Slow Cooker Beef Brisket



Flip it!




This post may contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!


Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe: Tender, Juicy, and Effortless

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this slow cooker beef brisket
recipe. This method ensures a tender, juicy, and flavorful brisket with
minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping.

Jump to Recipe

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.