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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Effortless
recipe. This method ensures a tender, juicy, and flavorful brisket with
minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Slow cooker beef brisket is a modern take on a classic cut of meat,
traditionally smoked or braised for hours. The slow cooker method brings
ease and convenience to achieving fall-apart tender brisket. This recipe is
perfect for busy individuals who crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without
spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work,
allowing you to set it and forget it. - Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers
in the brisket, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. - Flavorful: The combination of searing, sautéed vegetables,
and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich and savory flavor profile. - Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with
sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Variations
- Spicy Brisket: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced
jalapeño to the slow cooker for a spicy kick. - Smoked Paprika: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
for a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional smoked brisket. - BBQ Brisket: Add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour
of cooking for a sweet and tangy twist. - Root Vegetables: Include carrots, potatoes, and celery for a
heartier, one-pot meal.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked brisket in an airtight container
in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. - Freezer: Freeze cooked brisket in a freezer-safe container
for up to 2-3 months.
Leftovers
- Use leftover brisket for sandwiches, sliders, or tacos.
- Add shredded brisket to mac and cheese for a protein-packed meal.
- Create a brisket hash with potatoes, onions, and peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Brisket is the best cut for this recipe due to its high fat content and
connective tissue, which break down during slow cooking.
Do I need to sear the brisket?
Searing the brisket adds flavor and helps to create a rich, caramelized
crust. It’s highly recommended but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Can I cook this on high?
Cooking on low is recommended for the most tender results. If you’re in a
hurry, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent
overcooking.
How do I know when the brisket is done?
The brisket is done when it’s easily pulled apart with forks and reaches an
internal temperature of 203°F (95°C).
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 8-9 hours
- Servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil to sauté, divided
- 4 lb beef brisket
- 2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 lb yellow onions (2 medium), sliced into thick strips
- 1 lb mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped (not pressed)*
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock or beef broth
- 2 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Generously season brisket with about 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
Heat large heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. - Add 1 Tbsp oil and when hot, add brisket (fat side down). Sear 4-5 min
per side or until browned on both sides. Transfer to slow cooker, fat
side facing up. - In the same pan, add 1 Tbsp oil and sliced onions. Sautee 5-7 min or
until onions are caramelized. Place onions over brisket. - In the same pan, add more oil as needed and saute mushrooms until soft
(5 min). Place mushrooms into the slow cooker and sprinkle chopped
garlic over the top. - Combine 2 cups chicken broth with 2 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce and
pour mixture over meat. - Cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hrs or until cooked through and easy to
pull apart with forks. Turn off slow cooker and rest 15 min with the
lid on. - Remove and discard excess fat from the top** then pull the beef apart
with forks and keep it in the slow cooker to soak up the juices which
will add amazing flavor and keep meat tender. - Serve beef brisket and mushrooms, spooning slow cooker juices over the
top.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | Approx. 450-500 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 40g |
Recipe Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
- If the brisket is not fully submerged in liquid, add more broth as
needed. - Shredding the brisket while it’s still in the slow cooker allows it to
absorb more flavor from the juices.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef brisket recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to
enjoy a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The
combination of simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking results in a
dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or
simply want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to
become a favorite.
