds a deep, rich flavor that’s amazing.
Vegetable Medley: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal. I do this when I’m feeling extra lazy.
Asian-Inspired: Replace the Dijon mustard with hoisin sauce and add a tablespoon of sesame oil for an Asian flair.
Garlic Lover’s: Double or triple the garlic for an extra punch of flavor. Just don’t plan on kissing anyone afterwards!

I’ve tried all of these variations at one point or another, and they’re all delicious in their own way. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Servings and Timing

This slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy recipe serves a crowd, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Here’s a breakdown of the servings and timing:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 generous portions

In my experience, this brisket is even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. So if you have the time, I highly recommend making it a day in advance and reheating it when you’re ready to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to make this amazing slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

slow cooker brisket, balsamic onion gravy, tender meat, savory, flavorful, juicy, aromatic herbs

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Step 1: Prep the Brisket

First things first, let’s prep the brisket. Take your brisket out of the package and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels, then trim off any excess fat. You want to leave a little bit of fat on there for flavor, but not too much.

Next, season the brisket generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is a big cut of meat and it needs a lot of flavor!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Now it’s time to make the magical balsamic onion gravy. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, and black pepper until well combined.

I know it might seem like a lot of ingredients, but trust me, they all work together to create the most amazing flavor. The tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, the savory beef broth, the sweetness of the brown sugar – it’s a match made in heaven.

Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker

Now for the fun part – putting it all together in the slow cooker! Slice your onion into thin half-moons and mince the garlic. Spread the onion slices and garlic evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.

Place the seasoned brisket on top of the onions and garlic, fat side up. This will help keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks.

Pour the balsamic onion gravy mixture over the brisket, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Put the lid on the slow cooker and you’re ready to go!

Step 4: Cook the Brisket

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 8 hours. Your house will smell amazing as the brisket cooks low and slow in that delicious balsamic onion gravy.

If you’re short on time, you can cook the brisket on high for 5-6 hours instead. But in my experience, the low and slow method results in the most tender, flavorful brisket.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

After 8 hours (or 5-6 hours on high), your brisket should be fall-apart tender and the onions will be melty and caramelized. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board to rest.

Now it’s time to thicken up that luscious balsamic onion gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy until well combined.

Cover the slow cooker and let the gravy simmer on high for 10-15 minutes, until it’s thickened to your liking. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the gravy is thickened, it’s time to serve up this delicious slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy! Slice the brisket against the grain into thin strips (this is important for maximum tenderness).

Arrange the sliced brisket on a serving platter and spoon that amazing balsamic onion gravy all over the top. Make sure to get plenty of those caramelized onions in there too – they’re the best part if you ask me!

Serve the brisket hot with your favorite sides. I like to pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. But honestly, this brisket is so good, you could serve it with just about anything and it would still be amazing.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’ll be honest – this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy isn’t exactly health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings):

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 50g

Like I said, it’s not the healthiest meal in the world. But it’s so darn delicious, I think it’s worth the occasional indulgence. Plus, brisket is a good source of protein and iron, so there’s that!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re watching your calories or fat intake, there are a few ways you can make this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy a little bit healthier:

Trim the Fat: Be sure to trim off as much excess fat from the brisket as possible before cooking. This will cut down on the overall fat content of the dish.
Use Less Sugar: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the gravy by half, or even omit it altogether if you prefer. The balsamic vinegar will still provide plenty of sweetness.
Swap the Beef: If you want to make this recipe leaner, you could try using a different cut of beef like top round or sirloin. Just keep in mind that these cuts may not be as tender as brisket.
Serve with Veggies: Balance out the richness of the brisket by serving it with plenty of healthy vegetable sides like roasted broccoli, green beans, or a big salad.

At the end of the day, though, I believe in enjoying food in moderation. And trust me, this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is worth every single calorie!

Serving Suggestions

As I mentioned earlier, this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with all sorts of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious balsamic onion gravy. I like to add a little bit of garlic and sour cream to mine for extra flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve the brisket alongside some simple roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the savory gravy.
Polenta: For a fun twist, try serving the brisket over creamy polenta instead of mashed potatoes. The polenta soaks up the gravy beautifully and adds a nice textural contrast.
Sandwiches: Leftover brisket makes the BEST sandwiches. Pile it high on a soft roll with some extra caramelized onions and a smear of mustard. Heaven!
Tacos: Shred the leftover brisket and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. Top with some diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a delicious Tex-Mex spin.

Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will love, no matter how you serve it up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy is a fairly foolproof recipe, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

Not Trimming the Fat: I know I already mentioned this, but it bears repeating. Be sure to trim off any excess fat from the brisket before cooking. Too much fat can make the gravy greasy and unappetizing.
Overcooking the Brisket: Brisket is a tough cut of meat that needs to be cooked low and slow to become tender. But if you cook it for too long, it can start to dry out and become stringy. Stick to the recommended cooking times and you should be good to go.
Not Thickening the Gravy: The cornstarch slurry is key to getting that luscious, thick gravy consistency. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll end up with a watery, thin sauce.
Slicing the Brisket Wrong: Always slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you slice it with the grain, it can be tough and chewy.
Not Seasoning Enough: Brisket is a big cut of meat that needs a lot of seasoning to be flavorful. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper, and feel free to adjust the other seasonings to your liking.

Trust me, I’ve made all of these mistakes at one point or another. But once you get the hang of it, this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Storing Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this slow cooker brisket with balsamic onion gravy (and that’s a big if in my house!), storing them is a breeze. Here are my tips:

Refrigerator: Let the brisket and gravy cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the leftover brisket and gravy for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the brisket and gravy in a covered dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the oven method will give you the best results.

I’ve found that the brisket and gravy actually taste even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. So don’t be afraid to make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers all week long!