Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

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Want to make mouth-watering beef brisket without spending all day in the kitchen? Your slow cooker is here to save the day! You can create tender, juicy brisket with a delicious BBQ sauce in just 8-10 hours of hands-off cooking time.

This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Simply season the meat, sear it quickly, and let your slow cooker do the rest. You’ll end up with fall-apart brisket that’s packed with flavor and smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. Serve it sliced or on sliders with coleslaw for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

For this tasty slow cooker beef brisket, you’ll need:

• 3-4 lb beef brisket
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced

For the spice rub:
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Can’t find brisket? Try chuck roast or bottom round roast instead. They work well for slow cooking too.

No BBQ sauce? Make your own by mixing:
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Don’t have brown sugar? Regular sugar or honey can work. For paprika, try smoked paprika or chili powder for a different flavor.

Feel free to add extras like garlic cloves or bay leaves to the slow cooker for more flavor. You can also use beef broth instead of BBQ sauce for a less sweet version.

Instructions

Mix the spices for your rub in a small bowl. You’ll need brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Rub this mix all over your brisket. Make sure to cover every part.

Put the brisket in your slow cooker. Add chopped onions on top.

Pour BBQ sauce over everything. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 5-6 hours.

When it’s done, take the brisket out. Put it on a baking tray.

Pour some of the cooking liquid over the meat.

For a crispy outside, pop it in a hot oven (200°C/390°F) for about 15 minutes.

While it’s in the oven, you can thicken the leftover sauce. Pour it into a pan and simmer until it gets syrupy.

Slice the brisket against the grain. Serve with the thickened sauce.

Enjoy your tender, flavorful BBQ brisket!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Let the brisket rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle back into the meat, making it extra tender and juicy.

For a crispy outside, pop your brisket in a 200°C (390°F) oven for about 15 minutes after slow cooking. This adds a nice texture contrast.

Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor. You can even make your own by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Don’t throw away the cooking liquid! Reduce it on the stovetop until it thickens. This makes a tasty sauce to drizzle over your sliced brisket.

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven to keep it moist.

Freeze any extra brisket for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Try shredding leftover brisket for sandwiches or tacos. It’s a great way to use up any extras and make a whole new meal.