This Crockpot Brisket recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. A perfectly seasoned beef brisket slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection with a rich, flavorful sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Ideal for busy days, this effortless dish is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the brisket generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the brisket for 4-5 minutes on each side until a rich, golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seared brisket on top of the onion layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour this flavorful mixture over the brisket.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The brisket is done when it’s tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Carefully remove the brisket from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with its juices drizzled on top, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Variations
- Smoky Flavor Addition
Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the brisket. This enhances the barbecue flavor, making it taste like it was slow-cooked on a smoker. - Sweet and Tangy Twist
Replace the barbecue sauce with a mix of honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy variation. This pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. - Spicy Kick
For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper to a full teaspoon and add a chopped jalapeño to the crockpot. This gives the dish a bold heat that’s perfect for spice lovers.
Cooking Notes
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thicken the sauce, transfer it to a saucepan, simmer over medium heat, and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Comfort Pairing
Serve the brisket with creamy mashed potatoes and buttered green beans for a hearty, comforting meal. The sauce from the brisket doubles as a delicious gravy for the potatoes. - Sandwich-Style Delight
Shred the brisket and pile it onto toasted sandwich rolls. Add coleslaw for crunch and extra barbecue sauce for a satisfying brisket sandwich. - Holiday Feast
Present the brisket as the centerpiece of a holiday meal. Pair it with roasted root vegetables, a fresh green salad, and crusty bread for an elegant and festive spread.
Tips
- Choosing the Right Cut
Select a brisket with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. - Timing is Key
Cooking on low heat for the full 8-10 hours yields the most tender results. While high heat can be used in a pinch, the longer cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. - Rest Before Slicing
Let the brisket rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and tender.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the brisket with chuck roast or short ribs. These cuts are also well-suited for slow cooking and will yield tender, flavorful results. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The brisket can be cooked a day in advance. Store it with its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, brisket freezes beautifully. Place the cooled meat and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. - What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can use a Dutch oven or a heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid. Cook the brisket in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4-5 hours, checking periodically to ensure it stays moist.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Brisket recipe is a flavorful, no-fuss dish perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook time, it delivers melt-in-your-mouth meat infused with rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a hearty family dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the satisfying results that will make this a staple in your recipe collection!
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Crockpot Brisket
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Brisket recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. A perfectly seasoned beef brisket slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection with a rich, flavorful sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Ideal for busy days, this effortless dish is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the brisket generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the brisket for 4-5 minutes on each side until a rich, golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seared brisket on top of the onion layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour this flavorful mixture over the brisket.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The brisket is done when it’s tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Carefully remove the brisket from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with its juices drizzled on top, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thicken the sauce, transfer it to a saucepan, simmer over medium heat, and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 6 ounces
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Crockpot brisket, slow-cooked brisket, easy beef recipes