Ultimate Simple Oven Baked Brisket Recipe

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for when you want a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort—Oven Baked Brisket.
Brisket is a flavorful, tender cut of meat that’s often associated with slow smoking, but did you know you can achieve amazing results in your oven?
This recipe is simple, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth brisket that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion. Let’s get started!
What’s in This Oven Baked Brisket Recipe?
This recipe is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavor of the brisket shine. We’re using a dry rub with a few basic spices to season the meat, then slow-roasting it in the oven until it’s tender and juicy.
The long, slow-cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the brisket, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly flavorful and easy to pull apart. Whether you’re a brisket beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Oven Baked Brisket:
For the Brisket:
- 4-5 pounds beef brisket (preferably with a good amount of fat cap)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any high-heat oil)
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a lower-carb option)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium is best)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for added flavor)
How to Make Oven Baked Brisket
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the most tender and flavorful brisket:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow temperature is key to tenderizing the brisket.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using). This dry rub will add incredible flavor to the brisket.
Step 3: Season the Brisket
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Drizzle the olive oil over the brisket and rub it all over the meat. Then, generously coat the brisket with the dry rub, making sure to cover all sides. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 4: Sear the Brisket (Optional)
For extra flavor, you can sear the brisket before baking. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sear the brisket on all sides until it’s browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a nice crust.
Step 5: Bake the Brisket
Place the brisket in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, fat side up. Pour the beef broth (and barbecue sauce, if using) into the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours or until the brisket is fork-tender. Check the brisket after 3 hours to ensure there’s still liquid in the pan. If it’s drying out, add a little more beef broth.
Step 6: Rest the Brisket
Once the brisket is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve it with the pan juices or your favorite barbecue sauce on the side. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes for resting)
- Cook time: 4-5 hours
- Total time: About 5-6 hours
Serving
This recipe makes 6-8 servings, depending on the size of the brisket and how hungry everyone is. It’s perfect for a family dinner, holiday meal, or even meal prep for the week.
Calories
Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: About 400-500 calories per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for a satisfying, low-carb meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right cut: Look for a brisket with a good fat cap, as this will keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Resting the brisket is crucial for a juicy, tender result.
- Make it ahead: Brisket tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
- Use leftovers creatively: Leftover brisket is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even breakfast hash.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Oven oven-baked brisket recipe because it’s so simple yet delivers incredible results. The slow-roasting process makes the brisket tender and flavorful, and the dry rub adds just the right amount of seasoning.
It’s a dish that feels special but is easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!