Did you know that over 58% of Americans plan to barbecue during Memorial Day weekend, yet many are turning to slow cookers for convenience and flavor? This trend highlights a shift towards methods that deliver tender, flavorful meats without the constant attention grilling requires. Enter the Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce—a dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of traditional barbecue with the ease of slow cooking. This recipe ensures a melt-in-your-mouth brisket, basted in a homemade BBQ sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work, freeing up your time.
- Flavorful and Tender: The brisket absorbs the homemade BBQ sauce, resulting in a juicy, flavorful meat.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it sliced with sides or shredded in sandwiches.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat without compromising taste.
Ingredients
For the Brisket
- 3–4 lb (1.5–2 kg) beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or any mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola
Spice Rub
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1½ cups (375 ml) ketchup
- ½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp each: black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce in a Slow Cooker
- Prepare the Rub: In a bowl, mix all the spice rub ingredients. Rub the mixture evenly over the brisket. For enhanced flavor, let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients directly in the slow cooker, stirring well. Nestle the brisket into the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, depending on the size of the brisket, until the meat is tender.
- Caramelize the Brisket: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Transfer the brisket to a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 15 minutes. Baste with the reduced BBQ sauce and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
- Reduce the Sauce: While the brisket is in the oven, pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the reduced BBQ sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Marinating: Allowing the brisket to marinate enhances the depth of flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Reducing the sauce intensifies its flavor and ensures it clings to the meat.
- Serving: Slice against the grain for tender pieces.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Alternatives: If brisket is unavailable, chuck roast is a suitable substitute.
- Spice Adjustments: Modify the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Sauce Variations: Add a smoky flavor with a dash of liquid smoke or a tangy twist with extra vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce
What’s the best way to tell if the brisket is fully cooked?
The meat should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce allows for flavor customization and avoids preservatives.
Can I cook this on high heat?
Cooking on low heat is recommended for tender results. High heat may dry out the meat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced brisket with sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce offers a delectable combination of tender meat and rich, smoky flavors with minimal effort. It’s an ideal dish for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prepping. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience or explore our other mouthwatering recipes!
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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8–10 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce delivers fall-apart tender meat coated in a bold, homemade barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners or party sliders—give it a try and let us know your favorite way to serve it!
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
3–4 lb (1.5–2 kg) beef brisket
1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil (vegetable, canola)
Spice Rub:
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
¾ teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
BBQ Sauce:
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar
1½ cups (375 ml) ketchup
½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons each: black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Rub: In a bowl, mix all the spice rub ingredients. Rub the mixture evenly over the brisket. For enhanced flavor, let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients directly in the slow cooker, stirring well. Nestle the brisket into the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, depending on the size of the brisket, until the meat is tender.
Caramelize the Brisket: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Transfer the brisket to a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 15 minutes. Baste with the reduced BBQ sauce and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
Reduce the Sauce: While the brisket is in the oven, pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the reduced BBQ sauce.
Notes
Brisket can be substituted with chuck roast if needed.
Marinating enhances flavor but is optional.
Reduce sauce until syrupy for best consistency.
Ideal for slicing or shredding—great in sliders with coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours