Foolproof 3-Ingredient Brisket Recipe: Tender Goodness Made Simple

Beef brisket with just three simple ingredients can turn an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering feast.

Slow-cooking this tender cut of meat unlocks deep, rich flavors that melt in your mouth.

The magic happens when minimal ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Salt, pepper, and patience are your secret weapons in this culinary adventure.

Each bite promises a succulent experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and incredible taste.

You’ll be amazed at how three ingredients can produce such a memorable meal that brings comfort and joy to the table.

The Short Ingredient List for Simple Brisket

• Beef Brisket: A classic cut of meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Ketchup, Onion Soup Mix, Water: A simple sauce combination that adds moisture and rich flavor to the brisket during slow cooking.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the brisket and trap moisture during the long cooking process.

Must Have Tools for Effortless Brisket

• Roasting Pan: Large, deep pan to hold brisket and catch cooking juices.
• Aluminum Foil: Heavy-duty to cover pan completely and seal in moisture.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized for combining sauce ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: To mix ketchup, onion soup mix, and water smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing brisket against the grain.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing meat safely.

Brisket Preparation Steps Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Brisket

Warm up your oven to a gentle 275°F.

Carefully place the brisket into a roasting pan, ensuring it fits comfortably and will cook evenly.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Ketchup
• Onion soup mix
• Water

Pour this mouth-watering mixture over the brisket, making sure every inch is beautifully coated with the savory blend.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for maximum moisture.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let the brisket cook slowly for 7-8 hours.

You’re looking for that perfect tender texture where the meat is soft but still holds its shape.

Step 4: Allow Brisket to Rest

Once cooking is complete, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 1-2 hours.

This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice will be incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the brisket against the grain into half-inch thick pieces.

This technique guarantees the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth results that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips to Get Juicy Brisket with Only Three Ingredients

• Select a well-marbled brisket for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Keep oven at steady 275F to ensure slow, even cooking without drying out meat.
• Add extra water if sauce looks too thick during cooking to prevent burning.
• Always cut against the grain to create more tender, easier-to-chew meat slices.
• Allow brisket to rest completely before slicing to help juices redistribute and maintain moisture.

Tasty Twists for Your Brisket Routine

• Spicy Chipotle Brisket: Replace ketchup with chipotle sauce and add a dash of smoked paprika for a bold, smoky flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Brisket: Swap onion soup mix with dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder for a fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use tomato paste mixed with reduced-sodium broth instead of ketchup and onion soup mix to create a healthier option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free ketchup and replace onion soup mix with a blend of dried onion flakes and salt to maintain the original recipe's essence.

Best Ways to Serve Tender Brisket

• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve this tender brisket alongside creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich sauce, creating a hearty dinner plate.
• Sandwich Transformation: Slice the brisket thinly and pile onto soft rolls with a touch of coleslaw for an incredible next-day lunch option that feels like a gourmet deli treat.
• Leftover Magic: Chop remaining brisket and mix into scrambled eggs or fold into quesadillas for a protein-packed breakfast or quick weeknight meal that repurposes the delicious meat.
• Family Gathering Centerpiece: Present the sliced brisket on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables, allowing everyone to create their perfect plate with this mouthwatering centerpiece.

How to Store Leftover Brisket Properly

• Store leftover brisket in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring meat is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap sliced brisket tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place brisket slices in microwave-safe dish, add splash of broth or sauce, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 325F, place brisket in baking dish with small amount of liquid, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

• Why use onion soup mix in this recipe?

Onion soup mix adds deep, savory flavor and helps tenderize the meat with its blend of dried onions and seasoning.

• Can I use a different cut of meat?

This recipe works best with beef brisket, as its tough texture requires long, slow cooking to become tender and flavorful.

• How do I know when the brisket is perfectly cooked?

The meat should be tender when pierced with a fork but not completely falling apart, which indicates it’s done but not overcooked.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Brisket reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

3 Ingredient Brisket Why It’s a Timesaver

• Whip up a delicious brisket with just three ingredients, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Slow-cooking method guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat every single time, even for novice chefs with limited cooking skills.
• This hearty dish brings families together, delivering rich, satisfying flavors that'll have everyone asking for seconds at gatherings and potlucks.
• Minimal kitchen work transforms a tough cut of meat into a succulent meal that tastes like you've been cooking all day long.

3-Ingredient Brisket Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouth-watering 3-ingredient brisket delights with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Succulent beef slowly roasts to tender perfection, creating a simple yet irresistible main course you will savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6–8 lb brisket (point or deckle cut)
• 24 ounces (680 grams) ketchup

Seasoning:

• 1 ounce (28 grams) Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a low and slow 275°F, creating the perfect environment for transforming the tough cut of meat into a tender delicacy.
2. Position the brisket carefully in a roasting pan, ensuring it fits comfortably for even cooking.
3. Whisk together the ketchup, onion soup mix, and water to create a rich, flavorful braising liquid that will infuse the meat with deep, savory notes.
4. Generously pour the sauce over the brisket, using a brush or spoon to coat every surface, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
5. Seal the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil, creating a moisture-trapping environment that will help break down the meat’s tough connective tissues.
6. Slide the covered pan into the preheated oven and allow the brisket to slow-cook for 7-8 hours, transforming from a tough cut to a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
7. Once cooking is complete, remove the pan from the oven and let the brisket rest, undisturbed, for 1-2 hours to allow juices to redistribute.
8. After resting, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and slice against the grain into clean, precise 1/2-inch thick pieces for maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled brisket for maximum tenderness and flavor, as fat helps keep the meat moist during long cooking.
• Trim excess fat to about 1/4 inch thick before cooking to prevent greasy texture while maintaining juiciness.
• Use low and slow cooking method to break down tough connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s fork-tender.
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavors and allow easier fat removal before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg