Quick Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Slow-cooked with onions, garlic, beef broth, and tomato paste, the brisket becomes rich, savory, and perfectly juicy. It’s the ultimate comfort-food main dish for family dinners, holidays, or effortless meal prep.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: Up to 10 hours
Ingredients List
- 3–4 lb beef brisket
- 2 large yellow or sweet onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Brisket (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season brisket with salt and pepper.
Sear on both sides for 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
Transfer brisket to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Spread sliced onions over and around the brisket.
Add minced garlic evenly on top.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), paprika, and thyme.
Pour the mixture over the brisket and onions.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 8–10 hours (best texture)
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
Step 5: Rest & Slice
Remove brisket and let rest 10–15 minutes.
Slice against the grain or shred.
Spoon sauce and onions over the meat before serving.
Additional Notes
- Fresh garlic gives the richest flavor, but 1 tsp garlic powder can substitute if needed.
- Low-sodium broth prevents oversalting — adjust seasoning at the end.
- For thicker sauce, remove brisket and simmer sauce on the stovetop for 10 minutes.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free
- Low-Carb Friendly (skip brown sugar if keto)
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- BBQ Brisket: Add ½ cup BBQ sauce to the liquid
- Mexican-Style: Add cumin, chili powder, and lime juice
- Serve With: mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or coleslaw
- Sandwich Option: Pile onto toasted buns with extra sauce
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze sliced brisket with sauce for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Low heat with sauce to keep moist
FAQs
Q: Do I need to sear the brisket first?
Not required, but it adds deeper flavor and better texture.
Q: Can I overcook brisket in a slow cooker?
Yes — after it’s tender, extended cooking can dry it out. Stick to recommended times.
Q: Should I trim the fat?
Leave a thin fat layer for moisture; remove excess if very thick.
