Slow Cooker Beef Brisket (Printable)
Tender beef brisket slow-cooked with vegetables in a rich savory sauce for 8 hours.
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 3 lbs beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 - 2 large onions, sliced into rings
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
07 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
→ Sauce
08 - 1 cup beef broth
09 - 1/2 cup ketchup
10 - 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
11 - 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
12 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
13 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned brisket for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer to the slow cooker.
03 - Arrange the sliced onions, minced garlic, carrot pieces, and chopped celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared brisket on top of the vegetable bed.
04 - Whisk together beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and dried thyme in a bowl until sugar dissolves.
05 - Pour the sauce evenly over the brisket and vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 hours, or until meat reaches fork-tender consistency.
06 - Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin strips.
07 - Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid if desired. Serve sliced brisket with vegetables and ladle sauce over portions.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The house smells incredible all day long, building anticipation for dinner
- Almost zero hands-on time but results taste like you spent hours tending to it
02 -
- Always slice against the grain for tender meat, with the grain equals tough chewy bites
- Letting the brisket rest before slicing is not optional, it keeps the juices inside
03 -
- Sear the meat thoroughly for the best flavor foundation
- Use a 6 quart or larger slow cooker to ensure even cooking