Slow Cooker Brisket

This easy slow cooker brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce comes out so tender and juicy! Make this hands-free recipe for your next barbecue – it’s perfect for serving a group, and everyone will go back for more!

I grew up in Texas, where Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread and beef brisket with extra Barbecue Sauce is an everyday meal.

Of course, I didn’t realize how much I took brisket for granted until I moved away…and discovered that few restaurants had beef brisket on their menu.

So, I went out to find an awesome recipe for a beef brisket that reminded me of what I had growing up for Sunday supper, with one small exception – I wasn’t going to stand at the grill for hours!

This melt-in-your-mouth brisket cooked in a slow cooker fits the bill – tender, juicy beef that’s worthy enough to serve at any backyard BBQ!

EASY SLOW COOKER BRISKET

The first time I made this easy slow cooker brisket recipe, I fell in love!

• No oven required. This recipe for a brisket cooks in the slow cooker, meaning it’s 99% hands-free.
• The meat comes out soft, tender, and juicy. A perfect comfort food!
• Prep ahead. Get everything ready the night before.
• The Homemade BBQ Sauce cooks alongside the meat.
• Basic, simple, everyday ingredients (nothing fancy).
• Can be doubled or tripled (as long as your slow cooker is big enough!).

INGREDIENTS FOR SLOW COOKER BRISKET OF BEEF

The ingredients for my slow cooker beef brisket recipe are staples you’ll find in almost any pantry:

• Meat: beef brisket OR chuck roast
• Spices: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano
• Sauce-maker: cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) and water
• Vegetables: onion and garlic
• Liquid: beef broth, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and ketchup

Note: We’re not using Worcestershire sauce or brown sugar in this recipe. I found that my dry rub doesn’t need the extra ingredients for full flavor! You could add a little chili powder or cumin if you want an extra kick.

BEEF BRISKET VS. CHUCK ROAST

Beef brisket is NOT a cheap cut of meat, so I generally swap it out for a chuck roast.

• Chuck roast is much more affordable, plus it’s usually cut into a 3-pound pot roast…unlike brisket, which I couldn’t find for under 14 pounds! And while you CAN buy a 14-pound brisket and cut it yourself and then freeze the smaller portions, it’s easier to just get a smaller cut to begin with.
• The brisket won’t be EXACT, but if you’re going to shred it or even roughly slice the meat, you won’t even notice the difference with a less expensive cut of meat.

I get my chuck roasts and other large cuts of beef from Butcher Box. Butcher Box delivers grass-fed beef, pasture-raised and organic chicken, and heritage pork directly to your front door each month. You can read my honest review on Butcher Box here, and my post on how to make Butcher Box worth the cost here!

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HOW TO MAKE BRISKET COOKED IN SLOW COOKER

Step 1. Mix the spice rub in a mug or small bowl and rub the mixture all over the meat, on all sides.

Step 2. Layer the onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3. Whisk together the liquids and pour the mixture over the onions and garlic. Then add the meat with the fat cap down and cook on LOW heat for 8 hours.

Step 4. When the meat is fork tender, remove it to a plate and turn the slow cooker on HIGH. Whisk together the cornstarch and water and add to the juices. Stir and the sauce will thicken.

Step 5. Finally, slice the brisket cooked in a slow cooker against the grain and serve with the sauce on top!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Leftover slow cooker brisket can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

HOW TO SERVE BEEF BRISKET SLOW COOKER

Finally, let’s talk about how to serve this tasty beef brisket slow cooker. You can slice the meat as suggested or you can get creative with it!

• Wraps. Make brisket wraps with warm tortillas. Try this Homemade Flour Tortilla Recipe or Corn Tortillas.
• Brisket Tacos. Top beef brisket tacos with this Homemade Slaw for a bit of extra crunch, and a creaminess that pairs perfectly with the tangy barbecue sauce.
• Brisket Sliders. Pop some yummy slow cooker brisket inside Dinner Rolls and you’ve got delicious barbecue brisket sliders.
• Sandwiches. Try this Easy Bread Recipe to make beef brisket sandwiches or an open-faced brisket commercial.

SIDE DISHES THAT GO WITH CROCKPOT BRISKET

When I make slow cooker brisket, I like to serve it with a whole bunch of yummy sides. My personal favorites are Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread, Caramelized Onions and Swiss Chard, and Stovetop Mac and Cheese.

These sides are also yummy with slow cooked brisket:

• Creamy Coleslaw
• Kale Caesar Salad
• Steamed Vegetables
• Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Beans
• Lemon Butter Asparagus
• Baked Potato

BRISKET AND SLOW COOKER FAQS

MORE YUMMY SLOW COOKER DINNER RECIPES

• Mississippi Pot Roast
• Perfectly Tender Slow Cooker Ribs
• All-Purpose Slow Cooker Chicken
• Slow Cooker Osso Buco
• Salsa Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili