Football Brisket

Prep: 15 min Cook: 165 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, savory brisket slow-cooked with onion soup, beer, and ketchup, perfect for gatherings and comfort dinners with rich flavors and tender meat.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 2 c. water
  • 3 to 4 lb. beef brisket
  • pepper
  • 1/4 c. catsup
  • 1/2 c. beer
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 1 clove garlic

Instructions

  1. Mix onion soup mix with water in a roasting pan.
  2. Season the beef brisket with pepper and crushed garlic.
  3. Place the seasoned brisket in the pan and cover tightly.
  4. Cook at 325°F (160°C) for 2 to 2½ hours until the meat is just about tender.
  5. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
  6. Pour the gravy into a bowl, freeze until the fat hardens, then remove the fat from the gravy.
  7. Combine the gravy with ketchup, beer, and flour.
  8. Mix well until smooth.
  9. Slice the brisket and place it back in the roasting pan.
  10. Cover the meat with the gravy mixture.
  11. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour until the meat is tender.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, let the brisket marinate in the onion soup mixture overnight. If you don't have beer, substitute with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference, or use garlic powder for convenience. A touch of smoked paprika can add a nice depth to the gravy. For an easy side, consider serving with 2-Good Chili.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the brisket with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. A side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the dish. This brisket pairs beautifully with Macaroni And Corned Beef Casserole for a hearty feast. Don't forget fresh bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the brisket and warm it in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave on low power until heated through, being careful not to dry it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Football Brisket contains roughly 117 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

117 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 20.5g 7% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 299.5mg 13% DV
Potassium 110.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 3.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 27.1mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, while brisket is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or round if desired. Adjust cooking times, as these cuts may require different cooking durations to achieve the same tender result.

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read at least 190°F (88°C) for optimal tenderness. If it's still tough, continue cooking and checking every 15 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the brisket and gravy a day in advance. Simply refrigerate the cooked brisket in its gravy, then reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving. This can enhance the flavors, making it an ideal option for meal prep.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →