Fresh Beef Brisket

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Fresh beef brisket is a tender and flavorful dish, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich sauce made from catsup and onion soup. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this hearty meal pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

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Ingredients

  • 7 or 8 lb. fresh brisket
  • 1 pkg. Lipton onion soup
  • 2 c. catsup
  • 1 c. water

Instructions

  1. Line roaster with foil.
  2. Place brisket into roaster.
  3. Mix catsup and water together; pour over brisket.
  4. Sprinkle onion soup over the top.
  5. Seal with more foil.
  6. Cook slowly at 325° for about 2 to 3 hours or until done.
  7. Remove from pan; reserve sauce.
  8. Allow to cool.
  9. Cut off fat and slice brisket; place in baking dish. Pour sauce over top.
  10. Heat through before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the brisket overnight in a mixture of catsup and water. If you want to reduce sodium, try using low-sodium onion soup mix. You can also substitute the catsup with homemade barbecue sauce for a unique twist. Cooking times may vary based on the size of the brisket; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sliced brisket with the reserved sauce drizzled over the top for added flavor. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving a light salad, such as Seven Bean Salad, to balance the richness of the brisket.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced brisket in freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the brisket in a baking dish with some reserved sauce and cover with foil. Heat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fresh Beef Brisket contains roughly 204 calories, with 9g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

204 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.5g 17% DV
Total Fat 8.8g 11% DV
Carbs 25.3g 9% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 18.6g 37% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 910.5mg 40% DV
Potassium 330.4mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 29.1mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 25mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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

How can I tell when the brisket is done cooking?

The brisket is done when it reaches an internal temperature of around 195-205°F, which ensures it's tender enough to slice easily. You can also check for tenderness by inserting a fork; it should glide in with little resistance.

Can I cook this brisket in a slow cooker instead?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply place the brisket in the slow cooker, pour the catsup and water mixture over it, sprinkle with onion soup, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until tender.

What should I do with the leftover sauce?

The reserved sauce can be used as a flavorful dipping sauce for the brisket or as a base for soups and stews. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week, or freeze it for later use in dishes like Venison Stew.

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).

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