Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
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Few things feel as welcoming as stepping into the kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of beef brisket that’s been simmering low and slow for hours. It’s the kind of smell that makes a house feel warm and inviting—like Sunday dinner at home, even on a busy weeknight.
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Brisket might seem intimidating if you’ve only seen it smoked or served at barbecue joints, but the slow cooker makes it one of the easiest, most reliable ways to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The crockpot does the work for you, breaking down the tough fibers until the meat is soft, juicy, and full of flavor.
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This is the recipe I return to again and again when I want something hearty, impressive, and practically foolproof. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, prepping meals ahead of time, or simply enjoying a cozy comfort-food dinner without hovering over the stove.
Best of all, it’s endlessly versatile. Serve it sliced with mashed potatoes, shred it for sandwiches, or spoon it over rice with plenty of sauce. However you choose to enjoy it, this slow cooker beef brisket is the kind of recipe that quickly earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef brisket | 3–4 lb | |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For searing |
| Onion | 1 large, sliced | |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | |
| Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes | ½ cup | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp | |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp | |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | |
| Dried thyme or rosemary | ½ tsp |
🍴 Instructions
1. Season the Brisket
- Pat brisket dry.
- Rub evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Optional Sear (Adds Flavor)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear brisket 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker
- Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom.
- Set brisket on top.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and thyme.
- Pour over brisket.
5. Slow Cook
- Cover and cook:
- LOW: 8–10 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
- Meat should be fork-tender.
6. Rest & Slice
- Remove brisket and let rest 10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain.
- Spoon sauce over the top before serving.
✨ Serving Ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Shred leftovers for sandwiches or tacos.
