Crockpot Brisket Recipe

Crockpot Brisket is a tender, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. The low and slow cooking process allows the brisket to absorb all the rich flavors from the seasonings, while becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you want a comforting and hearty meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for added tang
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor

For Serving:

• Extra barbecue sauce
• Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

1. Trim the fat: If necessary, trim the excess fat from the brisket, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
2. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket to season it.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the onions: Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot to create a base for the brisket to rest on. This adds flavor and keeps the brisket from sticking to the crockpot.
2. Add garlic: Scatter the minced garlic over the onions.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook the Brisket

1. Place the brisket: Lay the seasoned brisket on top of the onions and garlic, fat side up.
2. Cover and cook: Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the brisket is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The longer the brisket cooks, the more tender it becomes.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

1. Once the brisket is done, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
2. Slice against the grain: Cut the brisket into thin slices against the grain to ensure the meat is tender.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve with sauce: Spoon some of the cooking juices from the crockpot over the sliced brisket for added moisture and flavor.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the brisket with extra barbecue sauce on the side, along with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Notes

• Brisket Cut: Be sure to use a flat-cut brisket, which is leaner and more uniform in thickness, making it ideal for slow cooking.
• Cooking Time: Brisket benefits from long, slow cooking. If you have the time, cooking on LOW for 8-10 hours will give the most tender and juicy results.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Brisket

For a spicier brisket, add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture and increase the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also top the brisket with pickled jalapeños before serving.

2. Honey Garlic Brisket

Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also add more garlic for an extra garlicky kick.

3. Smoky Brisket

For a more intense smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture. This gives the brisket a rich, smoky taste without needing a smoker.

4. Beer-Braised Brisket

Replace the beef broth with your favorite dark beer (like stout or porter) for a richer, deeper flavor. The beer helps tenderize the brisket while adding complexity to the dish.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Ensure the soy sauce is low-carb or use coconut aminos as a substitute.
• Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Crockpot Brisket ahead of time?
Yes! Brisket often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can cook the brisket, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until warmed through.

Q: How do I store leftover brisket?
Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the brisket for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I cook brisket in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! To cook in the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the brisket in a roasting pan, cover it tightly with foil, and bake for 4-5 hours or until tender. Add more liquid if necessary to keep the brisket moist.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
While brisket is ideal for slow cooking, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or beef short ribs for a similar result. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the size and type of beef used.

Q: What sides go best with brisket?
Brisket pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or baked beans. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

This Crockpot Brisket is a mouthwatering, tender, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for slow cooking. With minimal prep, this recipe allows you to enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of brisket without much effort. Customize it with your favorite spices or sauces, and serve it with classic sides for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.