This BBQ beef brisket is super easy to make in your slow cooker. Just toss in the meat, add your favorite BBQ sauce, and let it cook all day. The result is tender and juicy beef!
Honestly, the smell while it’s cooking makes me so hungry! I love serving it on buns or with a side of coleslaw. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend gathering! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Brisket: Use a good quality cut here, about 3 to 4 pounds. If brisket is hard to find, chuck roast makes a great substitute as it’s also tender and flavorful with long cooking.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce works well! If you want a healthier option, you can even try a homemade sauce using tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. Sweet or tangy varieties can change the flavor of your brisket, so choose based on your taste.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, water can work too. For added flavor, a splash of apple cider vinegar or some beer can enhance the taste.
Onions and Garlic: Yellow onions are perfect for this dish, but you can use red onions for a milder flavor. Shallots are another nice alternative. Fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced garlic can save time.
How Do I Cook the Brisket To Ensure It’s Tender?
Cooking brisket is all about low and slow. The slow cooker does this well! Here are some key tips:
- Let it Marinate: If you have time, let the brisket marinate in the BBQ sauce overnight in the fridge. This way, the flavors soak in.
- Layering: Place onions and garlic at the bottom so they flavor the meat as it cooks and prevent it from sticking.
- Check Temperature: The brisket is ready when it’s fork-tender. For perfect results, aim for a temperature of around 190°F to 205°F.
- Resting Period: After cooking, let the brisket rest to keep it juicy. This helps redistribute the juices!
- Shredding: Use two forks to shred, and mix it with the sauce for extra flavor before serving.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 8 to 10 hours on LOW or 4 to 6 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. So, you can set it in the morning and enjoy a delicious dinner later with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful bed for the brisket to sit on.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Whisk until it’s well combined.
3. Add the Brisket:
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels, then place it on top of the onions in the slow cooker. This will help the flavors from the onions and sauce soak into the meat.
4. Coat the Brisket:
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the brisket, ensuring it’s well coated. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors as it cooks.
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours. The brisket is done when it’s very tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
6. Rest and Slice:
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in, ensuring your brisket remains flavorful and moist.
7. Serve:
Slice or shred the brisket, serving it with the extra BBQ sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you like. This dish is perfect on buns, with mashed potatoes, or alongside some crunchy coleslaw!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow cooker BBQ beef brisket!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While brisket is ideal due to its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can substitute it with chuck roast or even round roast. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes, if you want to add some heat, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the BBQ sauce mix or add diced jalapeños for extra spice. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sliced or shredded brisket in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with BBQ Beef Brisket?
This brisket pairs well with a variety of sides! Popular choices include coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, or cornbread. You can also serve it on hamburger buns for delicious BBQ sandwiches!
