This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a hearty dish that cooks low and slow, making the meat tender and juicy. With simple spices and broth, it’s full of flavor!
I love coming home to the smell of this brisket cooking all day. Just slice it up and serve with some veggies—easy peasy! Your family will think you’re a chef! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Brisket: This is the star ingredient! Choose a well-marbled brisket for a juicy result. If brisket is hard to find, you could use a chuck roast as a substitute, though it may have a different texture.
Spices: The spice mix is key for flavor. If you prefer less heat, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also use pre-mixed BBQ seasoning or even a bit of Italian seasoning as an alternative.
Vegetable Oil: While I suggest vegetable oil for searing, olive oil works too. Don’t use extra virgin for this step, as the flavor can be too strong. Avocado oil is also a good choice for its high smoke point.
Beef Broth: If you want a richer flavor, replace beef broth with homemade stock. For a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used, but it will alter the taste a bit.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to experiment with homemade sauce or store-bought options. I like to use a tangy sauce, but you can choose sweet, mustard-based, or even hot sauces depending on your preference.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Brisket for Maximum Flavor?
Searing the brisket is an essential step that brings out great flavors. It creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and boosts the dish’s overall taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil in the skillet on medium-high until it shimmers.
- Carefully place the brisket in the pan. Avoid crowding it to ensure proper browning.
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes or until a nice brown crust forms.
- Don’t rush this step! It’s worth taking the extra few minutes for good browning.
Once seared, continue with the slow cooking process. This step is simple but critical for achieving a rich flavor in your brisket!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brisket:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Slow Cooker Base:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 8-10 hours of cooking on low (or 4-5 hours on high). It’s an all-day dish that will fill your home with amazing smells and result in tender, flavorful brisket!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brisket:
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Rub this flavorful spice mixture thoroughly all over the beef brisket, ensuring it’s well coated.
2. Sear the Brisket:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Searing adds extra flavor, so don’t skip this step!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Next, place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for your brisket.
4. Add the Brisket:
Carefully place the seared brisket on top of the onions in the slow cooker. It should sit nicely on top, absorbing all the flavors.
5. Mix the Juices:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well blended. Pour this tasty mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The brisket is ready when it’s tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Just let the slow cooker do its magic!
7. Rest the Meat:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in!
8. Serve:
Slice the brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve it with the delicious barbecue sauce mixture from the slow cooker. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your mouthwatering slow cooker beef brisket!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute brisket with other cuts like chuck roast or flank steak! Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary; chuck roast typically needs a bit longer due to its slight toughness. Always aim for a cut with good marbling for best results.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to lower the heat level, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the spice mix. For extra spice, you can add more cayenne or even some crushed red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce before serving to ensure it meets your preferred spice level!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything a day before and keep the seasoned brisket in the fridge overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover beef brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
