Easy and Delicious Recipes
If you grew up anywhere near the Balkans, you know ajvar is autumn in a jar: sweet, smoky peppers, a whisper of eggplant, and a glossy finish of good oil. This version follows the classic flow—roast → peel → drain → cook—so you get deep Read More
Honey Butter Chicken is the kind of one-pan dinner that makes weeknights feel easy again. Hot skillet, light seasoned coating, quick sear; then a buttery honey glaze that picks up a little tang from apple cider vinegar and depth from soy. It finishes glossy, not Read More
Here’s the kind of brisket I make when I want guaranteed praise with almost no fuss: a slow cooker BBQ brisket that finishes in the oven so the sauce turns shiny and caramelized. The rub lays down a savory-sweet base, the slow cooker melts the connective tissue until the meat is tender but still sliceable, and a quick sauce reduction concentrates all those beefy juices into a sticky glaze.
That’s the whole trick—low and slow for texture, then high heat for bark. It’s an easy brisket recipe that doesn’t ask for a smoker, travels well for potlucks, reheats like a dream, and makes legendary sandwiches the next day. If you’ve been searching for oven-finished brisket with real BBQ vibes and a homemade BBQ sauce that clings to every slice, this is it: simple method, big flavor, and consistently great results.
3–4 lb (1.5–2 kg) beef brisket, excess fat trimmed (flat or first-cut works great)
1 Tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp dry mustard (mustard powder)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) ketchup
1/2 cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp dry mustard (mustard powder)
1 tsp cayenne (use less for mild)
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Season the brisket.
Stir together all Dry Rub ingredients. Pat the brisket dry, drizzle with oil, and coat evenly with the rub (press it on so it sticks). If you have time, refrigerate 30 minutes up to 24 hours for deeper flavor; otherwise proceed.
Load the cooker.
In the slow cooker, whisk the BBQ Sauce ingredients until smooth. Nestle the brisket into the sauce (fat side up if there’s a thicker cap).
Slow cook.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours for a 3 lb / 1.5 kg piece or up to 10 hours for a 4 lb / 2 kg piece, until fork-tender but still sliceable.
Reduce the sauce.
Transfer the brisket to a sheet pan. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a lively simmer over medium-high heat. Cook 8–12 minutes until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon—it will thicken more as it cools.
Caramelize in the oven.
Heat oven to 390°F / 200°C. Return the brisket (on the sheet pan) to the oven for about 15 minutes until light browning appears. Brush generously with reduced sauce and roast 5 minutes. Brush again and roast another 5–10 minutes, until the surface looks sticky and caramelized.
Slice & serve.
Rest 10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain. Serve with remaining sauce.
Oven-Only Method:
Place rubbed brisket in a Dutch oven with the sauce. Cover and cook at 300°F / 150°C for 3–4 hours (size-dependent) until tender. Uncover, reduce sauce on the stovetop if needed, then caramelize as written above at 390°F / 200°C with basting.
Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot):
Sauce + brisket in pot. Cook High Pressure 75–85 minutes (3–4 lb), natural release 15 minutes. Reduce sauce on the stove, then finish/brulee in a 390°F / 200°C oven with basting.
Planning game day or a family dinner soon? Save this to Pinterest so future-you can relax while the slow cooker does the work.
Choose the cut: The flat/first cut slices neatly; the point is fattier and ultra-juicy.
Don’t skip the reduction: That simmered sauce is the difference between “good” and glossy, stick-to-your-ribs great.
Slice against the grain: This shortens the muscle fibers so every bite is tender.
Make-ahead friendly: Brisket actually improves after resting in its sauce.
Make-Ahead: Cook fully, cool, and refrigerate brisket in sauce up to 3 days. Slice cold (easier, cleaner), then rewarm gently in a covered dish at 300°F / 150°C with extra sauce until hot.
Freeze: Up to 2 months in airtight containers with sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Low and slow with a splash of water or stock to keep it glossy.
Classic plate: Brisket, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn or green beans, and a pickle spear.
Sandwiches/Sliders: Pile onto soft rolls with crunchy coleslaw and dill pickles.
Bowls: Over rice or cheesy grits with charred broccoli.
Leftovers: Quesadillas, baked potato toppers, brisket grilled cheese, or breakfast hash.
Can I use a larger brisket?
Yes—scale the rub and sauce and extend cook time until fork-tender.
My brisket shredded—did I overcook it?
Likely a bit. Still delicious! Next time, start checking earlier; you want tender but sliceable.
Too sweet or too tangy?
Balance with small additions: a splash of vinegar for sweetness, a teaspoon of brown sugar for tang, or a pinch of salt to brighten.
A braised chuck roast is the kind of dinner that makes the whole home feel cozy. This Dutch oven pot roast simmers low and slow with onions, carrots, garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs until the beef turns fork-tender and the pan sauce becomes Read More
A good holiday ham should be tender, glossy, and impossible to walk past without sneaking a slice. This apricot honey glazed ham checks every box. It starts with a fully cooked spiral ham and a quick stovetop glaze—apricot preserves, honey, brown sugar, Dijon, and butter—that Read More
If you’re looking for a classic green bean casserole that tastes just like the one you grew up with, this recipe has you covered. It’s creamy, cozy, and layered with all the familiar flavors that make it a must-have holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Tender green beans are folded into a rich, savory sauce, then topped with crispy fried onions that turn perfectly golden in the oven. The result is a simple, satisfying casserole that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
You don’t need any special ingredients or complicated steps — just a few pantry staples and about half an hour. It’s comfort food at its best: nostalgic, reliable, and always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (cream of celery works too)
½ cup 2% milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 cups cooked green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
1⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Fresh or frozen beans are both fine. Just make sure they’re tender before mixing.
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 1½-quart baking dish, stir together the soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and ⅔ cup of the fried onions. Add a little salt and pepper if you like.
Step 2
Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and starting to bubble. Give it a quick stir to bring everything together.
Step 3
Sprinkle the remaining onions over the top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the onions turn crisp and golden.
Step 4
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and the flavors settle.
Planning ahead? This casserole fits perfectly into a busy holiday schedule. You can prep it early without losing flavor or texture.
Assemble in advance:
Mix the soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and ⅔ cup fried onions. Spread into your baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake:
Remove from the fridge while preheating the oven. Bake as directed, then add the remaining onions in the last few minutes so they stay crisp and golden.
Alternate method:
Prepare just the filling ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake with the topping added fresh before serving. This keeps the flavor bright and the texture perfect.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this casserole just as good the next day.
Refrigerate:
Let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the onions again.
Tip: You can microwave individual portions if you’re short on time, though the topping won’t stay as crunchy.
Freeze (optional):
For longer storage, freeze without the onion topping. Wrap well and store for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, and finish with a fresh layer of onions before serving.
Yes. Assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Add the remaining onions in the last few minutes so they stay crisp.
Both work well. If using fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5–6 minutes until just tender before adding them to the casserole. Frozen beans should be thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Absolutely. Cream of celery adds a lighter, slightly herbaceous flavor. You can also try cream of chicken or even a homemade mushroom sauce if you prefer less processed options.
Add the final layer of onions during the last 5 minutes of baking. This keeps them crunchy and golden. If reheating leftovers, uncover the dish for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Yes. You can prepare a simple homemade sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms. Use about 1½ cups of thickened sauce as a replacement.
A 1½-quart baking dish works best for this amount. It allows the casserole to bake evenly and develop a slightly golden edge.
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before baking and without the onion topping. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, bake until hot, and top with fresh fried onions just before serving.
Up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm, uncovering for the last few minutes to restore crispiness.
Definitely. Use a 9×13-inch dish and double all ingredients. Baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes, so check for bubbling edges before adding the final onion layer.
It’s a classic pairing for holiday mains like roast turkey, baked ham, or prime rib, and complements other sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, or sweet potato casserole.
I make this sweet potato casserole every year, and it never lasts long. The sweet potatoes bake up soft and buttery, the cranberries add a little pop of tartness, and that pecan crumble turns golden and crisp on top. It’s one of those side dishes Read More
These crispy baked buffalo chicken wings are seasoned with Old Bay and Sazon, roasted until golden, and then brushed with a light buffalo-honey glaze that caramelizes under high heat. The result? Juicy wings with crackling skin and a glossy finish that looks as good as Read More
There’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet bell peppers slowly cooked down with onions and garlic. This version of Italian peperonata skips the capers and uses ripe, organic tomatoes instead of jarred passata, giving the dish a fresher, more vibrant flavor. It’s the kind of side dish that feels at home at a family table—served warm with grilled chicken or lamb, or chilled and piled onto crusty bread with a drizzle of olive oil.
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
6 large bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into strips
About 1 pound (500 g) ripe organic tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauté the aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and roughly chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
Cook the peppers
Stir in the sliced bell peppers. Let them cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add the tomatoes
Add the chopped organic tomatoes and stir everything together. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down into a rich, jammy sauce.
Season & finish
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the vinegar, stir, and cook for another 5 minutes to bring all the flavors together.
Serve
Remove from the heat and serve warm or at room temperature with feta cheese and crusty bread.
I always save my favorite recipes to Pinterest so I don’t lose them — if you enjoyed this peperonata, go ahead and pin the photo below to your board so it’s waiting for you next time you’re craving it.
Peperonata is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
With bread and cheese: Spoon it over toasted crusty bread and add a crumble of feta or goat cheese.
As a side dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb chops, or baked fish.
With pasta or polenta: Toss it through pasta or serve over creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
In sandwiches or wraps: Use leftovers as a flavorful filling for sandwiches or panini.
Make this recipe your own with a few simple tweaks:
Herbs: Stir in fresh basil, parsley, or oregano at the end for extra aroma.
Vinegar: Swap white wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
Vegetables: Add zucchini, eggplant, or even potatoes for more variety.
Protein boost: Mix in cooked chickpeas or cannellini beans for a heartier dish.
Spice: A pinch of chili flakes adds gentle heat if you like it spicy.
Refrigerator: Store peperonata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and improve as it rests.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time — it works for quick lunches, sides, or as a topping throughout the week.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh stromboli baking in the oven—the golden crust, the bubbling cheese, and that first slice revealing all the layers inside. This recipe brings together the best of the Italian deli counter: salty prosciutto, spicy capicola, tender slices of Read More
