Pin A comforting, slow-cooked beef brisket served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes—a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
I first made this classic brisket and mashed sweet potatoes dish for a holiday dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite. The slow cooking yields tender beef and the creamy sweet potatoes balance everything perfectly, making each bite feel comforting and special.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket: 1 (4–5 lb / 1.8–2.2 kg), use flat cut for even cooking
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onions: 2 large, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 3 large, cut into chunks
- Celery: 2 stalks, cut into chunks
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Dry red wine: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sweet potatoes: 3 lbs (1.4 kg), peeled and cubed
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Salt (for sweet potatoes): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for sweet potatoes): 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the brisket:
- Pat the brisket dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Sear the brisket:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot, heat a little oil over medium-high. Sear the brisket on both sides until browned (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Saute aromatics:
- Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze & add liquids:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Braise the brisket:
- Return brisket to the pot, fat side up. Spoon some vegetables and liquid over the top. Cover tightly and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3–3.5 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Make mashed sweet potatoes:
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15–20 minutes, until very tender. Drain well. Mash sweet potatoes with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Rest & serve:
- When the brisket is done, let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve slices of brisket with vegetables and braising sauce, alongside mashed sweet potatoes.
Pin 
Sharing this meal always reminds me of family dinners growing up, with loved ones gathered around the table eagerly awaiting the first slice of tender brisket and creamy sweet potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish the brisket with chopped parsley or fresh thyme for a burst of color and freshness. Pair the hearty meal with your favorite robust red wine for a restaurant-worthy dining experience at home.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) in the mashed sweet potatoes. It is gluten-free if you select a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce—always confirm by reading labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 590 calories, 28 g of total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 44 g protein, making it a satisfying and balanced main dish.
Pin This classic brisket and mashed sweet potatoes recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Leftovers make delicious sandwiches or next-day lunches!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should I braise the brisket for optimal tenderness?
Braise the brisket in a covered ovenproof pot at 325°F (165°C) for 3 to 3.5 hours until it becomes fork-tender and flavorful.
- → Can I substitute red wine in the braising liquid?
Yes, you can replace red wine with additional beef broth for a milder flavor without compromising moisture.
- → What is the best way to season the brisket before cooking?
Rub the brisket with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder for a balanced and savory crust.
- → How do I prepare the mashed sweet potatoes to be creamy?
Boil peeled sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with unsalted butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- → What kitchen tools are essential for this dish?
A Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot for braising, a large saucepan for boiling sweet potatoes, a potato masher, and a sharp knife for slicing.
- → Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this dish is gluten-free if the Worcestershire sauce used is certified gluten-free; always check labels before use.