This Hairy Bikers Beef Brisket Recipe is a tender and flavourful recipe, which uses beef brisket and carrots. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Beef Brisket Ingredients
- 1.5kg (about 3.3 lbs) rolled beef brisket joint
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, thickly sliced
- 3 large carrots, cut into thick chunks
- 2 celery sticks, cut into thick chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 500ml (about 1 pint) brown ale or stout
- 500ml (about 1 pint) beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
- A few fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Beef Brisket
- Prepare the brisket: Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C Fan) / 325°F / Gas Mark 3. Pat brisket dry. Season flour with salt and pepper and dust the beef.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a heavy-based ovenproof casserole or Dutch oven. Sear brisket on all sides until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook 5–8 minutes until softened and slightly caramelised. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Create the braising liquid: Stir in tomato purée for 1 minute. Pour in brown ale or stout, bring to a boil, scraping up stuck bits.
- Assemble the pot roast: Add beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer. Return brisket and any juices to the pot; liquid should reach halfway up the brisket.
- Slow-cook in the oven: Cover with lid and cook 3.5–4 hours until brisket is tender and can be pulled apart with a fork.
- Rest the meat and make gravy: Transfer brisket to a warm board, cover with foil, and rest 20 minutes. Strain cooking liquid and simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Slice or pull brisket, serve with braised vegetables, and spoon gravy over the top.

Recipe Tips
- How to get a tender brisket: Slow-cook at low temperature for several hours until meat pulls apart easily.
- Can I use another beer?: Yes, any dark ale or stout works, or substitute with beef stock for a milder flavour.
- How to thicken gravy: Simmer the strained cooking liquid until it reaches desired consistency.
- Can I prepare ahead?: Yes, brisket can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.
- How to add extra flavour: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme enhance the braising liquid.
What To Serve With Beef Brisket
Perfect accompaniments include:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Braised cabbage or green beans
- Yorkshire puddings
- Crusty bread

How To Store Beef Brisket
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Brisket Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 55g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I cook brisket in a slow cooker?
Yes, sear first, then cook on low 6–8 hours for tender results.
Do I need to use ale or stout?
No, you can substitute with beef stock or a non-alcoholic dark beer.
How long should I rest the brisket?
Rest for at least 20 minutes to retain juices before slicing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, brisket tastes even better the next day after flavours have melded.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Filo Pastry Quiche Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Cheese And Onion Quiche Recipe
Hairy Bikers Beef Brisket Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: British6
servings20
minutes4
hours580
kcalTender, slow-cooked beef brisket with carrots and rich gravy, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
1.5kg rolled beef brisket
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, sliced
3 carrots, thick chunks
2 celery sticks, thick chunks
2 cloves garlic, crushed
500ml brown ale or stout
500ml beef stock
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 bay leaves
Fresh thyme sprigs
Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 160°C / 325°F / Gas Mark 3. Pat brisket dry and dust with seasoned flour.
- Sear brisket in olive oil until browned; remove.
- Cook onions, carrots, celery 5–8 min; add garlic 1 min.
- Stir in tomato purée, add ale, scrape bottom.
- Add stock, bay leaves, thyme, return brisket.
- Cover and cook 3.5–4 hours until tender.
- Rest brisket 20 min; strain and simmer cooking liquid for gravy.
- Slice or pull brisket; serve with vegetables and gravy.
