Description
This Savory Crock Pot Beef Brisket recipe features tender, juicy beef brisket slow-cooked with a flavorful dry rub and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for easy meal prep, the brisket is marinated, coated in a rich sauce, and cooked low and slow in a crock pot until fork-tender, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Brisket & Dry Rub:
- 3–4 lbs beef brisket
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¾ tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Brisket:
Combine all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Rub the mixture generously over the entire surface of the beef brisket. For best flavor, place the brisket in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
- Add to Slow Cooker:
In the slow cooker, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Place the marinated brisket into the slow cooker with the fat side facing up. Coat the brisket thoroughly with the sauce to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook Low & Slow:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the brisket on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain heat and moisture. Cook until the meat is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
- Rest & Serve:
Once cooked, remove the brisket and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve the sliced brisket with the reserved sauce spooned over the top for a savory meal.
Notes
- Marinating the brisket overnight will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the brisket and slow cooker model.
- Keep the brisket fat side up during cooking to help baste the meat and retain moisture.
- Slicing against the grain is key to tender slices of brisket.
- The cayenne pepper in the sauce is optional and can be omitted to reduce spiciness.
