Heart Healthy Beef Brisket and Vegetables

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Published 8/21/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic
Heart Healthy Beef Brisket and Vegetables
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This heart healthy beef brisket and vegetables is comfort food at its finest. While most brisket recipes rely on heavy sauces or excess salt, this one builds flavor from searing, slow cooking, and layering fresh herbs and vegetables. The long cooking time breaks down the lean cut of beef so it stays moist without extra fat. Mushrooms, onions, and tomato paste create a natural umami base while carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and cauliflower add fiber and color. With less than 200 calories per serving and high-quality protein, this brisket works for anyone managing cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal that doubles as easy meal prep.

This delicious slow cooker beef brisket is just one of many of our heart healthy slow cooker recipes.

Total Time
240 minutes
Servings
6
Calories
186

Key Health Highlights

  • Under 200 calories per serving with 20g protein
  • Heart-healthy olive oil replaces saturated fats
  • High in fiber from cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes
  • Dietitian-reviewed for sodium and fat balance
  • Meets standards for heart-healthy diet guidelines
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FAQs About Beef Brisket and Vegetables

Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes. Place everything in a Dutch oven, cover tightly, and bake at 325°F for about 3 hours, adding vegetables halfway through.

What’s the best way to slice brisket?
Always cut against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the beef more tender.

Is brisket good for cholesterol management?
Yes, when made this way. Lean brisket contains oleic acid, which can help raise HDL (good cholesterol) when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

How can I lower the sodium even more?
Skip the Worcestershire sauce or replace it with a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang without salt.

More Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Love saving time while eating healthy? Try these delicious time saving, heart-healthy slow cooker recipes!

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

Recipe yields 6 servings

Helpful How-To Video

How to Make Beef Brisket and Vegetables

  1. Step 1

    Season the brisket with the salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and sear for about 4 minutes on all sides, or until browned. Add the garlic, onions and mushrooms and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, place the seared brisket, sautéed onions and mushrooms and water. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Add the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, potatoes, celery, parsley, thyme, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours more.

  3. Step 3

    Remove the meat, slice and serve over the vegetables with the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup beef and vegetables

186
Calories
9
g
Fat
61
mg
Cholesterol
143
mg
Sodium
6
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
1
g
Fiber
20
g
Protein
2
g
Sugars

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • For meal prep, portion sliced brisket with vegetables and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
  • If the dish thickens when chilled, stir in a splash of water before reheating.
  • Freezes well. Slice brisket, pack with veggies in freezer bags, and thaw overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

No parsnips?

Use extra carrots or turnips for a similar texture.


Watching carbs?

Swap out potatoes for more cauliflower or rutabaga.


No fresh herbs?

Use 1 teaspoon each dried parsley and thyme.


Want more color?

Add a few chunks of sweet potato.

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