Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe

Introduction

Unlock the secret to unbelievably tender and deeply flavorful beef brisket with this easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket recipe. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, flat cut or point cut
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil for searing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat your beef brisket dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Generously rub this spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Step 2: If time allows, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until a brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Step 3: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful bed that keeps the brisket moist.
4. Step 4: Place the seasoned brisket on top of the onions and garlic. In a bowl, mix the beef broth and BBQ sauce. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar if using. Pour the mixture over the brisket, ensuring it’s at least halfway submerged.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
6. Step 6: Remove the brisket carefully. Shred with forks for pulled brisket or slice against the grain for traditional presentation. Return shredded meat to the slow cooker with some cooking liquid to keep it moist. Let sliced brisket rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
7. Step 7: Serve with extra BBQ sauce and classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.

Tips & Variations

• Searing the brisket before slow cooking adds extra flavor and a nice crust but can be skipped for a simpler prep.
• For a tangier sauce, add more apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, try substituting smoked paprika with chipotle powder.
• Leftover brisket makes fantastic sandwiches or tacos the next day.

Storage

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. You can also freeze cooked brisket for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip searing the brisket?

Yes, searing is optional but recommended for added flavor and a nice crust. The slow cooker will still produce tender and delicious brisket without searing.

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. This typically takes 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe

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Experience tender, flavorful beef brisket made effortlessly in your slow cooker with this Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket recipe. The brisket is seasoned with a savory spice rub, seared for an added crust, then slow-cooked in a mixture of beef broth, BBQ sauce, and optional tangy Worcestershire and apple cider vinegar, resulting in mouthwatering pulled or sliced BBQ beef that melts in your mouth.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American, BBQ

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brisket and Seasoning

• 1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, flat cut or point cut
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Slow Cooker Liquid and Aromatics

• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional)

For Searing

• 1 tablespoon oil for searing

Instructions

1. Prepare the brisket: Pat the beef brisket dry using paper towels. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the brisket, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Sear the brisket (optional but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned brisket on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a flavorful browned crust that enhances taste and texture.
3. Prepare the slow cooker bed: Place the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. This aromatic layer adds moisture and infuses flavor into the brisket during slow cooking.
4. Assemble in slow cooker: Position the brisket on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker. In a bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine beef broth and BBQ sauce. If using, stir in Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar for extra depth and tang. Pour this liquid over the brisket, ensuring it is submerged at least halfway.
5. Cook the brisket: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the brisket becomes fork-tender and easy to pull apart.
6. Rest and serve: Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker. Choose to shred the meat with two forks for pulled brisket or slice against the grain for a traditional presentation. If shredded, you can mix it back into some cooking liquid to maintain moisture. Let sliced brisket rest for 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices before serving.
7. Finish and enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket with extra BBQ sauce and classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Cooking time varies: low setting takes 8-10 hours, high setting takes 4-6 hours.
• Allow resting time after cooking for sliced brisket to retain juiciness.
• Searing the brisket before slow cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and better texture but can be skipped for convenience.
• Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar add tang and depth but are optional based on personal taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of around 195-205°F for ideal tenderness.

Keywords: slow cooker brisket, BBQ beef brisket, slow cooked beef, easy brisket recipe, American BBQ, pulled brisket, tender beef brisket