Slow Cooker Beef Brisket With BBQ Sauce is a comforting and tender dish, perfect for a hearty meal. The slow-cooked brisket absorbs all the flavors of the savory BBQ sauce, making it a mouthwatering option for dinner. Let’s explore the ingredients needed to create this flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Onion: 1, sliced, used as the base layer in the slow cooker.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for an aromatic touch in the dish.
- Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for seasoning the brisket.
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup, to keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the BBQ flavors.
- Smoked paprika: 1 tablespoon, for a smoky flavor that enhances the beef.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, adding a hint of herbal flavor.
- Beef brisket: 3-4 lbs, the main ingredient for this savory dish.
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup, for coating the brisket and infusing flavor.
- Salt: To taste, for seasoning the meat.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rub the beef brisket with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.
- Step 2:
- Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Step 3:
- Place the seasoned brisket on top of the onion and garlic layer.
- Step 4:
- Pour the beef broth and BBQ sauce over the brisket, allowing it to soak up the flavors.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the brisket.
- Step 6:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
- Step 7:
- Once done, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 8:
- Slice the brisket and serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce warm, accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist. For longer storage, freeze the sliced brisket in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Helpful Notes
If you prefer a spicier version, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the brisket. You can use homemade BBQ sauce for a personalized touch, adjusting the sweetness and spice levels to your taste. For a more caramelized exterior, finish the brisket under the broiler for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends searing the brisket before placing it in the slow cooker for a deeper flavor and crispy edges.
- Chef Ina Garten advises letting the brisket rest before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using a mixture of both beef broth and beer for a richer flavor in the slow-cooked brisket.