Slow Cooker Brisket

This easy Slow Cooker Brisket comes out so tender and juicy. This hands-free recipe simmers in tangy homemade BBQ sauce, and can even be doubled or tripled! Perfect for batch cooking, or serving a group! Pairs wonderfully with Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables. 

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 enjoyed brisket until I moved away…and realized that few restaurants had brisket on their menu.

So I went out to find an awesome beef brisket recipe 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 slow cooker beef brisket fits this 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. It’s made in the slow cooker, meaning 99% hands-free.
• The meat comes out soft, tender, and juicy. A perfect comfort food!
• Can be prepared 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

The ingredients for my slow cooker 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), water
• Vegetables: onion, garlic
• Liquid: beef broth, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), ketchup

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Meat Substitution Tip

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!
• 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.

How to Make Beef Brisket in the Slow Cooker

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

Step 2. Then layer the onion, then the garlic.

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 3. When the meat is done, remove it from a plate and turn the slow cooker on HIGH. Whisk together the cornstarch and water and add to the liquid, stir and the sauce will thick.

Step 4. Finally, slice the meat and serve with the sauce on top!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

How to Serve

Last but not least, let’s talk about how to serve this tasty slow cooker beef brisket. You can slice the meat as suggested or you can get creative with it!

• Wraps. Try this homemade flour tortilla recipe or corn tortillas.
• Brisket Tacos. Top with this homemade slaw.
• Sandwiches. Try this easy bread recipe.

FAQs for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Side Dishes that go with Crock Pot Brisket

Obviously, we need some sides to go with this slow cooker brisket and make it a meal. So here are some of my favorites:

• Kale Caesar Salad
• Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Coleslaw
• Steamed Vegetables
• Beans
• Parmesan Crisps
• Lemon Butter Asparagus
• Baked Potato
• Mac and Cheese
• Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

More Slow Cooker Dinners

• All-Purpose Slow Cooker Chicken
• Slow Cooker Osso Buco
• White Chicken Chili
• Perfectly Tender Slow Cooker Ribs
• Salsa Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili