I could eat this brisket beef stew every single day. Loaded with wild rice, vegetables, fresh herbs, and a savory red wine broth, it’s cozy, decadent, and beyond flavorful. Save this recipe for dinner parties with friends, family dinners, or chilly nights in!

A white bowl of brisket beef stew with wild rice and vegetables on a beige counter next to red wine and a beige linen.

Reno seems to be stuck in a perpetual winter. But not the pretty kind. The slushy, muddy, brown kind. I miss the snow. At the very least, I’m heading to San Francisco this weekend so I can be cold and wet there instead. I’m going to shop for pottery and eat lots of Chinese food!

To beat some of the winter blues, I made this beef stew earlier in the week and it’s been keeping me nice and cozy for my mid-day lunch breaks. Anytime it’s chilly out, my go-to is a comfy beef dinner like short rib beef bourguignon or pot roast with red wine & shallots.

But what I really love about this recipe compared to other beef stews is the addition of wild rice! It adds a lovely bite and earthiness that you usually don’t find in stew. If you’re in the mood for a good one-pot dinner that gives you the warm and fuzzies, it’s time to make this recipe!

Recipe details

Back when I was in culinary school, we used to braise and BBQ brisket all the time. But after finding a chunk of leftover brisket in my freezer last weekend, I can confirm that it also makes for a lovely stew! After simmering low-and-slow for a few hours, the meat gets super tender, juicy, & flavorful.

  • This beef and wild rice soup comes together in just one-pot. Nice & easy!
  • It’s full of flavor thanks to a mix of veggies, red wine, & fresh herbs.
  • The brisket is beyond tender. You can cut it with a spoon.
  • This stew is elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a quiet Sunday dinner.

The ingredient list

White and brown bowls of beef, carrots, celery, onions, peas, oil, flour, herbs, garlic, wild rice, red wine, and beef broth on a white counter.
  • Brisket – you can usually find brisket in the meat section of the grocery store or at a butcher. For this recipe, I recommend brisket flat which is less fatty and holds up well to a long cook time.
  • Salt & pepper – I like Morton’s Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper.
  • Oil – use a neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil which has a high smoke-point for searing.
  • Flour – just a tiny bit of flour will help thicken the broth for a rich, savory stew.
  • Butter – a pat of unsalted butter will keep the veggies from sticking to the pot.
  • Mirepoix – a combination of onions, carrots, and celery is classic in beef stew. I cut the veggies in big chunks for texture!
  • Garlic – freshly minced garlic adds a deeper flavor to complement the veggies and wine.
  • Herbs – you will want rosemary, thyme, and a bay leaf. I always recommend using fresh rosemary and thyme when possible.
  • Tomato paste – a couple spoonfuls of tomato paste adds color and umami flavor.
  • Red wine – I’m a firm believer that wine makes soup even better. It adds so much depth! Pick something drinkable but not too expensive.
  • Beef broth – a good-quality beef broth will slowly braise the meat and make it super tender. I would go with low-sodium beef broth so you can control the salt levels.
  • Worcestershire – I like to add a bit of Worcestershire sauce at the end to add richness and even more umami flavor to the broth!
  • Wild rice – look for plain wild rice, not a boxed mix that has seasoning in it. The seasoning is too salty and will ruin the soup.
  • Frozen peas – I know that peas in beef stew is controversial but I like them! Feel free to leave them out if you prefer.

Quick tip

If you can only find large briskets, ask the butcher at the meat counter to cut it down to the amount you need. Or, vacuum seal leftover brisket and freeze it for future recipes!

Ingredient variations

  • Beef – if you can’t find brisket, you can also use chuck roast or sirloin.
  • Veggies – feel free to use any hearty veggies you like. Try turnips, shallots, parsnips, pearl onions, rutabaga, squash, mushrooms, or fennel.
  • Herbs – try parsley, oregano, sage, chives, or other fresh herbs you like.
  • Alcohol-free – you can always replace the red wine with extra beef broth.
  • Potatoes – if you don’t want to use rice, you can replace it with 1 pound of halved baby potatoes.

How to make this recipe

Three steps to searing meat. In photo 1, steaks are on a white plate next to salt and pepper. In photo 2, the steaks are searing in a Dutch oven. In photo 3, the cubed meat is in a white bowl.

Sear the brisket

  1. Start by cutting the brisket into 3-4 thick steaks. Season the steaks on all sides with a generous amount of salt and pepper.
  2. Then, heat the oil in a large Dutch oven until it’s shimmering. Sear the steaks on all sides until the beef has a nice brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. Then, cut the steaks into 1-2 inch cubes.
Two steps to preparing brisket for stew. In photo 1, a white bowl of cubed brisket is topped with flour. In photo 2, the brisket and flour is mixed together.
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the cubed brisket.
  2. Next, toss the brisket cubes and flour together until the flour is mostly dissolved. Set aside.

Pro tip

Some recipes call for searing the cubed beef. But, I like to use J. Kenji López-Alt’s tip of searing steaks before cutting the meat into chunks. I love this method because 1. searing batches of cubed beef is the worst. It takes forever. And 2. the meat usually ends up over-cooked. Searing the steaks is the perfect happy medium! The beef gets a gorgeous brown crust but also comes out nice and juicy.

Six steps to making brisket beef stew. In photo 1, a Dutch oven has carrots, celery, and onions. In photo 2, the Dutch oven has tomato paste, garlic, and herbs. In photo 3, the Dutch oven has red wine. In photo 4, the pot has beef in it. In photo 5, the Dutch oven is covered with a lid. In photo 6, the stew is braised.

Make the stew

  1. Return the Dutch oven to the heat. Melt the butter and add the carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté the veggies just until they’re slightly softened and starting to brown on the edges. Spoon the veggies into a bowl and refrigerate for later.
  2. Then, add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and tomato paste. Cook until the tomato paste is dark red and the herbs are fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the pot with the red wine. Simmer, using a wood spoon to scrape up any brown bits, until the wine is reduced by half.
  4. Next, add the beef broth, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved brisket. Stir well.
  5. Cover the Dutch oven, tilting the lid so steam can escape.
  6. Place the pot in a 300°F (150°C) oven. Braise until the meat is very tender, about 2 1/2-3 hours.

Quick tip

It’s important to keep the beef moist through the braising process so it comes out fork-tender. If you notice the stew is starting to reduce too much in the oven, add more beef broth as needed.

Three steps to making brisket and wild rice stew. In photo 1, a Dutch oven of brisket stew is topped with wild rice and veggies. In photo 2, the stew is mixed together. In photo 3, the stew is topped with frozen peas.

Add the rice & veggies

  1. Once the brisket is very tender, carefully remove the pot from the oven and set it on the stovetop. Add the rice and reserved veggies.
  2. Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Then, cover the pot and reduce the soup to a simmer. Cook the rice according to the package directions, about 45-50 minutes.
  3. Right before serving, stir the frozen peas into the stew until they’re warmed through. Discard the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme. Enjoy!

Slow cooker directions

This brisket stew can also be made in a slow cooker! I find that the stew doesn’t come out as rich and savory as it does in the oven. But it’s still a great option if you’re going to be out and about while the stew is cooking. Here’s how to make it!

  1. Make the recipe as directed up to the point where you add the red wine. Once the red wine is reduced, spoon the wine-tomato paste mixture into the bowl of a slow cooker.
  2. Then, spoon the seared brisket and veggies into the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, & wild rice. Stir well.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on HIGH for 6-7 hours, until the beef is fork tender.
  4. Once the beef is tender and the rice is cooked through, add the frozen peas. Cook for a few minutes until the peas are warmed through. Serve and enjoy!

Serving ideas

This stew is one of my favorite cozy meals for dinner parties, Sunday dinners, or casual get-togethers with friends and family! It’s a meal in itself but you can also add a few side dishes to round everything out. These are some of my favorite sides!

Two bowls of brisket beef stew with wild rice and vegetables next to glasses of red wine, bread, and a beige linen on a tan counter.

Storing & make-ahead

To store leftovers, pour the soup into an airtight container. Refrigerate the stew for up to 4 days.

Like many soups and stews, this recipe is an amazing make-ahead dinner. The flavors and textures hold up perfectly in the fridge! For large batches, I like to let the soup cool to room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, cover the pot and refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days.

Reheating leftovers

To reheat the stew, you can use the microwave or the stovetop!

  • Microwave – for small portions, ladle the stew into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of beef broth to loosen up the stew and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
  • Stovetop – for large batches, ladle the stew into a pot. Add a few splashes of beef broth to loosen up the stew and heat it over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it’s hot.

Helpful tools

Quick tip

I always recommend braising stew in a Dutch oven if you have one! The thick cast iron helps lock in heat and moisture. The heat retention is amazing for slow cooking, leading to meat that is nice and tender.

Two white bowls of beef and wild rice soup on a tan counter next to bread, glasses of red wine, and a green Dutch oven with a beige background.

Tips & tricks

  • It’s important to coat the beef cubes in flour until the flour completely dissolves. It’s the best way to thicken the broth without ending up with lumps of flour.
  • Adjust the cook time as needed. You want to braise the stew until the meat is fork-tender. It may take as little as 2 hours and up to 3 1/2 hours.
  • For a soupier consistency, feel free to add more beef broth. Just don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with a flavorless stew.
  • Add the seared veggies just for the last 45 minutes of cooking. If you braise the veggies with the stew, they’ll end up over-cooked. At 45 minutes, they’ll come out tender but not mushy!

Recipe FAQs

What is brisket?

Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the chest of the cow. When the brisket is cooked well, it’s tender, juicy, and has a deep beef flavor. Brisket is a large cut of beef made up of two sections – the flat cut and the point cut.

  • Flat cut – this is the large, rectangle-shaped cut of brisket that’s even in thickness. It’s a lean piece of beef that is amazing for braising and slow-cooking.
  • Point cut – this part of the brisket has a round pointed end. It’s fattier and well-marbled, and it’s usually used for BBQ-ing, smoking, and shredding.

Is brisket a good stewing beef?

Yes! Because the flat cut of the brisket is nice and lean, it’s lovely for braising and slow cooking. After a few hours, you should be able to cut it with a spoon.

How do you cut brisket for stew?

Start by trimming the fat cap on the flat cut of the brisket until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Discard the extra fat. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the brisket into thick 1 1/2-2 inch steaks. After it’s seared and rested, slice the steaks against the grain into 1-2 inch chunks.

Can I use leftover brisket in this recipe?

I haven’t personally tried using leftover brisket, but it’s worth a shot! After you finish making the broth, add the seared veggies, leftover brisket, and rice. Simmer the beef and rice soup until the rice is tender. Then, stir in the peas. If you use leftovers, here’s no need to braise the stew!

Two white bowls and a green Dutch oven of brisket beef stew on a tan counter next to bread and red wine.

More beef recipes to try!

Beef Wellington Bites with Dijon Sauce
Beef Stroganoff with Shallots & Brandy
Reverse Sear Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce
Smoked Tri-Tip
Tri-Tip Sandwiches with Garlic Aioli
BBQ Bacon Bleu Cheese Burgers

If you make this recipe, I would love it if you left a star rating and review! I read every single comment and love hearing what you think about my recipes. Thank you for supporting Sunday Table!


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Brisket Beef Stew with Wild Rice & Vegetables

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
I could eat this brisket beef stew every single day. Loaded with wild rice, vegetables, fresh herbs, and a savory red wine broth, it's cozy, decadent, and beyond flavorful. Save this recipe for dinner parties with friends, family dinners, or chilly nights in!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds brisket flat cut (900 grams)
  • Kosher salt & freshly-ground black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons neutral oil – avocado, canola, etc. (28 grams)
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams)
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (14 grams)
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced (2 1/2 cups / 280 grams)
  • 5 large carrots, peeled & cut into 1-inch chunks (1 1/2 cups / 215 grams)
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch chunks (1 1/4 cups / 140 grams)
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (4 large cloves)
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
  • 1 small bunch of fresh thyme
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste (36 grams)
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (120 grams)
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth, plus more as needed (1.4 liters)
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 grams)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup wild rice, rinsed well (180 grams)
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas (127 grams)

Equipment

Instructions 

Sear the beef

  • Trim the fat cap on top of the brisket until it's about 1/4-inch thick. Discard the extra fat. Then, cut the brisket into 3-4 steaks that are about 1 1/2-2 inches thick. Pat the steaks dry and season all sides generously with salt and pepper.
  • Then, heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it's very hot and shimmering. Sear the steaks until they have a dark brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches, if needed. (You don't want to over-crowd the pot or the beef will steam instead of sear.) Then, let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes.
  • After the steaks have rested, slice them into 1-2 inch cubes. Toss the beef cubes with the all-purpose flour until the flour is mostly dissolved. Set aside.

Make the stew

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Return the Dutch oven to the stove. Melt the butter over medium-high heat. Then, add the onions, carrots, celery, and a big pinch of salt. Sauté the veggies just until they're slightly softened and starting to brown on the edges. Spoon the veggies into a bowl. Let them cool, cover, and refrigerate for later.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste is dark red and the herbs are fragrant.
  • Deglaze the Dutch oven with the red wine. Simmer, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan, until the wine is reduced by half.
  • Next, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and the seared brisket along with any leftover juices. Stir well and bring the stew to a gentle boil.
  • Remove the Dutch oven from the heat. Cover the Dutch oven, tilting the lid so steam can escape. Place the pot in the oven and braise for 2 1/2-3 hours, until the brisket is very tender. If the brisket is not tender after 3 hours, give it another 30 minutes.

Add the rice & veggies

  • Once the brisket is fork tender, carefully remove the pot from the oven and return it to the stovetop. If the liquid has reduced too much, pour another cup of beef broth into the stew.
  • Using a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the wild rice until the water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes. Add the rinsed wild rice and reserved veggies along with any juices to the stew.
  • Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Gently simmer the rice according to the package directions, about 45-50 minutes.
  • Right before serving, stir the frozen peas into the stew until they're warmed through. Discard the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme. Season with more salt and pepper, to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If you can only find large briskets, ask the butcher at the meat counter to cut it down to the amount you need. Or, vacuum seal leftover brisket and freeze it for future recipes!
I like to use J. Kenji López-Alt’s tip of searing steaks before cutting the meat into chunks. The beef gets a gorgeous brown crust but also comes out nice and juicy.
It’s important to coat the beef cubes in flour until the flour completely dissolves. It’s the best way to thicken the broth without ending up with lumps of flour.
I always recommend braising stew in a Dutch oven if you have one! The thick cast iron helps lock in heat and moisture. The heat retention is amazing for slow cooking, leading to meat is nice and tender.
Adjust the cooking time as needed. You want to braise the stew until the meat is fork-tender. It may take as little as 2 hours and up to 3 1/2 hours.
It’s important to keep the beef moist through the braising process so it comes out fork-tender. If you notice the stew is starting to reduce too much in the oven, add more beef broth as needed.
For a soupier consistency, feel free to add more beef broth. Just don’t go overboard or you’ll end up with a flavorless stew.
Add the seared veggies just for the last 45 minutes of cooking. If you braise the veggies with the stew, they’ll end up over-cooked. At 45 minutes, they’ll come out tender but not mushy!
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course, Soup
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 481kcal, Carbohydrates: 34.6g, Protein: 49.9g, Fat: 13.8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 379mg, Potassium: 805mg, Fiber: 4.8g, Sugar: 6.3g, Calcium: 72mg, Iron: 5mg
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xo Sara Lynn

Song of the day – Piazza, New York Catcher by Belle & Sebastian

Originally posted on October 10, 2014.