Slow Cooker Beef Brisket – Tender, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

Make a tender and juicy Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with rich, savory flavor and a delicious homemade sauce. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or cozy weekend meals.

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender with deep, rich flavor from a slow simmer in savory herbs and sauce. The slow cooker does all the work — you’ll end up with a comforting, juicy brisket that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or warm rolls. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, my Coconut Cream Pie is another Southern favorite.

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb beef brisket, trimmed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (or ketchup for milder flavor)

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon thyme (dried) or a few sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Sear the brisket: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on both sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). This step locks in flavor — don’t skip it!

2. Layer the slow cooker: Place sliced onions and garlic on the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the brisket on top.

3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour over the brisket.

4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.

5. Slice and serve: Remove the brisket and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Optional: Strain the liquid and simmer in a saucepan for 10 minutes to thicken into a rich gravy or glaze.

6. Serve: Spoon the sauce over the sliced brisket and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.

Tips & Variations

• Add carrots and potatoes in the last 3 hours of cooking for a one-pot meal.

• For smoky flavor, stir in a teaspoon of liquid smoke or use a smoky barbecue sauce.

• Leftovers make amazing sandwiches or sliders the next day.