Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any family gathering or special occasion. The brisket is cooked low and slow, allowing it to absorb the bold flavors from the rub and BBQ sauce, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth meal. The convenience of the slow cooker makes this recipe effortless to prepare, while the rich, smoky taste of the BBQ sauce elevates the brisket to a whole new level. Whether you serve it on a bun for sandwiches, with mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables, this slow-cooked brisket is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking process ensures the brisket is incredibly tender and packed with flavor.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large amount, perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd.
3. Customizable BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste—make it spicier or sweeter depending on your preference.
4. Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep work and the slow cooker doing the hard work, it’s an effortless dish to make.
5. Versatile Serving Options: Serve the brisket in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to tacos or over rice, for a delicious meal.

this …

Ingredients

• Beef brisket (1.5 – 2 kg / 3 – 4 lb)
• Olive oil (or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola)

For the Rub:

• Brown sugar
• Paprika powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin powder
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce:

• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Mustard powder
• Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Worcestershire sauce

Variations

• Spicy Brisket: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet Brisket: Add more brown sugar or honey to the BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Smoke Flavor: Add smoked paprika to the rub for an extra smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: While brisket is the star, you can serve the BBQ sauce over plant-based proteins like jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Rub the brisket with olive oil, then evenly coat it with the spice rub mixture. Make sure to cover the brisket thoroughly on all sides.

Step 2

Place the brisket into the slow cooker, fat side up, and cover with the lid. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 3

While the brisket cooks, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir together and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.

Step 4

Once the brisket is done, remove it from the slow cooker and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Step 5

Serve the brisket with the BBQ sauce on the side or drizzle it over the sliced meat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Fat Side Up: Cooking the brisket fat side up allows the fat to render and keep the meat moist.
• Rest the Brisket: Let the brisket rest after cooking before slicing to retain the juices and enhance the flavor.
• BBQ Sauce Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and heat in the BBQ sauce by varying the amount of sugar and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• Slow Cooker Size: Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the brisket. If it’s too big, the brisket may not cook evenly.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it sliced on a bun with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich, or serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even in tacos. The BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the brisket and can be drizzled on top or served on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be stored with the BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the brisket for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Reheating

Reheat the brisket by placing it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave or in a slow cooker on low, adding a bit of extra BBQ sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I cook this brisket on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, if you cook the brisket on high, it will take about 4-5 hours to cook. However, cooking on low will result in a more tender and juicy brisket.

2. Can I use a different cut of meat?

While brisket is ideal for slow cooking, you can substitute it with other cuts like chuck roast. The cooking time may differ depending on the size and thickness of the meat.

3. Can I make this without the BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can skip the BBQ sauce if you prefer a more natural flavor, but the sauce adds a wonderful tangy and sweet finish to the dish.

4. Can I make this brisket in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the brisket in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for 4-5 hours. Cover it with foil to retain moisture during cooking.

5. Can I use pre-made BBQ sauce?

Yes, feel free to use store-bought BBQ sauce in place of the homemade sauce for convenience.

6. How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C) for perfect results.

7. How can I make the brisket more tender?

Cooking the brisket low and slow is key to achieving tender meat. If you feel it’s still tough, cook it for longer until it becomes tender.

8. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the brisket?

Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker. They will absorb the flavors of the brisket and cook nicely alongside it.

9. How do I store the BBQ sauce?

Store leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

10. Can I serve this brisket with something other than BBQ sauce?

Yes, the brisket can be served with a variety of sauces, such as chimichurri or a simple au jus for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe offers a delicious and hands-off way to prepare a tender and flavorful dish. With its bold spice rub and tangy BBQ sauce, it’s perfect for a family meal, party, or any special occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, alongside sides, or in tacos, it’s sure to be a hit. This recipe is not only simple but also customizable to suit your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a perfectly cooked brisket!

Print