Beer-Braised Brisket & Vegetables

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This dish features a whole brisket slowly braised in dark beer and beef broth, infused with aromatic spices and herbs. Carrots, parsnips, onions, celery, garlic, and potatoes tenderly cook alongside the meat, soaking up the savory liquid. The brisket is seared first for deep flavor, then slow-cooked until fork-tender. Resting and slicing against the grain ensures melt-in-the-mouth texture. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this method melds robust flavors and tender textures for a memorable main dish.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:43:00 GMT
Tender beer-braised brisket with colorful root vegetables dish ready to serve.  Save to Pinterest
Tender beer-braised brisket with colorful root vegetables dish ready to serve. | krispyrecipes.com

A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender brisket slow-braised in beer with a medley of root vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.

I have always enjoyed making this brisket for special occasions as it fills the house with rich aromas and brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • Beef Brisket: 1 (4 lb / 1.8 kg) beef brisket trimmed
  • Carrots: 3 large carrots peeled and cut into chunks
  • Parsnips: 2 parsnips peeled and cut into chunks
  • Yellow Onions: 2 medium yellow onions sliced
  • Celery: 3 celery stalks cut into chunks
  • Potatoes: 4 small potatoes quartered
  • Garlic: 6 garlic cloves smashed
  • Dark Beer: 1 (12 oz / 355 ml) bottle of dark beer (stout or porter preferred)
  • Beef Broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Kosher Salt: 2 tsp
  • Black Pepper: 1 tsp
  • Smoked Paprika: 2 tsp
  • Bay Leaves: 2
  • Thyme Leaves: 1 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp for searing

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2:
Pat brisket dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3:
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Sear brisket until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer brisket to a plate.
Step 4:
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 5:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in beer, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
Step 6:
Return brisket to pot, fat side up. Nestle potatoes around the meat. Bring to a simmer.
Step 7:
Cover pot and transfer to oven. Braise for 3–3½ hours, or until brisket is fork-tender.
Step 8:
Transfer brisket to a cutting board. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Step 9:
Skim fat from the sauce, discard bay leaves. Return sliced brisket to pot and spoon vegetables and sauce over top to serve.
Hearty beer-braised brisket surrounded by vibrant root vegetables on a cozy table.  Save to Pinterest
Hearty beer-braised brisket surrounded by vibrant root vegetables on a cozy table. | krispyrecipes.com

This dish always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone shares stories around the table while enjoying the hearty meal.

Required Tools

Large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid, chef’s knife, cutting board, tongs, ladle

Allergen Information

Contains gluten from beer and Worcestershire sauce. Use gluten-free beer and certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for a GF version. Also contains soy and fish (anchovies) in Worcestershire sauce; check labels for dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving: 525 calories, 24 g total fat, 26 g carbohydrates, 48 g protein

Slow-cooked beer-braised brisket garnished with flavorful root veggies, perfect for gatherings. Save to Pinterest
Slow-cooked beer-braised brisket garnished with flavorful root veggies, perfect for gatherings. | krispyrecipes.com

This beer-braised brisket is the perfect centerpiece for your next family meal and pairs wonderfully with a malty amber ale.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of beer works best for braising brisket?

Dark beers like stout or porter bring rich, malty flavors that complement the beef and deepen the sauce's complexity.

Can I substitute the root vegetables with others?

Yes, sweet potatoes or turnips can replace some root vegetables for a slightly different flavor profile and texture.

How do I ensure the brisket is tender after cooking?

Slow cooking at low temperature for 3 to 3.5 hours until the meat is fork-tender helps achieve a succulent, tender brisket.

Is searing the brisket necessary before braising?

Searing develops a rich browned crust that adds depth of flavor to the final dish and enhances the braising liquid.

How should I slice the brisket for serving?

Let the meat rest, then slice against the grain to ensure tenderness and easier chewing.

Can the dish be prepared gluten-free?

Use gluten-free beer and Worcestershire sauce to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Beer-Braised Brisket & Vegetables

Hearty brisket slow-cooked with root vegetables in a rich beer-braising liquid.

Prep Duration
25 minutes
Cooking Duration
210 minutes
Overall Time
235 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 6 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations No Dairy

What You’ll Need

Meats

01 1 (4 lb) beef brisket, trimmed

Vegetables

01 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
02 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
03 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
04 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
05 4 small potatoes, quartered
06 6 garlic cloves, smashed

Braising Liquid

01 1 (12 fl oz) bottle dark beer (stout or porter preferred)
02 2 cups beef broth
03 2 tbsp tomato paste
04 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tsp kosher salt
02 1 tsp black pepper
03 2 tsp smoked paprika
04 2 bay leaves
05 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)

For Searing

01 2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 02

Season brisket: Pat brisket dry and evenly season all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 03

Sear brisket: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear brisket until browned on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove brisket and set aside.

Step 04

Sauté vegetables: Add onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, and smashed garlic cloves to the same pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

Step 05

Build braising liquid: Incorporate tomato paste and cook for one minute. Pour in dark beer, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme; stir to combine.

Step 06

Combine and simmer: Return brisket to the pot, placing fat side up. Arrange potatoes around the meat. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 07

Braise in oven: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.

Step 08

Rest and slice: Remove brisket to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Step 09

Finish and serve: Skim excess fat from the sauce and discard bay leaves. Return sliced brisket to the pot, ladle vegetables and sauce over top, and serve warm.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Ladle

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten from beer and Worcestershire sauce; substitute gluten-free variants for a gluten-free option.
  • Contains soy and fish (anchovies) from Worcestershire sauce; verify ingredient labels for dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 525
  • Total Fat: 24 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 26 grams
  • Protein Content: 48 grams