This Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket is simply mouth-watering! With tender meat soaked in a flavorful BBQ sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or game day.
Preparing it is a breeze – just season, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. I love serving it with sliced bread or over rice for a satisfying meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Brisket: A well-marbled brisket offers the best flavor and tenderness. If brisket isn’t available, you can use chuck roast, but keep in mind it may have a slightly different texture.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite store-bought sauce works well, but homemade sauce is great too! For a different flavor, consider mustard-based BBQ sauce or a vinegar-based sauce.
Beef Broth: You can replace beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. This will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce is a good substitute if you’re out of Worcestershire. It adds umami, though it’s saltier, so adjust your salt accordingly.
How Do I Get the Brisket Perfectly Tender?
The secret to a tender brisket is low and slow cooking. Make sure your slow cooker temperature is set properly. For the best results, always cook on low for 8-10 hours, which allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making it juicy and tender.
- Start by seasoning and searing the brisket for extra depth of flavor.
- Layer sliced onions and garlic in the slow cooker to flavor the meat as it cooks.
- Let the brisket rest after cooking – this helps redistribute the juices, keeping it moist when you slice it.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 to 5 pounds beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8 to 10 hours to cook on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high). Make sure to plan ahead as it needs time to cook slowly to achieve that tender, juicy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Brisket:
Start by patting the brisket dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the brisket to give it a nice flavor.
2. Sear the Brisket:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds a delicious crust! Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will add great flavor to the brisket as it cooks.
4. Combine and Cook:
Lay the seared brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the brisket.
5. Slow Cook the Brisket:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and easy to shred.
6. Rest and Slice:
Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite. Slice the brisket against the grain for the best texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the sliced brisket with the cooking juices and add more BBQ sauce if you like. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve it up with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or mashed potatoes!
This recipe makes a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your BBQ beef brisket!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While brisket is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute with a chuck roast or even pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Can I Cook This on High Instead of Low?
Yes, you can cook the brisket on high for 4 to 5 hours instead of the low setting for 8 to 10 hours. However, cooking on low is recommended for the most tender results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
What Should I Serve with BBQ Brisket?
This brisket pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, baked beans, or garlic mashed potatoes. It’s also delicious on sandwich rolls as a hearty BBQ sandwich!
