Slow cooked beef brisket. The mere mention of it evokes images of family gatherings, cozy Sunday dinners, and that utterly irresistible aroma that fills the entire house. There’s something uniquely comforting about a slow cooked beef brisket, isn’t there? It’s a dish that whispers “home” in every tender, flavorful bite. It’s especially memorable in my family, where it’s been a holiday tradition since I was a toddler.
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This isn’t just another beef brisket recipe; it’s my family’s secret, passed down through generations, with a few modern tweaks to make it even more unforgettable. Let’s dive into making the most tender, juicy, and rich flavorful brisket you’ve ever tasted!
Why You Will Love This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
This slow cooked beef brisket recipe isn’t just about the incredible flavor; it’s about the ease and convenience it brings to your kitchen. Imagine coming home after a long day to a house filled with the comforting scent of perfectly cooked beef. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming a tough cut of meat into fork tender perfection.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of simple ingredients that create a depth of flavor that’s simply unparalleled. The gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a memorable dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. Plus, clean up is a breeze! Think of the extra time you would have to make my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup!
Ingredients Needed for This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Quality ingredients are key to achieving that signature tender, juicy beef brisket flavor.
- For the Brisket:
* 3-4 pound beef brisket
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Dry Rub:
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- For the Cooking Liquid:
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How to Make This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
Making this tender juicy beef brisket sounds intimidating, but it’s actually incredibly simple! Follow these easy steps for a guaranteed family favorite.
- 1. Prepare the Brisket: Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving a thin layer for flavor. In a small bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients. Generously rub the mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- 2. Sear the Brisket (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor and helps to seal in the juices. I recommend searing one side then making these Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks while you wait!
- 3. Assemble the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Top with the minced garlic. Place the seared brisket on top of the onions.
- 4. Add the Cooking Liquid: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the brisket.
- 5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the brisket is fork tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- 6. Shred and Serve: Once the brisket is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding or slicing against the grain. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the shredded brisket to keep it moist.
How to Serve This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
There are endless ways to enjoy this rich flavorful brisket. I love serving it in sandwiches, on sliders, or simply on a plate with your favorite sides.
- Classic Comfort: Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
- Sandwich Sensations: Pile shredded brisket onto toasted buns with coleslaw and barbecue sauce.
- Taco Time: Use it as a filling for delicious brisket tacos with your favorite toppings.
- Elegant Plating: Arrange slices of brisket on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs. Pairs nicely with Light Fluffy And Super Yummy Sourdough Pancakes!
How to Store This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
Proper storage ensures your brisket stays delicious for days.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded or sliced brisket in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated brisket in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker. For frozen brisket, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Add a little beef broth or cooking liquid when reheating to prevent the brisket from drying out.
Tips to Make This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your slow cooked beef brisket turns out perfect every time.
- Don’t skip the sear: Searing the brisket before slow cooking adds depth and flavor.
- Use a good quality barbecue sauce: The barbecue sauce is a key ingredient, so choose your favorite brand.
- Let it rest: Allowing the brisket to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. It’s important not to skip this part!
- Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on time and temperature. You can always cook it longer!
Helpful Notes for This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
Here are a few extra notes to help you along the way.
- Brisket cut: The flat cut of brisket is leaner, while the point cut is more marbled. Either cut will work well in this recipe.
- Slow cooker size: A 6 quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices in the dry rub to suit your taste.
- Follow us on Pinterest for more amazing recipes and cooking tips!
Variation of This slow cooked beef brisket Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try.
- Spicy Brisket: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the dry rub.
- Coffee Rubbed Brisket: Add 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee to the dry rub for a robust flavor.
- Sweet and Tangy Brisket: Use a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and add a splash of honey to the cooking liquid.
- Smoked Brisket: If you have a smoker, smoke the brisket for a few hours before transferring it to the slow cooker.
How long should I slow cook beef brisket?
Beef brisket should typically be slow-cooked for 8-12 hours on low heat, or 4-6 hours on high heat. The key is to cook it until it’s fall-apart tender.
What temperature should I cook my slow cooked beef brisket at?
The ideal slow cooker temperature for beef brisket is around 250°F (121°C). This allows the brisket to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy end product.
Can I overcook slow cooked beef brisket?
Yes, it is possible to overcook slow cooked beef brisket. Overcooked brisket becomes dry and stringy. Monitor it toward the end of the cooking time and check for tenderness by piercing it with a fork.
What’s the best cut of beef for slow cooking?
For slow cooking, beef brisket is generally considered the best cut of beef. Its high fat content renders during the long cooking process, resulting in very moist and tender meat.
Conclusion
Ready to impress your family and friends with the ultimate comfort food? This slow cooked beef brisket recipe is a surefire way to create a memorable meal. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave something hearty and delicious. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and enjoy creating your own unforgettable memories with this slow cooked beef brisket. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Slow Cooked Beef Brisket: The Easiest, Most Tender Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This slow cooked beef brisket recipe delivers incredibly tender and flavorful brisket with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pound beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the brisket and rub with the dry rub mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the brisket on all sides until browned.
- Place sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Place the seared brisket on top.
- Whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the brisket.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until fork tender.
- Remove the brisket and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding or slicing.
- Spoon cooking liquid over the brisket and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
