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Crock Pot BBQ Brisket Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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