Beef brisket is a labor of love, one that requires time but rewards patience with every tender slice. Luckily for us, the DREO ChefMaker can handle all of it, using its custom beef brisket program in Chef Mode. It will take care of everything, from setting the right temperature to controlling heat according to the portion of brisket we use, so it doesn't get overcooked. Leaving us with more time to prepare the seasoning, side dishes, and platting, or even take a long nap, so you capture every ounce of flavor in this beautiful cut of meat totally stress-free.
For those without the ChefMaker, don’t worry—you can still follow along using a conventional oven or slow cooker, though there’s nothing quite like the precision and hands-off ease the ChefMaker offers.
Estimated time
ChefMaker - Classic Flavor: ~4 hours
Sous Vide: 24-36 hours
oven or slow cooker: 6-8 hours
Ingredients:
- 5 lb beef brisket, trimmed but leaving a good layer of fat
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup beef stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs for aromatics
Method:
Prepare the Brisket
Begin by massaging the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder into the brisket. Ensure that every inch is seasoned, then cover and set aside for at least an hour to allow the flavors to settle deeply into the meat.
Nailing Aromatics
In a skillet, add the sliced onions and garlic and cook until the onions become golden and fragrant. Stir in the beef stock, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits to build flavor.
Wrapping up
Lay the seasoned brisket on a sheet of aluminum foil, add the aromatics, and wrap it up tightly. Then, insert your cooking probe, making sure it hits the core of the meat.
Slow Cooking
With the ChefMaker: Place the brisket into the ChefMaker basket, fat side up, so it bastes as it cooks. You can add thyme and rosemary around the meat. Select Chef Mode > Beef > Beef Brisket for that precise, edge-to-edge doneness, and let the ChefMaker work its magic, adjusting heat as needed for 3-4 hours.
🧑🍳 ChefMaker Special Tips: ChefMaker will give you customized recommendations for your type of meat, make sure to follow them out when they appear on the screen before starting your cook. You can track the cooking progress and meat temperature directly from the DREO app. If the meat hits your target temperature beforehand, you can stop it right away from the DREO app. You can tweak your recipe to a custom temperature using Probe Cook or Creative Cook modes. If you want an extra crusty finish, you can broil the brisket for 4-5 minutes after finishing using Classic Cook > Broil function.
Without the ChefMaker: If using a conventional oven, preheat it to 300°F and place the brisket in a Dutch oven. Cover tightly and let it cook for 6-8 hours, check periodically to ensure it remains moist. This part is critical as slow cookers and ovens can't monitor the meat's core temperature (you can use a cooking probe to track the inner temperature). Slow cooker users can set it on low for 8 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
Rest and Serve
Once the brisket reaches fork tenderness, remove it from the ChefMaker or oven, wrap loosely in foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes (ChefMaker can eat directly) . BBQ sauce and broil 4-5 minutes using classic mode (broil function). Resting allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing every bite. While resting, reduce the cooking liquid over medium heat until it reaches a saucy consistency for drizzling.
Slice and Enjoy
Slice the brisket against the grain, serving each piece with a generous spoonful of pan sauce. Each bite will be melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich with layers of smoky, sweet, and slightly acidic flavors.
Final Takeaway
Beef Brisket is a perfect dish if you can handle the extensive cooking process or if you have a ChefMaker in the house, precision can transform this classic into a remarkably simple, restaurant-worthy dish with minimal oversight, while also bringing out every nuance of flavor, so what are you waiting for? Grab yours and let the ChefMaker elevate your brisket game.
