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Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

A tender and flavorful beef brisket cooked slowly in a homemade BBQ sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Barbecue
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat Choose a good quality brisket.
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
  • 1/2 cup homemade barbecue sauce Reserve some for brushing.
Spice Rub Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper Optional for added heat.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional.
Barbecue Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup seedless blackberry preserves
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mesquite liquid smoke Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Trim brisket of excess fat, rinse, and pat dry.
  3. In a medium bowl, reserve 1 tablespoon of Spice Rub for barbecue sauce. Rub remaining Spice Rub over brisket and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  4. Bake brisket for 30 minutes at 425 degrees F to sear.
Barbecue Sauce Preparation
  1. While brisket is baking, whisk together Barbecue Sauce ingredients with the reserved Spice Rub.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, reduced-sodium soy sauce, and beef bouillon.
Slow Cooking
  1. Carefully transfer the brisket to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, flipping halfway through.
  2. Remove brisket, place on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with barbecue sauce, and broil for 5 to 10 minutes until caramelized.
  3. Simmer remaining barbecue sauce until warmed through.

Notes

Store cooled brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions with some sauce. Label containers with the date.