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Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

Unlock the secret to unbelievably tender and deeply flavorful beef brisket with this easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket recipe, designed for maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Low Cook Time 8 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, flat cut or point cut
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce plus more for serving
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce Optional
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar Optional
  • 1 tablespoon oil for searing

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Small Bowl
  • Two Forks

Method
 

  1. Pat your beef brisket dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Generously rub this spice mixture all over the beef brisket, ensuring it's evenly coated.
    1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, flat cut or point cut, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  2. If you have time and want to deepen the flavor, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until a nice brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
    1 tablespoon oil, 1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, flat cut or point cut
  3. Place the sliced yellow onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker insert. This creates a flavorful bed for the brisket and helps to keep it moist.
    1 medium yellow onion, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. Place the seasoned brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine the beef broth and your favorite BBQ sauce. If using, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar for added depth and tang. Pour this liquid mixture over the brisket, ensuring it's at least halfway submerged.
    1 (3-4 pound) beef brisket, flat cut or point cut, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  6. Once the brisket is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. You can either shred it using two forks for a classic pulled brisket experience, or slice it against the grain for a more traditional presentation. If you shred it, you can return the shredded meat to the slow cooker with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. Let the sliced brisket rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. Serve your incredible Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket with extra BBQ sauce on the side, along with your favorite classic BBQ accompaniments like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.
    1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Notes

This recipe offers flexibility in cooking time depending on whether you use the low or high setting. Allowing resting time is key for tender sliced brisket.