Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Loved by family, praised by friends, and perfect for gatherings this Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is the ultimate set-it-and-forget comfort food. If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker beef brisket recipe that turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender every single time, this one is a guaranteed winner.
Slow cooking transforms a simple cut of beef brisket into a rich, juicy, fall-apart main dish bursting with deep, savory flavor. Inspired by traditional Eastern European cooking and classic American barbecue, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home with minimal effort.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, hosting a church potluck, or planning a cozy Sunday dinner, this crockpot beef brisket always earns rave reviews.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket:
Hands-off & stress-free the slow cooker does all the work
Incredibly tender low and slow cooking breaks down tough fibers
Budget-friendly brisket is an affordable cut that feeds many
Perfect for meal prep leftovers reheat beautifully
Versatile serve with potatoes, veggies, sandwiches, or salads
Servings: 6–8
Cook Time: 8–10 hours (low)
Ingredients:
4–5 lb beef brisket, trimmed
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
Pat the brisket dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 2 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the brisket. Add bay leaves and fresh thyme.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, until fork-tender.
Rest the brisket, then slice against the grain. Serve with the rich slow-cooker gravy.
Tips & Flavor Variations:
Sweet & savory: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or chipotle powder
Thicker gravy: Stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook 15 minutes on HIGH
Perfect Side Dishes:
Serve this slow cooker beef brisket with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, coleslaw, crusty bread, or even piled high on sandwich rolls.
