Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe yields tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and a rich blend of barbecue sauce and beef broth, this low-and-slow cooked brisket is perfect for a comforting American main course. Utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker, it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste with a luscious sauce to spoon over each serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sear and Slow Cook Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Mixture
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Season the brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and evenly season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear the brisket: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on both sides until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and develop a rich crust.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker as an aromatic base for the brisket.
- Arrange the brisket: Set the seared brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker, ensuring even cooking.
- Mix and pour the sauce: In a bowl, combine beef broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the brisket.
- Slow cook the brisket: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours until the meat is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Rest the meat: Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain or shred it, and spoon the cooking sauce from the slow cooker over the meat for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced to desired consistency.
- You can substitute homemade barbecue sauce if preferred for a personalized flavor.
- Add chili flakes to the sauce mixture if you want to add heat.
- Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
