If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender, flavorful beef and the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue wrapped in a soft tortilla, then you are definitely going to love this Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe. It’s the perfect meal for feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty family dinner with minimal prep time and maximum flavor. Imagine juicy, slow-cooked brisket infused with a blend of spices and BBQ sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh, vibrant garnishes. This recipe captures all the soul of classic barbecue with a fun taco twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the brisket’s rich texture to the smoky BBQ spice rub that elevates every bite. The toppings add brightness and contrast, making every taco a perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start.
- 2 ½ pounds brisket: The star of the dish, providing rich, juicy beef that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite tangy and smoky sauce to infuse the brisket with bold, irresistible flavor.
- 12 tortillas (flour or corn): Soft and warm, they hold the brisket and toppings just right, making every taco easy to eat and enjoy.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the deep flavors of the meat.
- Monterey Jack cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, balancing the smoky and spicy elements.
- Diced red onion: Provides a sharp, crisp bite and a pop of color, perfectly complementing the richness of the brisket.
- Smokey BBQ Spice Rub: A balanced blend of 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to season the meat and create that signature BBQ crust.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Season Brisket
Start by mixing all the ingredients for the smokey BBQ spice rub in a small bowl. Rub this flavor-packed blend generously over the entire brisket, ensuring every inch is coated. This seasoning step is where the deep, smoky notes begin to develop, setting the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Pour 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful base. Place the seasoned brisket on top of the sauce. As it cooks, the sauce will keep the meat moist and infuse it with that classic tangy barbecue flavor we all crave.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and let the brisket cook on low for 7 to 9 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues, transforming the brisket into ultra-tender, juicy meat. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible.
Step 4: Shred or Slice
When the brisket is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Then, shred or slice the brisket according to your preference—both work wonderfully for tacos!
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Warm your tortillas until they are soft and pliable. Fill each one generously with the shredded or sliced brisket. Top with fresh cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, diced red onion, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce for a loaded bite bursting with layers of flavor. Your Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe is now ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can make or break your tacos, and for this recipe, fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef. The diced red onions bring crunch and a slight pungency, while the melted Monterey Jack cheese offers creamy mellow tones against the smoky barbecue. You can also add a squeeze of lime or sliced jalapeños if you like it with a bit more zing.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe with classic sides like creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness, or a fresh corn salad to add color and texture. Roasted sweet potatoes or even simple black beans make for hearty companions that round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the brisket as a taco bar where everyone can customize their own tacos with an array of toppings and sauces. Another idea is to stack several tacos layered with cheese and then grill them lightly for crispy edges, turning them into BBQ brisket quesadillas with an irresistible crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the BBQ sauce separate if you want to preserve the meat’s texture, especially if you plan to reheat the brisket in the oven or microwave later.
Freezing
If you want to save even more for later, shredded brisket freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe bags or containers with some BBQ sauce for moisture, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the brisket gently to avoid drying it out. The oven at a low temperature or a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce works great. This way, your Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe will taste almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brisket is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly, and some cuts require longer slow cooking for optimal tenderness.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky. A balanced sauce with a little tang and sweetness usually complements the brisket best, but feel free to experiment to find your personal favorite.
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a pressure cooker to save time. Cook the brisket under high pressure for about 1 to 1.5 hours, then shred and assemble as usual. Just keep an eye on the liquid to prevent burning.
Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Definitely! Corn tortillas bring a lovely authentic touch and a slightly different texture. Just warm them carefully so they don’t break when you assemble your tacos.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe?
The spice rub is mild and smoky rather than hot. If you prefer heat, consider adding some chili powder to the rub or topping your finished tacos with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Its slow-cooked tenderness and smoky spice make it a standout that is easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. Give it a try and watch your family and friends fall in love with these tasty tacos, perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you crave a deliciously hearty meal.
Print
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 to 9 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and tender Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos made with a smoky BBQ spice rub, slow-cooked to perfection, and served with fresh tortillas and flavorful toppings for a perfect taco night.
Ingredients
Brisket and BBQ Sauce
- 2 ½ pounds beef brisket
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
- 12 tortillas (flour or corn)
Smokey BBQ Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Diced red onion
Instructions
- Season Brisket: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make the smokey BBQ spice rub. Evenly coat the entire brisket with this seasoning mixture, ensuring every side is well covered for maximum flavor.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Place the seasoned brisket on top of the sauce, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors and juices while cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 7 to 9 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the brisket, making it juicy and easy to shred.
- Shred or Slice: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes to retain its juices. After resting, shred or slice the brisket into desired pieces.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm the tortillas and place a portion of shredded or sliced brisket on each. Top with chopped cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and diced red onion. Add additional BBQ sauce if preferred for extra flavor, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Using a mix of flour or corn tortillas can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Letting the brisket rest before shredding helps retain moisture and improve texture.
- For a spicier version, consider adding some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings.
- Leftover brisket can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
