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Slow Cooker Juicy Beef Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

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4 from 230 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe delivers a wonderfully juicy, flavor-packed, and melt-in-your-mouth experience that rivals any restaurant. Perfect for easy entertaining, the brisket is seasoned with a homemade spice rub and barbecue sauce, slow cooked to tender perfection, and finished under the broiler for a caramelized crust. It can be prepared days in advance and reheated effortlessly, making it ideal for company dinners.

Ingredients

Brisket and Slow Cooker

  • 4-5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup homemade barbecue sauce (see below)

Spice Rub

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)

Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup seedless blackberry preserves
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon reserved spice rub
  • 1 tablespoon mesquite liquid smoke (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with sides or jelly roll pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Set aside.
  2. Prepare slow cooker and brisket: Spray a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Trim the brisket of excess fat, rinse, and pat dry. If the brisket is extra long, slice it in half to fit into the slow cooker.
  3. Make spice rub: In a medium bowl, whisk together all spice rub ingredients. Remove 1 tablespoon of this rub and set aside for the barbecue sauce. Rub the remaining spice mix evenly all over the brisket. Place the brisket on the prepared baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Sear the brisket: Bake the brisket uncovered at 425°F for 30 minutes. This sears the meat, locking in flavors and juices.
  5. Prepare barbecue sauce and slow cooker liquid: Combine the reserved 1 tablespoon spice rub with ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, blackberry preserves, apple cider vinegar, and mesquite liquid smoke in a bowl; whisk well. Remove ½ cup of this barbecue sauce to use later. Add the remaining barbecue sauce to the slow cooker along with 1 cup water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon. Whisk to combine, noting the bouillon will dissolve during cooking.
  6. Slow cook the brisket: Using tongs, carefully transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker, making sure it fits (it may need to be slightly squished in). Some of the brisket might not be fully submerged. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, flipping the brisket halfway through cooking. Continue cooking longer if the brisket is not yet tender.
  7. Broil the brisket: Remove brisket from the slow cooker to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with the reserved barbecue sauce. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the surface is slightly caramelized and bubbly.
  8. Warm remaining barbecue sauce: While broiling, warm the remaining barbecue sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
  9. Serve: Brush the brisket again with barbecue sauce. Slice across the grain or chop as desired. Serve with the remaining warm barbecue sauce on the side. Great for sandwiches or a main dish.
  10. Make-ahead tip: Cook the brisket until tender and refrigerate the ceramic insert with the brisket and juices. The next day, skim any hardened fat, then reheat on LOW in the slow cooker for 1-2 hours before proceeding with broiling and serving.

Notes

  • You can let the rubbed brisket sit up to 24 hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
  • Mesquite liquid smoke is optional but adds authentic smoky flavor to the barbecue sauce.
  • If the brisket is tough after cooking time, let it cook longer on LOW until tender.
  • Broiling adds a fantastic caramelized finish but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • This recipe works well for make-ahead meals and reheats beautifully.
  • Slice brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American BBQ

Find it online: https://cookinginspirations.com/slow-cooker-juicy-beef-brisket-with-homemade-barbecue-sauce-recipe/