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A comforting slow cooker beef brisket recipe that uses simple ingredients to create a tender, juicy brisket with rich flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lb beef brisket (flat cut recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Pat the brisket dry and trim off large, hard pieces of fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
  2. Season all sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Grease the slow cooker insert or line it with a slow cooker liner.
  5. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  6. Lay the seasoned brisket on top of the onions, fat side up.
  7. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme until combined.
  8. Pour the sauce evenly over the brisket.
  9. If adding root vegetables, add them now for soft vegetables or add in the last 2–3 hours for firmer veggies.
  10. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until brisket is fork-tender.
  11. If brisket is tough after cooking, continue cooking and check every 30–60 minutes until tender.
  12. Remove brisket and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
  13. Slice against the grain or shred the brisket depending on preference.
  14. Spoon cooking juices over the brisket and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  15. (Optional) Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer to reduce to desired thickness.

Notes

Slice brisket against the grain for tenderness and better presentation., Keep a thin layer of fat on brisket for moisture and flavor., Searing is optional but adds flavor and color., Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness., To keep leftovers moist, store with cooking juices., Slow cooker liners can make cleanup easier., Add root vegetables with timing depending on desired softness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mamapantry.com/why-youll-love-this-slow-cooker-beef-brisket/