Crock Pot BBQ Brisket Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot BBQ Brisket is a wonderfully tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked to perfection, the brisket absorbs a rich blend of spices and barbecue sauce, making it ideal for sandwiches, baked potatoes, or a hearty dinner plate.

Ingredients

• 4 lb brisket
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to make the brisket rub.
2. Step 2: Rub the brisket thoroughly on all sides with the prepared spice mix.
3. Step 3: Mix BBQ sauce and beef broth together and pour into the bottom of the crock pot.
4. Step 4: Place the rubbed brisket on top of the sauce mixture in the crock pot.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove the brisket, slice or shred it, then return it to the sauce in the crock pot to soak up the flavors.
7. Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite sides, on buns, or on baked potatoes.
8. Optional Step: For a smoky, crispy finish, place the cooked brisket on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. This will darken the exterior and add a delicious crust while keeping the meat juicy inside.

Tips & Variations

• Use a brisket with a good fat cap to keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process.
• Swap the BBQ sauce for a spicy or smoky variety to customize flavor.
• Serve chopped brisket with pickles and coleslaw for a classic BBQ sandwich experience.

Storage

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze the brisket for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Brisket is ideal for slow cooking due to its tough fibers that break down and become tender. While you can use chuck roast or other cuts, results may vary in texture and flavor.

Do I need to brown the brisket before slow cooking?

Browning the brisket is optional but can add extra flavor and a richer color. This recipe skips that step for simplicity, relying on the spice rub and BBQ sauce to develop flavor during slow cooking.

Crock Pot BBQ Brisket Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 461 reviews

This Crock Pot BBQ Brisket recipe delivers tender, flavorful brisket slow-cooked to perfection in a blend of barbecue sauce and beef broth. The rub, made with paprika, brown sugar, and spices, infuses the meat with a sweet and smoky flavor, while optional finishing in the oven adds a delightful crispy crust. Perfect as a hearty main dish served with sides, on a bun, or atop a baked potato.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brisket Rub:

• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Main Ingredients:

• 4 lb brisket
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. Make the brisket rub: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until all ingredients form a consistent rub.
2. Prepare the brisket: Thoroughly rub the spice mixture onto all sides of the 4 lb brisket, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Set up the crock pot: In the bottom of your crock pot, combine the 1 cup barbecue sauce and 1/2 cup beef broth, stirring to mix evenly.
4. Cook the brisket: Place the rubbed brisket on top of the barbecue sauce and broth mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Slice or shred the brisket: Remove the brisket from the crock pot and slice or shred it as preferred. Return the meat to the sauce in the crock pot to soak up more flavor.
6. Serve: Serve the brisket hot with your choice of sides, as a sandwich on a bun, or on a baked potato for a hearty meal.
7. Optional finishing step: For a smoky BBQ texture and color, place the cooked brisket in one piece onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes. This will darken the exterior and crisp the edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Notes

• Select a whole brisket cut weighing about 4 pounds for best results.
• Using a slow cooker allows for low and slow cooking, yielding tender, juicy meat.
• You can adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level.
• Leftover brisket is excellent in sandwiches or tacos the next day.
• The optional oven step adds a delicious smoky crust, but can be skipped if preferred.
• Use a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup when broiling the brisket in the oven.

Keywords: crock pot BBQ brisket, slow cooker brisket, barbecue brisket recipe, easy brisket, smoked brisket, tender brisket