Discover this exquisite slow cooker beef brisket delivering melt in your mouth tenderness and a burst of rich flavor. A fusion of tangy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar and savory spices with caramelized onions and garlic transforms this dish into an unforgettable, hearty masterpiece ideal for sharing with loved ones.

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I love sharing my favorite recipes with you and this Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket is one of my top picks. When I first tried this recipe I was amazed by how tender and flavorful it turned out.

I start with a 2-3 lb beef brisket which is perfect for soaking up all the amazing flavors. The process includes 2 cups of BBQ sauce, a large sliced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, which give the dish a real kick.

I also add a bit of beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and smoked paprika. Salt and pepper bring everything together.

This method is similar to many well known brisket slow cooker recipes and it packs a punch in nutritional value, with all that protein from the beef alongside essential minerals like iron. Its slow cooking process helps the meat become incredibly tender making it a best slow cooker brisket recipe every time.

Enjoy this easy barbecue brisket crockpot meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because first off, the beef brisket comes out so tender and falling apart after those 8 hours, it totally melts in your mouth. Secondly, the mix of BBQ sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar gives it this awesome tangy and smoky flavor that makes every bite super tasty. Third, its really simple to prep and just toss in a slow cooker so its perfect even when i’m in a rush or not super confident in the kitchen. Lastly, i really appreciate how the extra sauce stays extra flavorful, so i get to enjoy even more of those delicious flavors when i share it with my friends.

Ingredients

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Beef brisket: Hearty protein that turns tender when slow cooked to perfection for a saucy meal.
BBQ sauce: Sweet and tangy, adds delicious flavor, helps make that sticky, smoky glaze.
Onion: Crunchy veggie that provides fiber and natural sweetness, mellowing rich meat flavors.
Garlic: Bold flavor booster with antioxidants that enhances sauce and meat’s savory taste.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy zest that cuts through fattiness and brightens the overall flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: A pungent, savory splash intensifies the meaty umami bolstering BBQ goodness.
Brown sugar: Gives a subtle sweetness that deepens the sauce’s rich flavor profile.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty depth, improving every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

2-3 lb beef brisket

2 cups BBQ sauce

1 large onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup beef broth

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Start by patting the brisket dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Slice the large onion and mince the garlic; then scatter ’em evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker.

3. Nestle the brisket on top of the onions and garlic so it gets all those flavors.

4. In a bowl, mix together the 2 cups of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Make sure its mixed real well.

5. Pour this sauce mixture over the brisket, making sure that it’s all nicely covered.

6. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours until the brisket is super tender and shreds really easy.

7. Once it’s done, check and adjust the seasoning if needed with extra salt and pepper.

8. Let the brisket rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it, then serve with the extra sauce from the slow cooker.

9. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share the yumminess with your friends!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Paper towels
5. Mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spoon or spatula for mixing
9. Fork or tongs for handling the brisket

FAQ

Q: How long do I need to cook the brisket? A: You should cook it on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. It becomes super tender and you can easily shred it.

Q: Can I add other veggies or seasonings? A: Yeah, you can toss in things like carrots or bell peppers if you like, but don't crowd the cooker too much or it might not cook evenly.

Q: Do I have to sear the brisket first? A: It's not required but searing can really boost the flavor. If you've got the time, go ahead and do it, if not you can skip it.

Q: What if I dont have beef broth? A: No worries, you can use chicken broth or even water. Beef broth just adds a richer flavor, though.

Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Let the brisket cool, then put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it if you wanna save it for later.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have beef brisket, you can try using a beef chuck roast as an alternative. It works pretty well in a slow cooker.
If you need to swap out the BBQ sauce, you can mix equal parts ketchup and honey with a splash of vinegar to get a similar tangy, sweet flavor.
Not got beef broth? No worries, you can use chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube for that rich taste.
For apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can do the trick if you’re in a pinch.
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a bit of soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar and a pinch of sugar is a good stand-in.

Pro Tips

1. Before adding the meat to the slow cooker, try searing the brisket in a hot pan with a little oil. This step helps lock in the juices and gives it a richer flavor that you wont get otherwise.

2. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. Sometimes slow cooking can mellow the spices a bit, so consider giving the onions and garlic a little extra salt or a pinch more paprika if you feel it needs a kick.

3. Once the brisket is done, let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. This short rest period helps all the juices redistribute inside the meat so it stays moist when you serve it.

4. Slow cookers can vary a lot with temperature, so if your brisket isnt as tender as you’d like after 8 hours, try extending the cooking time or lowering the heat a little bit. Trust your gut and check it periodically for perfect tenderness.