Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Step 1: Season the Brisket

Start by preparing your brisket. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this will help the seasoning stick. Rub the brisket generously with a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin (if using). Be sure to season both sides of the meat for even flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Brisket (Optional but Recommended)

While this step is optional, searing the brisket before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor by creating a delicious, caramelized crust. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the brisket in the pan and sear it for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it develops a nice brown crust. This step will add rich flavor to the finished dish, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sliced onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. These will create a flavorful bed for the brisket to rest on while it cooks. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. These liquids will help keep the brisket moist and create a savory, flavorful cooking broth.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Brisket

Place the seared brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker, fat side up. This allows the fat to render as the meat cooks, adding extra flavor and moisture. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds.

Pro Tip: If your brisket has a large layer of fat, you can trim some of it off, but leave a thin layer intact for flavor and moisture. This fat will break down during the slow cooking process, adding richness to the meat and gravy.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your brisket is juicy and tender.

Slice the brisket against the grain for the best texture. You can serve it sliced or shredded, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Serve with the Gravy

While the brisket rests, you can make a quick gravy using the flavorful liquid in the slow cooker. Simply transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and cook it for 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. If you’d like a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water or add a pat of butter at the end. Pour the rich gravy over the sliced brisket just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

• Don’t Rush the Slow Cooking: For the most tender, juicy brisket, cook it low and slow. Brisket is a tough cut of meat, and the long cooking time helps break down the connective tissue, making it tender and flavorful.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure when the brisket is done, a meat thermometer can be helpful. The brisket is cooked through and tender when it reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C).
• Make Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make the brisket ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat it later. The flavors only improve as it sits, and it can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stove.
• Leftovers: Leftover brisket can be shredded and used for sandwiches, tacos, or wraps. It’s also delicious on top of a salad or stirred into a pasta for an easy next-day meal.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or potatoes are great accompaniments, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory brisket.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw is a great contrast to the rich, tender brisket.
• Rice: Serve brisket over steamed rice or rice pilaf to absorb all the flavorful gravy.
• Sandwiches: For a more casual meal, serve the sliced brisket on a soft bun with some barbecue sauce or horseradish cream for a delicious sandwich.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

1. Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even holiday meals.

2. Impressive Flavor: Slow cooking allows the beef brisket to absorb all the rich, savory flavors from the seasoning and cooking liquid, making it incredibly flavorful and tender.

3. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: A 4-5 lb brisket can easily serve a large group, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or parties.

4. Leftovers for Days: Brisket makes excellent leftovers and can be repurposed for sandwiches, tacos, soups, and more.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious, low-maintenance meal. The slow cooking method ensures that the brisket turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender every time, while the savory gravy ties everything together. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it on a regular weeknight, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Brisket, and savor the tender, flavorful goodness with every bite!