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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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