Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Cooking brisket to perfection has never been easier than with this slow cooker recipe. With a flavorful dry rub, tender vegetables, and a juicy brisket, this dish is a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions. Follow this guide to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Dry Rub:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Liquid:

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup water (optional, as needed)

Brisket and Vegetables:

• 1 (2-pound) beef brisket
• 2 medium yellow onions, quartered
• 3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup prepared barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Rub:
Mix brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

2. Make the Cooking Liquid:
In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, liquid smoke, and Worcestershire sauce.

3. Assemble the Slow Cooker:
Place quartered onions and carrot pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the cooking liquid over the vegetables and set the slow cooker to High to warm up.

4. Season the Brisket:
Rinse the brisket under cold water, pat it dry, and rub it generously with the dry rub. Place the brisket in the slow cooker on top of the vegetables with the fatty side up. Ensure the liquid just touches the bottom of the brisket, adding water if needed.

5. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours.

6. Crisp and Rest:
Once cooked, transfer the brisket to a foil-lined sheet pan. Trim excess fat if desired. Mix ¼ cup of the hot cooking liquid with the barbecue sauce and baste the fatty side of the brisket. Preheat the oven broiler and broil the brisket until the edges crisp, about 2–4 minutes.

7. Slice and Serve:
Allow the brisket to rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Remove the vegetables from the slow cooker with a slotted spoon and serve alongside the brisket.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with Classic Sides: Serve the brisket alongside mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a fresh garden salad to complement its rich flavors.
• Make it a Sandwich: Thinly slice the brisket and layer it on a toasted bun with extra barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering sandwich.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Portion out the brisket and vegetables into meal-prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Allow the brisket and vegetables to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, slice the brisket and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for smaller portions. For frozen brisket, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your slow-cooked beef brisket fresh or repurposed in creative ways for days to come!

Variations

1. Sweet and Tangy Brisket:

• Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the cooking liquid for a touch of sweetness.
• Substitute barbecue sauce with a tangy pineapple or apricot glaze for a fruity twist.

2. Spicy Kick Brisket:

• Increase the chili powder in the dry rub and add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Use spicy barbecue sauce or a splash of hot sauce in the cooking liquid.

3. Smoky Texas-Style Brisket:

• Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika in the dry rub.
• Double the liquid smoke in the cooking liquid for a bold, smoky flavor.

4. Herb-Infused Brisket:

• Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme to the dry rub.
• Toss a few sprigs of fresh herbs (like thyme or bay leaves) into the slow cooker for added aroma.

5. Mediterranean-Inspired Brisket:

• Replace the barbecue sauce with a garlic and lemon-infused olive oil drizzle.
• Add diced tomatoes and a handful of Kalamata olives to the vegetables for a Mediterranean flair.

6. Beer-Braised Brisket:

• Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with your favorite dark beer for a rich, malty flavor.
• Use a mustard-based barbecue sauce for pairing.

7. Asian-Inspired Brisket:

• Swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or tamari in the cooking liquid.
• Add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or sesame oil for an Asian twist. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies.

8. Low-Carb/Keto Brisket:

• Skip the carrots and replace them with celery or green beans for a low-carb option.
• Use sugar-free barbecue sauce and eliminate the brown sugar from the dry rub.

These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to suit different palates and occasions, ensuring a unique experience every time you prepare this slow cooker beef brisket!

FAQs

1. Can I use a larger brisket for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a larger brisket, but you may need to increase the cooking liquid and adjust the cooking time. For every additional pound of brisket, add about 1 hour of cooking on Low.

2. Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place the brisket and vegetables in a roasting pan, cover tightly with foil, and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 hours or until tender.

3. What if I don’t have liquid smoke?
You can skip the liquid smoke or substitute it with smoked paprika in the dry rub for a similar smoky flavor.

4. Can I prepare this brisket ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the brisket a day ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) before serving for the best flavor.

5. Can I use different vegetables in the recipe?
Definitely! You can replace carrots and onions with parsnips, potatoes, or celery for variety.

6. How do I keep the brisket moist during broiling?
Baste the brisket with extra cooking liquid or barbecue sauce before broiling to prevent it from drying out.

7. Can I use a pre-made dry rub?
Yes, store-bought dry rubs work well if you’re short on time. Choose one that complements beef, like a barbecue or smoky blend.

8. What type of barbecue sauce works best?
It depends on your preference! Sweet, tangy, or smoky barbecue sauces all pair beautifully with the brisket. Choose one that suits your taste or make your own.

9. Can I freeze leftover brisket?
Yes, slice the brisket, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

10. How do I know when the brisket is done?
The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking it on Low for 8 hours usually ensures perfect tenderness.

This slow cooker beef brisket recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with flavorful vegetables. The dry rub and cooking liquid work together to create a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this brisket is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the savory flavors and the ease of preparation that make this recipe a go-to favorite.

Print