Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket is the ultimate comfort food with fall-apart tender beef infused with smoky spices and tangy barbecue sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe takes minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, game days, or backyard gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ brisket is incredibly flavorful and tender thanks to a long, slow cook in a well-seasoned broth. It’s simple to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of seasoning and mixing before the slow cooker does all the work. Whether you serve it on sandwiches, tacos, or with classic sides like cornbread and baked beans, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds beef brisket

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 cup water

• 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring

• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 bottle (18 ounces) barbecue sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together thyme, paprika, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Rub the spice mix all over the brisket.

2. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a large 7-quart slow cooker. Place the spice-coated brisket into the slow cooker.

3. Pour the liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce over the brisket.

4. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.

5. Once cooked, carefully transfer the brisket to a platter. Remove and discard the fat layer from the bottom.

6. Shred the brisket using two forks, then return the meat to the slow cooker.

7. Pour barbecue sauce over the shredded beef, stir gently, and cover. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until heated through.

8. Serve warm on sandwiches, nachos, or with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 9 hours

Variations

• Swap beef brisket with chuck roast if brisket is unavailable.

• Add sliced onions under the brisket for extra flavor.

• Use different barbecue sauce flavors—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to suit your taste.

• Make it spicier with a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze shredded brisket with sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 4–5 hours, but low and slow yields the most tender brisket.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Use your favorite brand—Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice for this recipe.

Do I have to use liquid smoke?

No, it’s optional but adds a nice smoky depth. You can skip it or use smoked salt as an alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How do I serve this brisket?

It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or paired with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

You can omit it or use soy sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute.

What’s the best cut of meat for this recipe?

Brisket is ideal, but chuck roast or any well-marbled cut will work too.

How do I keep the meat from drying out?

Cook on low and keep it covered in sauce once shredded to lock in moisture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, carrots and onions can be added around the brisket for extra flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased volume.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket is a deliciously easy, hands-off meal that delivers big flavors. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and smoky BBQ tang, it’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special. Whether served in sandwiches or with classic sides, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

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• Author: Paula
• Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky, tangy flavor. This easy, hands-off recipe uses a simple spice rub and slow-cooked BBQ sauce to deliver fall-apart brisket that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or your favorite barbecue sides. With just 10 minutes of prep and a full-flavored payoff, this dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

2 to 3 pounds beef brisket

1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup water

1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Season the Brisket:
   In a small bowl, combine thyme, paprika, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket.

2. Prep the Slow Cooker:
   Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a 7-quart slow cooker. Place the seasoned brisket in the slow cooker.

3. Add Flavor:
   Pour liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce over the brisket.

4. Cook Low and Slow:
   Cover and cook on low heat for 8–10 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.

5. Shred and Sauce:
   Transfer the cooked brisket to a platter and discard the fat layer. Shred the meat using two forks. Return shredded brisket to the slow cooker.

6. Finish with BBQ Sauce:
   Pour barbecue sauce over the shredded beef, stir gently, and cover. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to warm through.

7. Serve:
   Serve warm on buns, over nachos, or alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.

Notes

No Brisket? Use chuck roast as a great alternative.

More Flavor? Add sliced onions under the brisket or mix in a dash of cayenne for heat.

BBQ Sauce Options: Try honey BBQ, smoky, or spicy sauces to match your taste preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American