Nothing says comfort food like slow-cooked beef brisket, especially when it’s smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker ensures that the brisket turns out incredibly tender, with the flavors from the spices and BBQ sauce infused deeply into the meat. This recipe delivers a mouth-watering, fall-apart brisket that can be served in various ways, from sandwiches to standalone plates paired with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Begin by preparing the brisket. Place the brisket on a clean surface or cutting board, patting it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 3:
Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring that every part of the meat is thoroughly coated. This spice rub will form a delicious crust as the brisket slow cooks, adding depth of flavor to the meat.
Step 4:
Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour in the beef broth around the meat, ensuring that the broth doesn’t wash off the seasoning on the brisket. The broth will keep the brisket moist during the cooking process.
Step 5:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the “low” setting for 8-10 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender the brisket will become, so aim for 10 hours if possible, especially if you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker using tongs. At this point, the brisket will be very tender, so handle it gently to avoid it falling apart.
Step 7:
You can either shred the brisket using two forks for a pulled-beef style or slice it against the grain for thicker pieces. Both methods work well, depending on how you plan to serve it.
Step 8:
Toss the shredded or sliced brisket in your BBQ sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. If you want a more intense BBQ flavor, feel free to add more sauce to taste.
Step 9:
Return the sauced brisket to the slow cooker, and let it cook on “low” for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the BBQ sauce to soak into the meat even more, enriching the flavor.
Cooking Note:
- To get the best results, cook the brisket on low heat for the entire duration. High heat might speed up the process, but it won’t allow the meat to become as tender and flavorful as slow-cooking does. Patience is key when cooking brisket!
- If you prefer a more caramelized BBQ sauce finish, you can broil the brisket in the oven for 5-10 minutes after shredding or slicing it. Just place the meat on a baking sheet and broil until the sauce gets bubbly and slightly charred.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the brisket on sandwich buns with extra BBQ sauce for a classic BBQ sandwich. Add pickles, onions, or even jalapeños for a bit of crunch and heat.
- Pair with a side of creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread for the ultimate BBQ platter.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the brisket alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
- This brisket also goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, offering a balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Tips:
- Brisket Fat: Always cook your brisket with the fat side up in the slow cooker. This allows the fat to melt and baste the meat, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
- BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, or tangy sauce, the brisket will adapt to the flavors, making each meal unique.
- Storage: Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit more BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
- Freezing: Brisket freezes well! Simply portion it out and freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a slow cooker or microwave.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes to 10 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 600 kcal per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 1200mg (depending on the BBQ sauce used)
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, if you don’t have brisket, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or short ribs, though brisket is preferred for its perfect balance of fat and flavor. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
Q2: How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub for extra heat. Additionally, choosing a spicy BBQ sauce or adding hot sauce can increase the heat level to your liking.
Q3: Can I cook this on high to speed up the process?
While it’s possible to cook the brisket on high for 4-5 hours, the texture and tenderness won’t be as optimal as the low and slow method. For best results, stick with the low setting.
Q4: What should I do if the brisket seems tough after cooking?
If the brisket isn’t as tender as you’d like after the cooking time, it’s likely because it hasn’t cooked long enough. Simply leave it in the slow cooker for an extra hour or so on low until it softens up.
Q5: What are some alternative BBQ sauces I can try?
You can experiment with different BBQ sauces like a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce, a Kansas City-style sweet sauce, or even a mustard-based sauce from South Carolina for variety.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce is a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines ease with maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, while you get to enjoy the tender, juicy brisket that’s infused with smoky BBQ goodness. Whether you’re serving it as part of a family dinner, at a summer cookout, or on game day, this dish is sure to be a hit. The versatility of brisket allows you to enjoy it in multiple ways, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to love!
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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes to 10 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Begin by preparing the brisket. Place the brisket on a clean surface or cutting board, patting it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 3:
Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring that every part of the meat is thoroughly coated. This spice rub will form a delicious crust as the brisket slow cooks, adding depth of flavor to the meat.
Step 4:
Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour in the beef broth around the meat, ensuring that the broth doesn’t wash off the seasoning on the brisket. The broth will keep the brisket moist during the cooking process.
Step 5:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the “low” setting for 8-10 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender the brisket will become, so aim for 10 hours if possible, especially if you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker using tongs. At this point, the brisket will be very tender, so handle it gently to avoid it falling apart.
Step 7:
You can either shred the brisket using two forks for a pulled-beef style or slice it against the grain for thicker pieces. Both methods work well, depending on how you plan to serve it.
Step 8:
Toss the shredded or sliced brisket in your BBQ sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. If you want a more intense BBQ flavor, feel free to add more sauce to taste.
Step 9:
Return the sauced brisket to the slow cooker, and let it cook on “low” for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the BBQ sauce to soak into the meat even more, enriching the flavor.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- To get the best results, cook the brisket on low heat for the entire duration. High heat might speed up the process, but it won’t allow the meat to become as tender and flavorful as slow-cooking does. Patience is key when cooking brisket!
- If you prefer a more caramelized BBQ sauce finish, you can broil the brisket in the oven for 5-10 minutes after shredding or slicing it. Just place the meat on a baking sheet and broil until the sauce gets bubbly and slightly charred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Protein: 40g