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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

This slow cooker beef brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender with a smoky spice rub and a tangy-sweet BBQ glaze. Minimal prep, rich flavor, and foolproof results make it perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 476
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brisket
  • 1.5 - 2 kg beef brisket well-marbled for maximum tenderness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil for searing
For the Spice Rub
  • 1 tbsp packed brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika gentle smoky depth
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.75 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 cups ketchup
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

  1. Mix all spice rub ingredients in a small bowl. Pat brisket dry and rub evenly over all sides. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 24 hours if time allows.
  2. In the slow cooker, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients and stir well. Nestle the brisket into the sauce, ensuring it’s coated.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Transfer brisket to a tray and cover loosely with foil. Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  5. Preheat oven to 200°C / 390°F. Brush brisket with oil, roast 15 minutes until golden spots form. Brush with thickened sauce, roast 5 minutes, repeat, then finish with 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
  6. Slice against the grain and serve with remaining sauce.

Notes

For a less sweet BBQ glaze, reduce brown sugar in the sauce. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. Brisket can be cooked ahead and reheated in sauce for deeper flavor.