Loved how this came out! My friends at my house were gushing over it
Craving a tender, flavorful beef brisket without the hassle of constant attention? This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe is your answer. With a simple sear and a combination of savory spices and rich liquids, your slow cooker transforms a cut of beef into a masterpiece.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef Brisket (trimmed) | 4-5 pounds |
| Kosher Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup |
| Balsamic Vinegar OR Red Wine | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Fresh Thyme Sprigs | A few |
Instructions:
-
Prep and Season (10 minutes):
- Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. This creates your flavorful dry rub.
- Generously coat the brisket with the spice mixture on all sides.
-
Sear the Brisket (5 minutes per side):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned brisket for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a beautiful golden brown crust.
- Once seared, transfer the brisket to your slow cooker.
-
Sauté and Deglaze (5 minutes):
- In the same skillet used for searing, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan. This means loosening any browned bits stuck to the bottom with the help of the liquid. Scrape these bits with a spoon to incorporate them into the flavorful broth.
-
Flavor Boost and Simmer (2 minutes):
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar (or red wine for a richer flavor), brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the deglazed pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Slow Cook to Tenderness (8-10 hours):
- Pour the flavorful liquid mixture from the skillet over the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Add the bay leaves and a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the brisket.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. The low and slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy.
-
Rest and Serve (optional):
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the brisket rest for a while before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for an even more flavorful experience.
- Slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with the flavorful cooking juices from the slow cooker, strained if you prefer a smoother sauce.
