Here’s a tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe**—juicy, richly seasoned, and falling apart with a fork.** Perfect for cozy dinners, BBQ sandwiches, or meal prep.
🥩🔥 Slow Cooker Beef Brisket (Easy & Flavor-Packed)
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 8–10 hours (LOW) or 5–6 hours (HIGH)
🧂 Ingredients:
- 3–4 lbs beef brisket (trimmed but leave some fat for flavor)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
🔥 Optional Sauce (for braising or serving):
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup BBQ sauce or tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Mix the rub:
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, pepper, salt, and brown sugar.
2. Season the brisket:
Rub olive oil all over the brisket, then coat generously with the spice mixture. Press it in well.
3. (Optional) Sear the brisket:
For extra flavor, brown the brisket in a hot skillet (3–4 min per side) before slow cooking. Totally optional but highly recommended.
4. Place in slow cooker:
Lay the brisket fat-side up. Pour the optional sauce ingredients over or around the brisket (don’t submerge completely).
5. Cook:
- LOW: 8–10 hours
- HIGH: 5–6 hours
You’ll know it’s done when the meat is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
6. Rest & slice:
Remove from slow cooker and let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with juices spooned over, or brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 5 minutes to caramelize.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- With mashed potatoes or roasted veggies
- Piled onto buns with slaw for brisket sandwiches
- With mac & cheese and collard greens
- Shredded into tacos or burrito bowls
🧊 Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
- Freezes well for up to 3 months (slice or shred first for easier reheating)