This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a mouthwatering, tender, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The brisket is seasoned with a robust spice rub, seared for a caramelized crust, slow-cooked to perfection, and finished with a homemade barbecue sauce that adds a delightful tangy sweetness. Whether served sliced or shredded, this brisket is sure to impress.

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers a rich, smoky flavor with minimal effort. The combination of spices and the homemade barbecue sauce creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it an ideal choice for busy days or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brisket:
- 4-5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup homemade barbecue sauce (see below)
For the Spice Rub:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup seedless blackberry preserves
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon reserved Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon mesquite liquid smoke (optional but recommended)

Directions

Prepare the Brisket:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Spice Rub ingredients. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the rub for the barbecue sauce.
- Rub the remaining Spice Rub evenly over the brisket. Place the brisket on the prepared baking sheet and bake uncovered for 30 minutes to sear the meat.
Make the Barbecue Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine all the Barbecue Sauce ingredients, including the reserved 1 tablespoon of Spice Rub. Whisk until well combined.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Spray a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add ½ cup of the prepared barbecue sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon to the slow cooker. Whisk to combine.
- Carefully transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker, squishing it in as needed.
Cook the Brisket:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, flipping the brisket halfway through cooking. The brisket is done when it’s very tender. If it’s still tough, continue cooking until tender.
Finish the Brisket:
- Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the brisket with barbecue sauce and broil for 5-10 minutes, until slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, warm the remaining barbecue sauce.
- Brush the brisket again with barbecue sauce and slice against the grain or chop as desired. Serve with the remaining sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker) + 30 minutes (oven sear) + 5-10 minutes (broil)
Total Time: Approximately 9-10.5 hours

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper to the Spice Rub for extra heat.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or additional liquid smoke for a deeper smoky taste.
Sweet Touch: Use honey or maple syrup in place of molasses in the barbecue sauce for a different sweetness profile.
Fruit Preserves: Substitute the blackberry preserves with raspberry or cherry preserves for a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze sliced or shredded brisket in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours, or in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through. Microwave reheating is also an option for individual portions.

FAQs

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket is done when it’s very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. If it’s still tough after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking until it reaches the desired tenderness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the brisket ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours, then proceed with the broiling step.

What can I serve with this brisket?

This brisket pairs well with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or on a sandwich bun with pickles and onions.

Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?

While homemade barbecue sauce enhances the flavor, you can use your favorite store-bought sauce if you’re short on time.

Is it necessary to sear the brisket before slow cooking?

Searing the brisket adds a flavorful crust and enhances the overall taste. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, though the flavor may be slightly less intense.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe is a foolproof way to achieve tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. The combination of spices and homemade barbecue sauce creates a dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!