Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

This slow cooker brisket is a hands off meal that’s incredibly tender and loaded with flavor. The perfect no-fuss main dish for a busy weeknight, meal prepping or to feed a hungry crowd.

This brisket, prepared with a homemade spice mix and basic barbeque sauce, comes together easily for a meal that’s so simple yet so good. If you are looking for another no fuss brisket recipe try this Slow Cooked Oven Roasted Beef Brisket.

Leftover brisket makes the best next-day lunch! Swap it in for the barbacoa in my beef barbacoa grilled sandwich, wrap a few slices in a warm yuca tortilla, or pile it into a hearty bowl with cilantro lime rice and pinto beans.

Ingredients for brisket recipe in slow cooker

• Beef brisket – I used a 3 pound beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat.
• BBQ sauce – In this brisket recipe I used a jar of store bought barbecue sauce to keep it simple. You can also use homemade bbq sauce.
• Brown sugar – A touch of brown sugar sweetens up the brisket. You can also use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar on a 1-1 basis.
• Spices – I used a combination of garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, smoked maple rub, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to add flavor to the brisket.
• Optional – add a splash of soy sauce for a hint of umami flavor

Note: I usually but this smoked maple rub in bulk, and use it in all my slow cooked meats. It adds quite a depth of flavor to briskets, pot roasts, short ribs, ribs and oxtails.

How to make slow cooker brisket

Just a few simple steps are required to make this crock pot brisket.

Step 1: Mix the dry seasoning in a small bowl or combine it in a jar. Using your hands, rub the seasoning mix on both sides of the brisket. Allow the brisket to marinate in the seasoning for a half hour while the brisket comes to room temperature.

Step 2: Pour a jar of your favorite BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. I like to add a little bit of water to the jar and shake it to get every bit of barbeque sauce left.

Step 3: Place the brisket fat side up in the slow cooker (I trimmed some of the fat). Cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours or low for 8-10 hours. If you can, flip the brisket about an hour before it’s done cooking.

Step 4: Transfer cooked brisket to a sheet pan or cutting board to slice it or shred it. Garnish with fresh green herbs like cilantro or parsley. Pour some of the leftover barbeque sauce on top and serve.

Make ahead, reheating and storage

Beef brisket keeps really well in the fridge or freezer, making this slow cooker meal a simple make-ahead recipe you can tackle once a week. It’s perfect for your meal prep session, the holidays, or when everyone’s in the mood for a hearty meat dish.

To make ahead: You can easily make this slow cooker brisket a few days before you want to serve it.

To store: Brisket will keep well in the fridge for up 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freeze leftover brisket for up to 3 months.

More slow cooker recipes you’ll enjoy

• You’ll love this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs that’s so easy and mega flavorful!
• This Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is a must try, a readers favorite for many years! You can use ground beef instead of this Slow Cooker Venison Turkey.
• Lastly, try this Slow Cooker Oxtail Recipe a one of a kind recipe, fall-off-the-bone meat.

Slow Cooker Carne Asada

Slow Cooked Bourbon Osso Buco

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe