If you’ve ever had a craving for tender, smoky beef that falls apart with the slightest touch of a fork, this slow cooker BBQ beef brisket is what dreams are made of.
Let’s face it, brisket has always been a bit of a showstopper—the kind of dish that steals the spotlight at any BBQ. But with the magic of your slow cooker, you can bring that smoky, melt-in-your-mouth goodness into your kitchen without spending hours tending to a smoker or grill.
The beauty of a slow-cooked brisket is in how it transforms from a tough cut of meat into a perfectly tender and juicy masterpiece. With a zesty BBQ rub and your favorite sauce, this brisket cooks low and slow, letting the flavors meld together in the most mouthwatering way. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
This BBQ beef brisket isn’t just about great flavor—it’s about a simple, no-fuss process that yields stunning results. Here’s why it’s bound to become your go-to brisket recipe:
- Tender and Juicy – Cooking the brisket in the slow cooker makes it incredibly tender—the kind of beef that falls apart at the touch of a fork.
- Smoky and Flavorful – The BBQ rub and sauce provide the perfect balance of smoky sweetness, making every bite irresistible.
- Minimal Prep Time – With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – This brisket is ideal for gatherings, as it easily serves a large group and leaves everyone coming back for more.
A dish this simple and satisfying deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly sauced—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
The beauty of this brisket lies in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients work together to create incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Brisket – Choose a well-marbled brisket, as the fat will break down during cooking, adding flavor and moisture.
- BBQ Rub – A flavorful mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives the brisket a bold, savory base.
- BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to bring extra tanginess and sweetness to the meat.
- Beef Broth – Used to keep the brisket moist while it cooks low and slow in the slow cooker.
- Onions – Add sweetness and depth to the stew-like base, while also enhancing the overall flavor.
These simple ingredients work in harmony to create the ultimate BBQ beef brisket that will have your taste buds dancing.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Making this BBQ brisket in your slow cooker is incredibly easy. Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Brisket – Trim the excess fat from the brisket (leaving some for flavor) and season generously with the BBQ rub, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
- Sear the Brisket (Optional) – For an extra depth of flavor, sear the brisket in a hot pan with a little olive oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s browned. This step is optional but adds a rich caramelized crust to the meat.
- Add to Slow Cooker – Place the brisket in the slow cooker, fat side up. Add the onions, beef broth, and a little extra BBQ sauce to create a flavorful base.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook the brisket on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Shred and Sauce – Once the brisket is done, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return the meat to the juices in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded beef with the remaining BBQ sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve the tender, juicy shredded beef on buns for a classic BBQ sandwich or alongside your favorite sides.
That’s it! Just a few hours of slow cooking, and you’ll have a BBQ brisket that’s fall-apart tender and full of smoky, savory goodness.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Pair your brisket with these sides for the ultimate BBQ feast:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Coleslaw | The crisp, tangy crunch of coleslaw perfectly complements the richness of the brisket. |
| Cornbread | Buttery, slightly sweet cornbread adds a comforting element to balance the smoky beef. |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob | Sweet, smoky corn adds texture and a pop of flavor that complements the tender brisket. |
| Baked Beans | Rich, sweet beans are a classic BBQ side that pairs perfectly with this flavorful beef. |
| Pickles | The sharp tang of pickles cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast. |
| Mac and Cheese | Creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food to go with your BBQ brisket. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
This BBQ beef brisket makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the brisket cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the brisket in a pan over medium heat, adding some BBQ sauce or beef broth to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, adding extra BBQ sauce to keep the brisket tender.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat the brisket in the slow cooker on low for a few hours, adding extra BBQ sauce or broth if needed.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
A few tips will help you get the best out of your brisket:
- Sear the brisket before slow cooking. While optional, it creates a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances the flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Letting the brisket cook low and slow is key to achieving that perfect tender texture.
- Use quality BBQ sauce. The sauce is a huge flavor element, so pick one you love or even try a homemade version.
- Rest the brisket after it’s done. Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding helps retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! You can slow-cook the brisket in a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s tender.
2. Can I freeze leftover brisket?
Absolutely! Let the brisket cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this recipe without searing the beef?
Yes! While searing adds a deeper flavor, you can skip this step and still have a flavorful, tender brisket.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker?
Yes! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker for an all-in-one meal.
5. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While brisket is the best choice, you can use chuck roast or round roast for a similar result, though it might not be as tender.
This slow cooker BBQ beef brisket is perfect for those days when you crave something rich, smoky, and comforting. It’s easy, full of flavor, and will make your home smell incredible.
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
Equipment
- Large Skillet For browning beef and sautéing vegetables
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the brisket
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning beef
- 1 sprig rosemary fresh
- 1 sprig thyme fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the Guinness beer and beef broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a handful of **mushrooms** to the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This stew can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
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