Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

Gather these ingredients to create a succulent beef brisket:

• For the brisket:
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket (flat cut is preferable)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat

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Directions for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

1. Prepare the brisket: Start by patting the brisket dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season the meat generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder on both sides.
2. Sear the brisket: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
3. Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker: In the slow cooker, layer the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. Place the seared brisket on top. In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture over the brisket.
4. Cook the brisket: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
5. Rest and slice the brisket: Once cooked, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
6. Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce from the slow cooker. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet (for searing)
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

• Choose the right cut: Flat cut brisket is leaner and cooks more evenly, while point cut is fattier and richer in flavor. Either works well in this recipe; just be mindful of cooking times as point cut may take longer.
• Don’t skip the searing: Searing the brisket adds depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture, making your final dish even more delicious.
• Adjust the BBQ sauce: Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your liking. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or hot sauce for heat.
• Let it rest: Allowing the brisket to rest after cooking is crucial for maintaining its juiciness and tenderness.

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Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers from your Slow Cooker Beef Brisket can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze sliced brisket or leftover portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven, adding a splash of beef broth or BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist.

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Pairing Suggestions

This delicious brisket pairs wonderfully with:

• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the brisket.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a comforting side that complements the savory flavors of the beef.
• Baked beans: The sweet and smoky flavors of baked beans make a classic pairing with BBQ.
• Pickles: Dill pickles or pickled vegetables provide a tangy contrast to the rich brisket.

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