Description
Juicy, flavorful, and fall-apart tender, this Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is the definition of comfort food done right. Perfect for those looking for an easy dinner idea or a hearty weekend meal, this recipe brings together the convenience of a slow cooker with bold spices and savory sauces. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking to meal prep for the week, this brisket delivers with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a standout in categories like easy dinner recipes, slow cooker meals, family dinner ideas, and beef brisket recipes.
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, smashed
Instructions
1. Pat the brisket dry and trim excess fat. Rub it with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cumin, cayenne, and brown sugar. Let rest 20–30 minutes.
2. Optional: Sear the brisket in olive oil on all sides in a hot skillet to create a crust.
3. Place sliced onion and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place brisket on top, fat-side up.
4. Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and BBQ sauce. Pour over brisket.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours until fork-tender.
6. Remove brisket, tent with foil, and let rest 15 minutes. Slice against the grain.
7. Skim fat from slow cooker liquid and drizzle juices over sliced brisket.
8. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce. Pairs great with mashed potatoes, veggies, or rolls.
Notes
Let the brisket rest before slicing for juicy, tender results.
Use a flat cut for even slices and a cleaner presentation.
Leftovers taste even better the next day — store them with juices to maintain flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: slow cooker beef brisket, easy dinner, comfort food, beef recipe, crockpot brisket, BBQ beef