This slow cooker beef brisket with BBQ sauce recipe will surely become a favorite in your household. The tender, flavorful brisket combined with the rich, tangy homemade BBQ sauce creates a dish that is perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, tender, and flavorful beef dish, look no further than this slow cooker beef brisket with BBQ sauce recipe. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home. The best part is that it’s easy to make and requires minimal hands-on time, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.
What is beef brisket?
Beef brisket is a cut of meat that comes from the lower chest or breast of the cow. It’s a tough cut with a lot of connective tissue, but when cooked low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The key to a great beef brisket is to trim off excess fat and season it well before cooking.
Using a slow cooker for this recipe ensures the beef brisket becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks in the homemade BBQ sauce. The slow cooking process allows the meat to break down and become juicy while the sauce infuses the brisket with its rich flavors. Plus, the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy, as you can just set it and forget it.
Another hearty meal with incredible flavor I urge you to try includes my Jamaican oxtails recipe. It is soft, satisfying, and juicy!
Homemade BBQ Sauce
While store-bought BBQ sauce can be convenient, nothing beats the taste of homemade sauce. This recipe includes a rich and tangy BBQ sauce that complements the beef brisket perfectly.
The combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, and various spices creates a well-balanced sauce that is both sweet and savory. The addition of liquid smoke adds a hint of smokiness that takes the flavor to a whole new level.
How to cook beef brisket
The key to a successful brisket is to ensure it’s well-seasoned and seared before cooking. Searing the brisket locks in the flavors and creates a delicious crust on the outside of the meat.
Once the brisket is prepared, mix the homemade BBQ sauce and pour it over the meat in the slow cooker. Cook the brisket on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule and desired level of tenderness.
After the brisket is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final product. Serve the brisket with the BBQ sauce on the side or drizzle over the top for a truly delicious meal.
What to serve with beef brisket
Creamy Coleslaw:This is a classic pairing with beef brisket. It is refreshing and delicious. The blend of flavors is perfect.
Oven Roasted potatoes: Classic, simple and tasty pairing. Roasted potatoes are a delicious pairing with almost all meals. Beef brisket is not an exception.
Corn on the cob: Grilled corn on the cob pairs so well with beef brisket. The smoky flavors of the corn and the juicy flavors of the beef brisket go so well. This pairing is hard to resist.
Potato salad– the creamy, tangy flavors of potato salad can be a great contrast to the richness of the beef.
Roasted vegetables – roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, etc. can add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
Cornbread– the sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread can balance out the smoky flavor of the beef.
Leftovers?
Leftover beef brisket is perfect for making sandwiches or tacos. Simply slice or shred the brisket, then layer it on your bread or tortilla with your favorite toppings.
You could also use the leftover brisket to make a hearty stew or chili – just add some diced vegetables, beans, and your favorite seasonings, and let it simmer on the stove until everything is tender and delicious.
Another option is to use the leftover brisket in a breakfast hash with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Whatever you choose to do with it, the leftover brisket will make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Can I reheat beef brisket?
Yes, you can definitely reheat beef brisket! The key is to do it slowly and gently, so that the brisket doesn’t dry out.
One method is to wrap the leftover in foil, then place it in a preheated oven set to 325°F for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through.
You could also reheat the brisket in a microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can quickly become tough and dry.
Another option is to reheat it in a pot on the stove with a little bit of beef broth or water added to it. Just be sure to stir it frequently to prevent the brisket from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Whatever method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the brisket to ensure that it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
Ingredients substitutes
If you don’t have some of the ingredients listed to make your delicious beef brisket, you can always replace them with other ingredients in your pantry. The result will still be just as delicious. Some of them include:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Lemon Juice or white wine vinegar will do the trick.
Cayenne pepper: Replace with red pepper flakes
Dijon mustard: Honey mustard is just as perfect, though sweet.
Tips for cooking tender and delicious beef brisket
Trim excess fat: While some fat is necessary for flavor and tenderness, too much can make the dish overly greasy. Trim off any large, visible chunks of fat from the brisket before seasoning and searing.
Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. The spice rub not only adds flavor to the meat but also helps to form a delicious crust when seared. Make sure to coat the entire surface of the brisket with the spice mixture.
Sear the brisket: Searing the meat on all sides before slow cooking helps to lock in the flavors and creates a beautiful crust. Use a hot skillet and a small amount of oil for the best results.
Monitor the cooking time: Depending on the size and thickness of your brisket, cooking times may vary slightly. Check the brisket for tenderness toward the end of the suggested cooking time. Remember that slow cooking on low heat for a longer duration will yield more tender results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own? Yes, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce if you prefer or are short on time. However, making your own sauce allows you to customize the flavors and control the ingredients, resulting in a more unique and personalized dish.
Can I prepare the brisket the night before? Absolutely! You can season and sear the brisket the night before, then store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the brisket in the slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce, and start cooking. This can save you time and make the process even more convenient.
Can I cook the brisket on high for a shorter time? Yes, you can cook the brisket on high for 4-5 hours. However, cooking it on low for a longer duration (8-10 hours) will yield more tender and flavorful results, as the connective tissue has more time to break down.
How do I store leftover brisket? Store the leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked brisket for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the meat from the sauce before freezing, and store them in separate containers.
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? While beef brisket is the ideal cut for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or short ribs. Keep in mind that the cooking times and final texture may vary depending on the cut you choose.
How do I know when the brisket is done? The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and can be easily shredded or sliced. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C) when using a meat thermometer. If the brisket isn’t tender enough by the end of the suggested cooking time, continue to cook it on low for an additional hour or two until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Sear the brisket using the sauté function, then add the BBQ sauce and cook on high pressure for 50-60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different than when cooked in a slow cooker.
Unlock the secrets to succulent and mouth-watering beef brisket with the slow cooking method. Get ready to savor the juicy and tender flavors of our beef brisket, guaranteed to impress your family at the dinner table.
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef brisket, ensuring it is well coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef brisket on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the brisket from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
Slow Cook the Beef Brisket:
Place the seared beef brisket in the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the brisket, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
Once the brisket is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
While the brisket is resting, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. Optionally, you can thicken the sauce by simmering it in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
Slice or shred the beef brisket and serve with the BBQ sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
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