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My Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, packed with flavor, and practically cooks itself. Perfect for easy family dinners or feeding a hungry crowd!
Set It & Forget It Brisket
- Deliciously Tender: The brisket slow cooks to perfection, making every bite incredibly juicy with no tough bites.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: A deep, bold blend of spices and sauce infuses the meat as it cooks. You won’t believe how delicious and flavorful it is!
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Generous, hearty portions make it ideal for gatherings and holidays. Everyone will want your recipe!
Ingredients Needed
- Best Cut of Beef: Brisket is ideal; it stays tender but is sliceable. If you can’t find it, you can use a chuck roast instead.
- BBQ Sauce: You can use my amazing Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe, or you can use your favorite store bought BBQ sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
This slow cooker beef brisket takes some time but it’s completely hands off! You just have to prepare it and let it cook on its own all day. It’s SO easy and totally worth the wait!
- Mix the Seasonings: Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Add the Spice Rub and Rest: Rub generously over brisket and set it aside to rest for 30 minutes, or cover it with foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot: Place the rubbed brisket in the bottom of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker. Place onion into the slow cooker, then top it all off with homemade barbecue sauce.
- Cook: Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours. Once the brisket is tender, you may crisp it by placing it on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for about 5 minutes with the broiler on high. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Top Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Whether you’re a slow cooker pro or just starting out, this recipe is a great pick! It makes the meat super tender and juicy. Here are a few tips to make it even better.
- Sear for Flavor: Sear the brisket after applying the rub for an extra layer of rich, caramelized flavor before slow cooking.
- Leave the Fat On: Don’t trim the fat before cooking—it helps keep the meat juicy. Trim it off after cooking, right before slicing.
- Let It Rest: Resting helps the meat soak up liquid, flavor, stay juicy, and get even more tender.
How to Store Leftover Beef Brisket
Slow cooker beef brisket leftovers are so yummy! I have used it in tacos, quesadillas, and sliders!
- In the Refrigerator: Let the brisket cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- In the Freezer: Cooked brisket will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen brisket fully before reheating.
- To Reheat: Let leftovers sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Pour some beef broth over the top, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 325ºF for 20 minutes. It will make it juicy and tender all over again.
Make It A Meal
I love this slow cooker beef brisket! It’s perfect for when you want an impressive meal with minimal effort. Pair it with a few easy sides, and you’ve got a dinner that’s ready to wow!
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Tender Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds flat beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small quartered onion
- 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce or store bought
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub generously over a 3-4 pounds flat beef brisket and set it aside to rest for 30 minutes, or cover it with foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Place the rubbed brisket in the bottom of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker. Place 1 small quartered onion into the slow cooker, then top it all off with 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce.
- Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours. Once the brisket is tender, you may crisp it by placing it on a baking sheet and roasting it in the oven for about 5 minutes with the broiler on high. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I use this same recipe on a chuck roast. If yes, could you please give me the time and temperature settings for a 3 pounder? Thanks!
I haven’t tried this recipe with a chuck roast. You can find a delicious slow cooker recipe with a chuck roast here: Melt in Your Mouth Pot Roast Recipe
Thanks Alyssa!
Do you place the brisket with the fat cap on the bottom near the heat source? Going to make this for Christmas dinner!
When smoking a brisket, I place the fat cap on the bottom but when I cook it in the slow cooker, I usually have the fat cap on top!
So you don’t seat this before you put the meat in the slow cooker?
i love this recipe but i worry it will dry out with so little liquids
If I use a frozen brisket is the cooking time longer?
Ideally, you want to cook this fresh or thawed.If cooked frozen then you will definitely have to add some time to the brisket. It will vary depending on the size. Just check that the meat is no longer pink before eating it.
Im trying this recipe for the first time. i saw the 5 star rating and the recipe is very easy to follow. i will let you know how mine turns out!
thank you
If I want to use a small piece of meat, how long would the cooking be per pound?
If you’re cooking anything less than 3 pounds, feel free to adjust the time to 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just watch it close so it doesn’t burn.
I made this yesterday. It was a great brisket recipe. Not too much of any seasoning, just a nice flavorful combination.
This was super yummy! Thanks for the recipe. My whole family loved it.
If I leave off the bbq sauce, do I need to replace it with another wet ingredient?
Ideally, the bbq sauce helps keep in some moisture while it cooks, but you could give it a try with beef broth!
Hello, I am going to try this but want to know can I add carrots, potatoes, celery, and Brussel sprouts? Or should I do something else as a side.
Hello! I would cook the brisket on it’s own and add some sides to the meal! I especially like Easy Mashed Potatoes, these Glazed Carrots or these String Beans
This brisket recipe was very easy to make in the crockpot! It was so tender and very flavorful! Will be in our constant rotation!!
I was wondering if you were a better cook, or a better photographer. I came to the conclusion, that your recipes/cooking won out, but you’re great at both. Thanks.
Awe! Thank you very much!
Wow, brisket in less than 8 hours is actually really good! I´ll need to try this. Of course, if you have the time, it is always worth trying the traditional smoked version.
Would it be possible to set it up to be able to print the recipes? If this is already the case please send guidelines.
Yes! You can print any and all of my recipes! In the corner of the recipe card is a print button to hit and it will print the recipe card for you. Let me know if you have any questions.
LOVE YOUR RECIPES !!!