Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, delivering tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.
This recipe combines the smokiness of paprika with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar and the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a well-balanced BBQ sauce that enhances the rich taste of beef brisket.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, ensuring the brisket is perfectly tender after hours of gentle cooking.
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or inside a sandwich for a hearty meal that everyone will love.
It’s a classic dish that’s both impressive and simple to prepare, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) beef brisket.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, sliced.
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (250ml) beef stock.
1 cup (250ml) BBQ sauce
1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar.
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
Pour beef stock, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and thyme into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Pour the sauce mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is tender.
For variations, you can adjust the flavor profile of the BBQ sauce by adding ingredients like a splash of bourbon for a smoky depth, a dollop of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, or a touch of chili powder or cayenne for heat.
If you prefer a tomato-based sauce, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste. For a more savory twist, incorporate soy sauce or liquid smoke.
You can also swap apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a slightly richer tang.
When preparing, be sure to sear the brisket before slow cooking to lock in flavor and develop a deep, caramelized crust.
For the most tender brisket, slice it against the grain after resting to maintain its texture.
If you find the sauce too thin after cooking, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until it thickens to your liking.
Serve leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice for delicious variations.
To store slow cooker beef brisket with BBQ sauce, let the brisket cool to room temperature first.
Slice the brisket into manageable portions and transfer it to an airtight container.
Pour the leftover sauce over the slices to keep them moist. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the brisket. Place the sliced brisket in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, ensuring it’s covered with the sauce to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen brisket overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or gently heat on the stovetop with a bit of extra sauce to prevent drying out.
Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce as the centerpiece of a hearty meal.
Slice the brisket against the grain for tender, juicy slices, and generously drizzle it with the rich BBQ sauce.
Pair it with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery corn on the cob.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
You can also use the brisket for sandwiches—pile it on soft rolls with a dollop of extra BBQ sauce and pickles.
This versatile dish works equally well for casual gatherings, festive dinners, or even leftovers reinvented into tacos or wraps!
Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the sauce.
Prep Time: 20 min |
Total Time: 10 hrs | Servings: 6