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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket – Tender, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

If you’re looking for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth beef recipe, this Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is exactly what you need. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or make-ahead meals. Best of all, it requires minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor.

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide for making the best beef brisket in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this flavorful, slow-cooked masterpiece:

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, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (or red wine for deeper flavor)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
Fresh thyme sprigs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages a better sear.

In a small bowl, combine:

2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder

Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the entire brisket.

Step 2: Sear the Brisket

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the brisket for 3–4 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in flavor.

Once seared, transfer the brisket to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic.
Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour 1 cup beef broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits (these add tons of flavor).
Stir in:

½ cup balsamic vinegar or red wine
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes, then pour it over the brisket in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Herbs

Place 2 bay leaves and a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the brisket for added depth and aroma.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8–10 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.

Cooking low and slow allows the connective tissue in the brisket to break down, making it incredibly juicy and tender.

Step 7: Rest, Slice & Serve

Once done, transfer the brisket to a cutting board.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain for optimal tenderness.

Strain the cooking liquid if desired, and serve the brisket with the rich gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your slow cooker beef brisket with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Buttered egg noodles
Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Add a fresh salad or steamed green beans for balance.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Don’t skip the searing – it adds essential flavor to the final dish.
Use red wine instead of balsamic vinegar for a bolder sauce.
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or chipotle powder to the seasoning.
Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be shredded for tacos.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a timeless, satisfying recipe that brings bold flavor with little effort. Perfect for busy weekdays, special occasions, or cozy weekends, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Save this recipe, share it with fellow food lovers, and enjoy a taste of comfort in every bite.

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket