Crockpot Brisket Recipe

This Crockpot Brisket Recipe is the perfect solution for a tender, juicy, and flavorful main dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Slow-cooked to perfection, the brisket becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up a savory blend of spices and sauce.

Whether it’s for a family dinner, holiday feast, or weekend meal prep, this recipe will win everyone over with minimal effort.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Crockpot (6-quart or larger)
• Large skillet (optional, for searing)
• Tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs (1.3–1.8 kg) beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Optional Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
3. Layer the Crockpot: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the brisket on top.
4. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Pour the mixture over the brisket.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the brisket is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
6. Rest and Slice: Remove the brisket from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
7. Serve: Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the sliced brisket and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

8–10 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH

Total Time

8 hours 15 minutes (on LOW) or 4 hours 15 minutes (on HIGH)

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 8g

Expert Tips

• Choosing the Brisket: Look for a brisket with even marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) until thickened.
• Make Ahead: Brisket tastes even better the next day! Prepare it a day in advance, slice it, and reheat in the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a smaller crockpot?
Yes, but ensure the brisket fits snugly. You may need to cut it into smaller pieces.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a chuck roast or short ribs can be substituted, though the flavor and texture may vary.

Can I make this brisket in the oven?
Yes, cook it in a covered roasting pan at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally.

How do I know when the brisket is done?
The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a covered dish with some of the cooking liquid in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations

• Sweet and Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat and a touch of honey for sweetness.
• Herby Flavor: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the crockpot for an herby twist.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to control the salt content.

Crockpot Brisket Recipe

This Crockpot Brisket Recipe is the perfect solution for a tender, juicy, and flavorful main dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

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Equipment

• - Crockpot (6-quart or larger)
• - Large skillet (optional, for searing)
• Tongs
• - Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• - 3–4 lbs 1.3–1.8 kg beef brisket
• - 1 large onion sliced
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 cup 240ml beef broth
• - 1/2 cup 120ml barbecue sauce
• - 1/4 cup 60ml soy sauce
• - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• - 2 tbsp brown sugar
• - 1 tbsp tomato paste
• - 1 tsp smoked paprika
• - 1 tsp ground mustard
• - 1/2 tsp black pepper
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• - 2 tbsp olive oil optional, for searing
• - Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Brisket:** Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
• **Optional Sear:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
• **Layer the Crockpot:** Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the brisket on top.
• **Make the Sauce:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Pour the mixture over the brisket.
• **Cook:** Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the brisket is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
• **Rest and Slice:** Remove the brisket from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
• **Serve:** Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the sliced brisket and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.