There’s something truly magical about a slow-cooked beef brisket, especially when it's tender enough to melt in your mouth. Combining the ease of a slow cooker with the robust flavors of barbecue, this beef brisket recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress without the stress. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or just want a comforting meal ready when you get home, this slow cooker brisket delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
To create this savory masterpiece, you’ll need:
- Beef Brisket: 3-4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
- Barbecue Sauce: 2 cups, homemade or your favorite store-bought
- Beef Broth: 1 cup, to help keep the brisket moist and add flavor
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, to add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ¼ cup, for a bit of tanginess
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons, to enhance the meaty flavors
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of garlic
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon, to give a slight kick
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
Preparing the Brisket:
- Season the Brisket: Begin by seasoning the brisket with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Ensure it's evenly coated on all sides.
- Sear the Brisket: Although optional, searing the brisket in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker can add a rich flavor and texture. Over high heat, brown the brisket on each side for a few minutes until it gets a nice crust.
Slow Cooking:
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Cook the Brisket: Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker and spoon some of the sauce over the top to ensure it's well-coated. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. The key to tender brisket is low and slow cooking, allowing the connective tissues to break down properly.
Finishing Touches:
- Rest the Brisket: Once cooked, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier.
- Slice the Brisket: Slice the brisket against the grain. This is crucial for ensuring the meat is tender and easy to eat.
- Serve: Serve the slices with a generous drizzle of the cooking sauce. For a fuller meal, accompany your brisket with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
Conclusion
This slow cooker beef brisket with BBQ sauce is not just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey. It’s perfect for any time you crave the deep, complex flavors of slow-cooked meat without the need for constant attention or advanced cooking skills. Each bite rewards you with the rich tastes developed through hours of slow cooking. Ideal for both special occasions and regular weeknight dinners, this brisket recipe ensures you enjoy gourmet-quality dining in the comfort of your home. Enjoy the accolades from your guests or family, and all the while, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: About 9 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Unleash the flavors of tender beef brisket cooked slowly in your slow cooker, paired with a rich, homemade BBQ sauce. This recipe guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a BBQ experience that rivals any restaurant, all from the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from brisket.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mix all over the brisket.
- Place the seasoned brisket in the slow cooker.
- Mix the BBQ sauce and beef broth together and pour over the brisket.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the brisket is very tender.
- Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Skim the fat from the sauce left in the slow cooker and serve it with the brisket.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- The brisket can be browned in a skillet before slow cooking to add depth to the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
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