Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/slow-cooker-bbq-beef-brisket-recipe/
