Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe
Looking for the ultimate slow cooker beef brisket recipe that delivers fall-apart tenderness and rich, savory flavor? This easy crockpot brisket is seasoned to perfection, seared for flavor, and slowly cooked in a balsamic garlic sauce until it’s juicy, tender, and irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, holiday meal, or family gathering, this comfort food classic is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Tender Slow Cooker Brisket:
4–5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
1. Prep the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning mix generously over the entire brisket.
2. Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on each side for 3–4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Transfer to your slow cooker.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
4. Deglaze & Mix Sauce: Pour in beef broth, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, then pour the mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Add bay leaves and fresh thyme on top. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
6. Serve: Let the brisket rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Drizzle with the rich, savory gravy from the slow cooker, straining if desired.
Tips & Flavor Variations:
Add Sweetness: A splash of maple syrup or honey enhances the natural sweetness of the sauce.
Make It Spicy: Add chipotle in adobo or crushed red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy twist.
Thicken the Gravy: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the juices. Cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Brisket:
Easy slow cooker dinner for busy days
Tender beef with rich, deep flavors
Perfect holiday recipe or Sunday family meal
Delicious leftovers for sandwiches or tacos!
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