How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Beef brisket, with its rich flavor and tender texture, is one of the most beloved cuts of beef in the culinary world. When slow-cooked, this cut transforms into a mouthwatering dish that everyone will crave. The beauty of cooking brisket in a slow cooker is that the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a savory masterpiece that practically falls apart with a fork. This recipe for Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

In this article, I will not only guide you through the preparation of this flavorful dish but also highlight essential tips, common mistakes to avoid, and creative ways to serve it. By the end, you will be able to prepare this irresistible dish with ease, impressing your guests or satisfying your family with every bite.

What is Beef Brisket?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand the star of this dish: beef brisket.

Beef Brisket is a cut of meat that comes from the lower chest area of the cow. It contains a lot of connective tissue, making it a tougher cut, but also a perfect candidate for slow cooking. This allows the muscle fibers to break down over time, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful roast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef brisket is a popular cut of meat known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. It comes from the lower chest of the cow, and it’s a muscle that works hard, which is why it contains a lot of connective tissue. This gives brisket its distinctive texture, which benefits greatly from slow cooking methods like braising or using a slow cooker.

Features:

• Flavor: Brisket has a deep, beefy flavor that intensifies when slow-cooked. The fat marbling within the cut helps keep the meat moist and tender.

• Texture: When cooked properly, brisket becomes fork-tender and can be sliced easily, while still holding its shape. Though it can also be shredded, it tends to be leaner than other cuts like chuck.

• Fat Cap: Brisket has a thick layer of fat on one side (the fat cap), which helps to retain moisture during the cooking process. The fat can be trimmed for a leaner outcome or left on to enhance flavor and juiciness.

Buying Tips:

• When purchasing brisket, look for a piece that is evenly marbled with fat for the best tenderness and flavor.

• You can find brisket at most butcher shops and grocery stores. It is commonly sold as a whole cut or sometimes as a “flat” or “point” cut. The flat cut is leaner, while the point cut has more fat, which is perfect for slow cooking.

• Ensure that the brisket is fresh with a bright red color, and if possible, ask your butcher for a thicker cut to maintain a juicy, tender result after slow cooking.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce. While the cooking method is simple, there are a few essential steps that ensure the meat comes out perfectly tender and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Make the Spice Rub

Begin by making the spice rub for the brisket. Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:

• Brown sugar

• Paprika powder

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Cumin powder

• Mustard powder

• Salt and black pepper

This mixture will create a flavorful crust on the brisket, giving it an aromatic and savory exterior once cooked. Rub the spice mixture evenly all over the brisket. If you have time, let the brisket sit with the rub for 30 minutes to 24 hours in the fridge. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step, as the slow cooker will help the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Sauce

While the spice rub is marinating on the brisket, it’s time to prepare the BBQ sauce. In your slow cooker, combine the following ingredients:

• Minced garlic

• Apple cider vinegar

• Ketchup

• Brown sugar

• Black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder

• Cayenne pepper (for spice, optional)

• Worcestershire sauce

Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The vinegar gives the sauce a tangy kick, while the ketchup and brown sugar add sweetness, creating the perfect balance of flavors. The spices will enhance the overall taste, making the sauce rich and flavorful.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Brisket

Place the prepared brisket into the slow cooker on top of the BBQ sauce. It’s fine if the brisket doesn’t fit perfectly inside the slow cooker; just make sure it’s well-coated with the sauce. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the brisket cook for 8 to 10 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the brisket will be.

If you prefer to cook the brisket on high, the cooking time will be reduced to about 4.5 to 5 hours for a 3 lb brisket. However, for the best results, slow and low cooking is recommended.

Step 4: Finish in the Oven

Once the brisket is cooked, it’s time to give it a beautiful caramelized crust. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a tray. Drizzle some olive oil over the brisket to help the caramelization process.

Place the brisket in the oven for 15 minutes to develop a nice crust. After that, baste the brisket generously with the BBQ sauce from the slow cooker and return it to the oven for 5 more minutes. Repeat this process one or two more times until the brisket is beautifully caramelized and golden-brown.

How to Make Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this dish:

1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
   Start by mixing all the ingredients for the spice rub in a small bowl. Rub this mixture generously over the brisket. The spices will create a flavorful crust on the brisket as it cooks.

2. Brown the Brisket:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the brisket on all sides until it’s browned. This step helps lock in the juices and adds extra flavor to the meat.

3. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
   In your slow cooker, combine all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce—garlic, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, spices, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well.

4. Slow Cook the Brisket:
   Place the browned brisket in the slow cooker, making sure it’s fully submerged in the BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The meat will become incredibly tender and infuse with the rich BBQ flavor.

5. Caramelize the Brisket:
   After the brisket is done cooking, transfer it to a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little oil and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes. This step helps to caramelize the surface of the brisket, giving it a crispy, flavorful crust.

6. Reduce the BBQ Sauce:
   While the brisket is in the oven, pour the remaining BBQ sauce from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. This concentrated sauce will be used for basting and serving.

7. Slice and Serve:
   Once the brisket is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Slice it thinly across the grain. Serve with the reduced BBQ sauce for a rich, flavorful experience.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Once the brisket is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve it. There are several ways to enjoy this dish, and you can choose based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Southern Sides: Serve the sliced brisket alongside Southern favorites such as macaroni salad, coleslaw, creamy corn casserole, or baked beans. These sides complement the richness of the brisket, adding a nice balance to the meal.

• Brisket Sliders: Another great way to enjoy the brisket is by serving it in sliders. Pile the sliced brisket onto soft rolls (brioche buns work wonderfully) and top with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich. This is a perfect option for feeding a crowd.

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the brisket with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combo.

The possibilities are endless, but whatever you choose, make sure to drizzle the leftover BBQ sauce over the top for an extra punch of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce

• Trim the Fat: While some fat is necessary for flavor and moisture, too much can make the brisket greasy. Trim excess fat before cooking.

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: The key to tender brisket is cooking it low and slow. Avoid the temptation to speed up the process, as this can result in tough meat.

• Use Leftovers for Other Dishes: Leftover brisket makes for excellent tacos, sandwiches, or even a hearty stew.

Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 kg / 3 – 4 lb beef brisket

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola)

For the Rub:

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tsp paprika powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder

• 3/4 tsp mustard powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 cup / 125 ml apple cider vinegar

• 1 1/2 cups / 375 ml ketchup

• 1/2 cup / 110g brown sugar, packed

• 2 tsp each of black pepper, onion powder, mustard powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rub: Mix all the rub ingredients together. Rub the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the brisket. If time permits, refrigerate the brisket for 30 minutes to 24 hours to enhance the flavor.

2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients. Stir well to mix.

3. Cook the Brisket: Place the brisket in the slow cooker, pressing it down gently. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, depending on the size of your brisket.

4. Finish in the Oven: Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a tray. Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F. Drizzle the brisket with olive oil, and roast it for 15 minutes to develop a caramelized crust.

5. Reduce the Sauce: While the brisket roasts, pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.

6. Baste and Serve: After roasting the brisket, baste it generously with the reduced BBQ sauce. Return the brisket to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Slice the brisket thinly across the grain and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes:

• For different brisket sizes, adjust the cooking time accordingly. A 1.5 kg brisket will take around 8 hours on low, while a 2 kg brisket may take up to 10 hours.

• If you prefer shredding the brisket, it’s best to use cuts like chuck or beef ribs, as brisket can be leaner.

• You can use the leftover BBQ sauce as a dipping sauce or for other dishes like sandwiches or wraps.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 476 kcal

• Protein: 66g

• Carbohydrates: 24g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 5.6g

• Cholesterol: 198mg

• Sodium: 756mg

• Potassium: 824mg

• Fiber: 0.6g

• Sugar: 20g

• Vitamin A: 550 IU

• Iron: 6.5mg

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 hours

• Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes

• Method: Slow Cooker

• Cuisine: American, Southern

• Servings: 8 – 10 people

• Calories: 476 kcal per serving

• Yield: 8 – 10 servings