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Tender Slow Cooker Beef Brisket for Hearty Dinner

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Juicy, flavorful, and fall-apart tender, this Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is the definition of comfort food done right.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3to4pounds beef brisket, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoonskosher salt
  • 1 teaspoonblack pepper
  • 1 tablespoonsmoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoongarlic powder
  • 1 tablespoononion powder
  • 1 teaspoondried thyme
  • 1 teaspoonground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspooncayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cupbrown sugar
  • 1 tablespoonWorcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoonstomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cupsbeef broth
  • 1/2 cupbarbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 1large onion, sliced
  • 4cloves garlic, smashed

Instructions

  1. Start by patting the brisket dry with paper towels. Removing moisture ensures a proper sear if you decide to go that route. Next, using a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar, liberally rub this mixture all over the brisket. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes—this not only enhances the flavor but also helps the meat become more tender.
  2. For an extra layer of flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the brisket, searing it on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms. This step is optional but recommended, as it deepens the overall flavor profile of your dish.
  3. Now it’s time to prepare the slow cooker. Start by placing the sliced onion and smashed garlic at the bottom of the pot, creating a flavorful base for the brisket. Lay the brisket on top, ensuring the fat side is facing up—this allows the fat to baste the meat as it cooks and keep it juicy.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and barbecue sauce. Pour this mixture over the brisket, making sure it covers the meat well.
  5. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours—either way, the result will be fall-apart tender brisket. The key is to ensure it’s cooked until fork-tender, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker. Tent it with aluminum foil to keep it warm and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period will enhance the juiciness when slicing. Slice the brisket against the grain, making sure to cut thin slices for optimal tenderness.
  7. Before serving, skim any excess fat off the top of the slow cooker liquid, then drizzle the flavorful juices over the sliced brisket for added moisture and taste. Serve it hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Notes

For the best flavor, allow the brisket to marinate with the rub for a few hours or overnight. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mykitchenstorie.com/tender-slow-cooker-beef-brisket-for-hearty-dinner/