If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that dazzles with flavor and feels a little bit fancy (without fussing over the stove all day), look no further than Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon. Tender beef brisket, slow cooked in a deeply savory tomato and wine sauce with hints of fresh tarragon, gets cozied up with hearty rigatoni for a dish that tastes like you spent hours in a rustic Italian kitchen. This showstopper not only warms you up from within but also fills your home with the most irresistible aroma. Every bite offers melt-in-your-mouth beef, vibrant veggies, that gentle licorice note from tarragon, and the toothsome goodness of rigatoni. It’s comfort elevated—and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to pull off!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon so special is how each ingredient shines in the final dish. The list is straightforward, yet every item plays an essential role—adding depth, color, or that irresistible rich flavor that makes this meal unforgettable.
- Beef Brisket (2 pounds): Choose a well-marbled cut for the juiciest, most flavorful result after all that slow cooking.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the beef and sautéing veggies—don’t skimp on the quality here for maximum depth of flavor.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): The aromatic foundation that sweetens and balances the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a bold, savory punch that infuses the entire dish.
- Carrots (2, peeled and diced): For a hint of sweetness and gorgeous pops of color.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Lends subtle earthiness and classic Italian-style aroma.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor for a thick, rich sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Dry Red Wine (1 cup): Use something you’d happily sip; it enriches the sauce with depth and complexity.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): The liquid gold that turns everything tender and infuses the brisket with savory notes.
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): They make the sauce robust and tangy with a fresh tomato bite.
- Fresh Tarragon (2 teaspoons, chopped) or Dried Tarragon (1 teaspoon): The secret herb that infuses the sauce with a distinctive, slightly sweet and anise-like note.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the herb flavors with classic Italian personality.
- Bay Leaf (1): Slowly releases fragrance as the sauce simmers, adding subtle background flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing the dish into glorious balance.
- Rigatoni Pasta (1 pound): Its ridges and tubes are perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce and shreds of beef.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): Just a shower of this nutty, salty goodness over the top takes it straight to heaven.
- Fresh Tarragon (optional, for garnish): A finishing flourish that highlights the unique flavor running through the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by generously seasoning your beef brisket chunks with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and sear those pieces until they’re deeply golden and caramelized—this is what locks in flavor and builds the savory base for the whole dish. Don’t rush this step! Once beautifully browned, set the brisket aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan (hello, flavor!), add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is soft and just starting to take on a hint of golden color. These aromatics lay down a sweet and earthy foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce’s Foundation
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, allowing it to caramelize for extra depth. Pour in the dry red wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits on the bottom—they’re pure flavor gold! Simmer for about 2–3 minutes, just until the wine reduces a bit and everything smells irresistible.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Brisket
Now, add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, chopped tarragon, dried oregano, and the bay leaf to your pan, stirring to combine. Return the seared brisket (and all its juices!) to the sauce, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Set it on low, cover, and let time work its magic for about 8 hours, until the brisket is so tender it practically falls apart with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Beef and Finish the Sauce
Once the brisket is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks—it should come apart easily. Discard the bay leaf, then return all that shredded beef right back into the sauce, stirring so every strand is coated in savory goodness. If you’d like a thicker sauce, feel free to simmer it uncovered on the stove for a few extra minutes.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta and Combine
Set a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain well, then gently toss the rigatoni right into the brisket sauce. Let everything mingle for a minute so the pasta soaks up all that lovely flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous helpings of Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon into big bowls. Finish with a snowfall of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh tarragon if you like. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
How to Serve Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon
Garnishes
For a bit of color and extra flavor, top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped tarragon. The Parmesan adds salty, nutty richness, while the pops of green from the tarragon make everything look and taste fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon is hearty enough to star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a punchy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables for brightness. And of course, a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce would be utterly irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl by serving your rigatoni in wide, shallow pasta plates for a restaurant-style look. Or, for a family-style feast, heap it all onto a large platter and let everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling festive, garnish with whole sprigs of tarragon or lemon zest curls for a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon keeps beautifully! Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen and develop with time, making next-day lunches a real treat.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your braised beef brisket rigatoni, let everything cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer; just mark the date so you don’t forget about that delicious meal waiting for you.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just be sure to stir everything halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can braise the beef in a heavy Dutch oven in your oven at 300°F for about 3–4 hours, covered, until fork-tender. All the flavors will meld beautifully either way.
Is it possible to substitute another herb for tarragon?
Fresh tarragon gives the dish its signature hint of anise, but if you can’t find it, fresh basil or parsley are nice alternatives for a fresh herbaceous note. The result will be slightly different but still delicious.
What kind of wine should I use?
Choose a dry red wine that you’d enjoy drinking, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti. Avoid anything too sweet, as you want that savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast makes a good alternative if brisket is unavailable—it also becomes very tender with slow cooking and will yield a similarly satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth result.
Is Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your beef broth doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how special Slow Cooked Braised Beef Brisket Rigatoni with Tarragon can make a dinner feel. This dish is pure comfort, endlessly satisfying, and genuinely simple to put together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a celebration with friends, it’s bound to earn rave reviews—so go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
