Description
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket: Tender beef brisket slow-cooked in savory BBQ sauce, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Comforting and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 pounds beef brisket, flat cut preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (about 1 cup/160g), thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic (about 2 tablespoons/12g), minced
- 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked preferred)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare The Dry Rub Mix all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels – this ensures the rub sticks properly to the meat surface. Apply the rub generously all over the brisket, massaging it into every nook and cranny. For deeper flavor development, wrap the rubbed brisket in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. If you’re short on time, even an hour will make a difference.
- Step 2: Sear The Brisket Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place your seasoned brisket in the hot pan, fat side down first. Sear until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes, then flip and repeat on all sides. This crucial step creates a flavorful crust and seals in juices. Use tongs to hold the brisket on its sides to brown those areas too. The goal is a rich, caramelized exterior that will contribute to that authentic barbecue flavor in your Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket.
- Step 3: Prepare The Slow Cooker Layer the sliced onions on the bottom of your slow cooker – they’ll create a flavor platform for your brisket to rest on while cooking. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions. Mix the beef broth and apple cider vinegar together and pour around (not over) the sides of the slow cooker. This liquid will create the moist environment needed for proper cooking without washing away your carefully applied rub.
- Step 4: Cook Low And Slow Place the seared brisket on top of the onion mixture, fat side up. The fat will render down during cooking, continuously basting the meat. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is fork-tender. Resist the urge to open the lid during cooking – each peek can add 20 minutes to your cooking time by releasing the built-up heat.
- Step 5: Prepare The BBQ Sauce About 30 minutes before the brisket is done, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This homemade sauce will have much more depth than store-bought varieties and complements your Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket perfectly.
- Step 6: Finish And Serve Carefully transfer the cooked brisket to a cutting board (it may be falling apart – that’s a good sign!). Allow it to rest, tented with foil, for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid and skim off excess fat. You can reduce this liquid on the stovetop for an intensely flavored au jus if desired. Slice the brisket against the grain into pencil-thin slices for the most tender result. Serve your perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket with the warm BBQ sauce drizzled over top or on the side.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg