Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Introduction: A tender, juicy beef brisket is a true crowd-pleaser, and when you cook it in a slow cooker, it becomes an effortless, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe takes minimal preparation and allows the slow cooker to do all the hard work, resulting in a flavorful, fork-tender brisket that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week.

With the right seasoning and a slow, low cook time, this brisket becomes tender and infused with flavor from a savory rub, aromatics, and your favorite liquid. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity — it’s a hands-off cooking method that yields amazing results. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or on sandwiches for a delicious meal every time.

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Ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs beef brisket (whole, untrimmed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Season and Sear the Brisket

1. Prepare the brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a good sear.
2. Season the brisket: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
3. Sear the brisket (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s browned. This step locks in flavor and helps create a deeper color on the meat. After searing, transfer the brisket to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Liquid

1. Combine the liquids: In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using). This will create a tangy-sweet sauce that complements the richness of the brisket.
2. Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the slow cooker with the brisket. Pour the liquid mixture over the brisket, ensuring that the liquid reaches about halfway up the sides of the meat.
3. Optional add-ins: If you’re using a bay leaf, add it to the slow cooker now. It’ll infuse the cooking liquid with additional flavor as the brisket cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Brisket

1. Slow cook the brisket: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The brisket should be tender and easily shred with a fork when it’s finished cooking. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the brisket will be.
2. Check for doneness: After the cooking time, check the brisket by inserting a fork or knife. The meat should easily pull apart and be tender to the touch.

Step 4: Rest the Brisket

1. Rest the brisket: Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist and tender when sliced.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve: After resting, slice the brisket against the grain to ensure tender slices. Serve it with the cooked onions and drizzled with the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.
2. Side suggestions: This slow-cooked brisket pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or on sandwiches with a tangy barbecue sauce or pickled onions.

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Notes:

• Trimmed vs. Untrimmed Brisket: You can use a trimmed or untrimmed brisket, but an untrimmed brisket will provide more fat and flavor during cooking. If using a trimmed brisket, you may need to add a bit more fat (like butter or olive oil) to keep the meat moist.
• Cooking time: If you’re using a larger brisket, you may need to extend the cooking time. Always check for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife; the brisket should easily shred when fully cooked.
• Storage: Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the slow cooker, stovetop, or oven with a little bit of the cooking liquid to maintain its moisture.
• Serving ideas: This brisket makes for fantastic sandwiches, or you can serve it alongside roasted potatoes, rice, or even in tacos for a fun twist.

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Total Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time (on low): 8-10 hours or (on high): 4-5 hours
• Rest time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 9-10 hours (on low) or 5-6 hours (on high)

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Conclusion: This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a simple, no-fuss way to prepare a tender, flavorful cut of meat that is sure to impress. The low and slow cooking method ensures the brisket becomes incredibly tender, while the savory cooking liquid infuses the meat with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this brisket will be a hit with everyone at the table!