Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a delicious meal with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for weekend gatherings or a comforting family dinner. The secret to its tender bliss lies in the long, slow cooking process, which allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the spices and sauces. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal recipe for busy days.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound beef brisket
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Trim excess fat from the beef brisket and place it on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is very tender.
- Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Shred or slice the brisket and serve with the reserved cooking liquid.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
This beef brisket is perfect for serving on its own or with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or baked beans. You can also pile it on sandwich bread to create mouthwatering brisket sandwiches. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the meat to enhance the flavor!
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
- For extra flavor, marinate the brisket in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the brisket when it’s done and let the sauce reduce on the stove for a few minutes.
- Always slice the brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by changing the barbecue sauce to suit your taste. Try different flavor profiles, like spicy BBQ or a sweet honey sauce, to give your brisket a unique twist!
FAQs
Can I cook brisket on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, but low and slow yields the best tenderness.
What if my brisket is tough after cooking?
Tough brisket may need more time to cook, so if it’s not tender, cover it and let it cook longer.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck roast, but cooking times may vary. Just keep an eye on its tenderness!
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds beef brisket Trim excess fat before cooking.
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce Feel free to customize the sauce for different flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Trim excess fat from the beef brisket and place it on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is very tender.
- Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Shred or slice the brisket and serve with the reserved cooking liquid.