best slow cooker beef brisket recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
best slow cooker beef brisket recipe
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The Best best slow cooker beef brisket recipe

I’ve been cooking for my family for over two decades, and I can confidently say that this slow cooker beef brisket recipe is one of our favorites. It’s a classic dish that never fails to impress, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

The key to this recipe is the slow cooker itself – it allows the meat to cook low and slow, infusing it with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. I love how tender the beef becomes after hours of cooking, and the rich, savory sauce that develops is simply divine.

My kids have grown up on this recipe, and they still request it for special occasions like birthdays and holidays. But it’s not just a special-occasion dish – we also enjoy it on regular weeknights when I need a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please everyone.

And as an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods – the slow cooker does all the work, so you don’t have to worry about constant stirring or high heat. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for packing into lunches or using in future meals.

I’ve been making this recipe for so long now that I’ve tweaked it to perfection – but feel free to adjust the seasonings or spices to your liking! One thing I will say is that this recipe works beautifully with a variety of sides – try pairing it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Best Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Best Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

4.7 from 741 votes

This slow cooker beef brisket becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of gentle cooking. The rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness complements the beef perfectly.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brisket

4 lbs beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Aromatics

1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper.
2Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the brisket for 3 to 4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms, then transfer to a plate.
4In the same skillet, add sliced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
5Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
6In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
7Place the seared brisket in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top, then add the cooked onions and garlic.
8Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender and shreds easily.
9The internal temperature should reach at least 200°F for optimal tenderness.
10Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
11Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces, or shred with two forks.
12Skim excess fat from the sauce and serve the sauce over the sliced brisket.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For best results, trim the brisket of excess fat but leave a thin layer to keep it moist. The brisket can be refrigerated in the sauce for up to 3 days and reheats well. You can thicken the sauce by simmering it on the stovetop after cooking.

Watch Video Of How Best Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Works

This slow cooker beef brisket recipe is always a good idea because it delivers tender, flavorful meat with almost no effort. It works perfectly for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any time you want a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

I love that I can set it and forget it, then serve something that feels truly special. For storage, let the brisket cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container with some of the cooking juices.

It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. To reheat, I like to slice the brisket and warm it in a skillet with a little broth, or I shred it and heat it in the microwave for quick sandwiches.

Serve it on soft buns with coleslaw, over creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted carrots and green beans. This recipe is a keeper, and I hope you make it your own.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Q: What type of beef should I use in this recipe?

A: For best results, use a chuck roast or round cut of beef with plenty of marbling – this will ensure tender results after hours of cooking.

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