Slow Cooker Beef Brisket [Video]

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is rubbed with spices then braised for hours in BBQ sauce. Better than anything you can get at the deli or a restaurant, this will get everyone raving at the table!

Chuck is another tough cut we absolutely love. Discover how slow cooking can turn it meltingly-tender meat in Beer Pot Roast, French Dip Sandwiches, and Beef Bourguignon!

Crockpot Beef Brisket Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket shows off how a tough cut can become something amazing when you cook it right. Our brisket gets two layers of flavor— the spice mix and our leveled-up BBQ sauce. Then, we slow-braise it for several hours until every inch is infused with those awesome flavors and the meat is tender. 

For the finale, we brush more sauce on top and caramelize it in a hot oven until the brisket has a beautiful char. It’s seriously incredible, and you’re going to fall in love with this cut— guaranteed!

What is Brisket?

It’s a beef cut that’s one of the best choices for slow cooking. It’s one of the toughest cuts out there, full of connective tissues, and without the high amount of marbling, you’ll find in a rib-eye. But cook it low and slow, and it will rival even the juiciest steak in terms of tenderness.

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What size brisket should I buy?

For this slow cooker beef brisket recipe, we’re going with 4 pounds, which is roughly equal to 2 kilograms. It fits perfectly in a 6-quart slow cooker, and it can withstand extended cooking time. 

How to make Slow Cooker Beef Brisket?

1. Season
   Cover the surface of the brisket using the dry rub, then place it in the pot. Whisk the sauce, then use half of it to cover the meat.
2. Cook
   Cover the pot, then slow cook on high (4 to 5 hrs.) or on low (8 to 10 hrs.) until tender. Once it’s done, take it out and place it on a baking tray.
3. Broil
   Take the last half of the sauce and brush it all over the meat. Then, broil it inside a 400F oven for 10 mins., or until it starts charring. Repeat then broil again until the sauce is sticky and caramelized, and the edges are crispy and charred.
4. Serve
   After resting for 10 mins., slice and enjoy.

3 Recipe Variations and Substitutions:

1. Use other cuts
   The second-best option if you can’t find brisket is rolled and tied chuck roast.
2. Try other BBQ sauce flavors
   We’re using our homemade BBQ sauce, but feel free to use your favorites! Some delicious flavors are hickory smoked, smoked bacon BBQ sauce, sweet pineapple BBQ sauce, and spicy varieties.
3. Finish it on the grill
   You can also broil this on a hot grill instead of inside the oven.

What other cuts can be used aside from brisket?

Chuck roast (ideally rolled and tied). Make sure it’s similar in weight.

What to serve with slow cooker beef brisket?

For a true BBQ feast, serve it with fresh-baked Southern cornbread, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob. We also love slicing it, piling it high on fresh rolls, and topping with coleslaw for fantastic sliders!

How to store leftovers?

Make sure all the leftovers are completely cool before storing them in a large container. In the refrigerator, this will last for up to 8 days. For longer storage, arrange in freezer bags and store frozen for up to 12 months. Cover all leftovers as well as you can with the remaining sauce so they don’t dry out.

To reheat, thaw first. Then, arrange them on a baking tray with the sauce, then cover with foil. Bake them for 20 mins in a 325F oven until hot. 

More slow cooker recipes to try:

Helpful recipe tips:

• Brisket SHOULD NOT be pink or rare. It should be well-done inside. If it’s still pink when you take it out, give it more time to cook.
• You can also shred this if you enjoy the texture more than sliced pieces.
• We highly recommend adding some cayenne or chili flakes in the sauce for some heat. It’s so tasty with a bit of a kick!