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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 42 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty meal. The brisket is seared to lock in juices, then slow-cooked with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce infused with garlic, onions, and spices, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat that pairs beautifully with classic sides.


Ingredients

Meat

  • 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) beef brisket

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (250ml) beef stock
  • 1 cup (250ml) BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Sear the Brisket: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to develop flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface. Transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld well into the sauce.
  3. Prepare Sauce Mixture: Pour in the beef stock, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried thyme into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to combine and develop depth.
  4. Slow Cook the Brisket: Pour the simmering sauce over the brisket in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the BBQ sauce from the slow cooker for a rich, savory finish.

Notes

  • For best results, sear the brisket to lock in flavors before slow cooking.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; check tenderness after 8 hours.
  • Leftover brisket can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.