Slow Cooker Brisket

When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is Slow Cooker Brisket. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aromas wafting through the kitchen as a perfect brisket slowly cooks away. This dish always brings back memories of cozy winter evenings spent with family and friends gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for that first mouthful. I remember my first attempt at making brisket in a slow cooker; I was nervous but excited. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and the way the low-and-slow cooking method transforms the meat into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just comforting yourself after a long day, this Slow Cooker Brisket is sure to impress.

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Brisket

The ingredients for Slow Cooker Brisket are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavor. The key players are the brisket itself, which is known for its rich marbling, and the spices that enhance its natural taste. Together, they create a perfect balance that is hard to resist.

• Beef brisket flat (about 3 pounds, trimmed): This cut of meat is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful after hours of simmering.
• Barbecue sauce (1½ cups, divided): The sauce adds sweetness and tang, complementing the beef beautifully.
• Beef broth (½ cup): This adds depth and moisture, ensuring the brisket stays juicy throughout the cooking process.
• Fine sea salt (1½ teaspoons): Essential for enhancing flavors and seasoning the brisket properly.
• Ground black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Provides a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• Packed light brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes during cooking.
• Garlic powder (1½ teaspoons): Brings in a savory note that melds perfectly with the meat.
• Sweet paprika (¾ teaspoon): Adds color and a mild flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Onion powder (¾ teaspoon): Complements the garlic and adds a rich taste.
• Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, or adjust to taste): A dash of heat that elevates the flavor profile.
• Ground cumin (¾ teaspoon): Adds earthiness and depth to the dish.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Brisket

Preparing Slow Cooker Brisket is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve a deliciously tender result. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a culinary masterpiece on your hands.

1. Start by stirring together the rub ingredients in a small bowl. This mixture will infuse the brisket with flavor. You want to ensure it’s well combined, so every bite is seasoned to perfection.

2. Next, pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Drying it helps the rub stick better. After that, generously season the brisket all over with the rub, pressing it in to adhere.

3. In the bottom of your slow cooker, whisk together the barbecue sauce and beef broth. This creates a flavorful base for your brisket to simmer in. The mixture should be well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.

4. Gently place the seasoned brisket on top of the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Be careful not to disturb the rub you just applied. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

5. Now, you’ll want to cook the brisket on the Low setting for 8 to 10 hours. The goal is for the brisket to become fork-tender. To check, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part; it should read around 94 to 96°C (201 to 205°F).

6. Once the brisket is done cooking, carefully transfer it to a foil-lined sheet pan. This step is crucial for the next part of the process.

7. Brush a generous amount of the barbecue sauce over the brisket. This adds a delicious caramelized layer when you broil it.

8. Broil the brisket for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely as it caramelizes. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust without burning it.

9. Warm up any remaining barbecue sauce as needed. This will be great for serving alongside the brisket.

10. Finally, allow the brisket to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This resting period helps retain the juices. Serve with the warmed sauce on the side for dipping!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Slow Cooker Brisket turns out perfectly, consider the following tips. Each of these will help enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to reheat gently to preserve moisture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the brisket for up to 3 months. Slice it before freezing to allow for quick defrosting.
• Pairing: This brisket pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
• Serving Size: Typically, a serving size is about 4 ounces of brisket. Adjust according to your guests’ appetites!
• Don’t Rush It: Allowing the brisket to cook slowly is key to achieving that fall-apart texture.

Side Dish Ideas for Slow Cooker Brisket

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Brisket, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. Here are some great ideas that complement this dish perfectly.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add a healthy and colorful side, providing a nice contrast to the rich brisket.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can add a crunchy texture, balancing the tenderness of the brisket.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can soak up the juices and enhance each bite.
• Homemade Breads: Serve with warm homemade bread or rolls for dipping into the sauce.
• Salads: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides freshness and a delightful contrast to the richness of the brisket.
• Tacos: For a fun twist, serve the brisket in taco form with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Brisket is a true treasure in the world of comfort food. The slow cooking method ensures that each bite is incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. I encourage you to try this recipe and witness how easy it is to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the warmth it brings to your home and the smiles it creates around your dinner table!

Slow Cooker Brisket

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Brisket is tender, flavorful, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a mouthwatering dish that will have your family coming back for more. Make it tonight and turn any meal into a celebration!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds Beef brisket flat trimmed
• 1.5 cups Barbecue sauce divided
• 0.5 cups Beef broth
• 1.5 teaspoons Fine sea salt
• 0.75 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Packed light brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.75 teaspoons Sweet paprika
• 0.75 teaspoons Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Cayenne pepper use ¼ teaspoon for mild, ½ teaspoon for medium
• 0.75 teaspoons Ground cumin

Equipment

• 6 to 8-quart slow cooker
• Foil-lined sheet pan
• Small Bowl

Method

 

1. Stir the rub ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Pat the brisket dry and season all over with the rub, pressing to adhere.
3. In the bottom of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker, whisk barbecue sauce with the beef broth.
4. Place the brisket on top.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours, until the brisket is fork tender and an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part reads about 94 to 96°C (201 to 205°F).
6. Transfer the brisket to a foil-lined sheet pan.
7. Brush with some of the barbecue sauce.
8. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly caramelized, watching closely.
9. Warm the remaining sauce if needed.
10. Allow the brisket to rest for 20-30 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain and serve with sauce on the side.

Notes

• Tip 1: Start checking for tenderness at 7½ to 8 hours if your brisket is slightly smaller than 3 pounds.
• Tip 2: Adjust cayenne to taste: ½ teaspoon for mild, 1 teaspoon for medium, 1½ teaspoons for hot.
• Tip 3: Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in sauce, or shred and toss with sauce for sandwiches.
• Tip 4: For neat slices: 195 to 200°F (90 to 93°C). For shreddable or very soft slices 200 to 208°F (93 to 98°C).

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.