Ina Garten’s Chili Brisket is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food. A hearty, rich cut of brisket is seasoned generously with bold spices, seared to perfection, then slowly braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender. With its warm, smoky flavors and fall-apart texture, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday meals, or casual entertaining.

Simple to prepare but packed with bold flavor, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a showstopping main course.

What Is Ina Garten Chili Brisket?

Chili brisket is a savory, spice-rubbed beef brisket that’s slowly roasted in a flavorful braising liquid until it’s incredibly tender. Ina’s version uses a robust chili seasoning and a slow-cooking method that results in juicy meat full of rich, savory depth, with just a hint of smoky spice.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Deep, bold flavors – Chili seasoning enhances the meat beautifully
Melt-in-your-mouth tenderness – Perfectly slow-cooked
Great for feeding a crowd – Generous and hearty
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day
Easy prep, hands-off cooking – Oven does most of the work
Versatile leftovers – Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or grain bowls
Festive and comforting – Ideal for celebrations or casual meals

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chili Brisket

1 (5–6 pound) beef brisket, first-cut preferred
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef stock
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 2: Season the brisket

In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, pressing it into the meat.

Step 3: Sear the brisket

In a large Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer the brisket to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté onions and garlic

In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Deglaze and build the braising liquid

Pour in the beef stock, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Braise the brisket

Return the brisket to the pot, fat side up, nestling it into the liquid. Spoon some liquid over the top. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3½ to 4 hours, until the meat is very tender.

Step 7: Rest and slice

Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 20–30 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with the sauce spooned over the top.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Creamy mashed potatoes – Classic and comforting side
Buttered egg noodles – Absorbs the flavorful sauce
Roasted root vegetables – Rustic and hearty
Simple coleslaw – Crisp, fresh contrast
Grilled corn on the cob – Sweet and smoky pairing
Warm cornbread – Perfect for soaking up sauce
Full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon – Ideal pairing

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Sear the meat deeply – Builds rich, caramelized flavor
Use first-cut brisket – Leaner and easier to slice
Cook low and slow – Essential for tender brisket
Let the brisket rest after cooking – Keeps juices inside
Slice against the grain – Ensures tender pieces
Adjust spice level to taste – Add more or less red pepper flakes
Skim fat off the sauce if needed – For a cleaner finish

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Add a splash of coffee to the braising liquid – Deepens flavor
Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Smoky, spicy twist
Substitute barbecue sauce for some of the tomatoes – Sweet and tangy version
Top with caramelized onions before serving – Adds extra richness
Serve over creamy polenta instead of potatoes – Elegant presentation
Toss shredded brisket into tacos – Fun Tex-Mex option
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice – Brightens the richness

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator – Best within 3–4 days
Freeze sliced brisket with sauce – Up to 2 months
Let brisket cool before freezing – Preserves texture
Label and date containers – For easy tracking

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chili Brisket

Oven: Reheat covered at 300°F for 20–30 minutes – Keeps meat moist
Stovetop: Warm sliced brisket gently in its sauce over low heat – Stir occasionally
Microwave: Reheat in short intervals with sauce to prevent drying out
Add a splash of broth when reheating – Revives moisture if needed

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 460
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg

A rich, hearty main course that’s satisfying and full of bold flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s chili brisket ahead of time?

Yes, chili brisket tastes even better the next day. You can cook it fully, refrigerate it overnight, and gently reheat it with the sauce before serving.

What cut of beef is best for chili brisket?

Use first-cut (flat-cut) brisket for the best results. It’s leaner, slices easily, and stays tender after slow cooking.

How do you keep brisket moist while cooking?

Braising the brisket covered in a flavorful liquid at a low temperature ensures it stays moist, tender, and full of flavor.

Can I freeze leftover chili brisket?

Yes, brisket freezes very well. Slice it first, store it with plenty of sauce in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chili Brisket is the perfect centerpiece for a comforting meal—flavorful, tender, and deeply satisfying. With a rich, savory sauce and fall-apart beef, it’s a guaranteed hit whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring a special family dinner. With easy prep and incredible results, this brisket recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.