Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Beef bouillon cube

4-5 lbs. Beef brisket with the fat trimmed

½ C. BBQ sauce

1 C. Water

3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

For the rub:

1 tsp. Cumin

2 Tbsp. Brown sugar

1 tsp. Ground mustard

2 Tbsp. Paprika

1 tsp. Black pepper

2 tsp. Onion powder

2 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Garlic powder

½ tsp. Cinnamon

Instructions:

Heat the oven to 425 degrees.

Mix together the ingredients for the rub in a bowl, and press it over all the sides of the beef brisket.

Place the brisket onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the brisket from the oven.

Whisk together the bouillon, water, bbq sauce and worcestershire sauce in a bowl, and pour it into the slow cooker.

Add the beef to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Turn the meat halfway through the cooking time.

Remove the meat, shred with forks, and then brush with more BBQ sauce.

Broil for a few minutes if desired to caramelize the bbq sauce on the meat.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of brisket?

While brisket is traditionally used for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked, you can experiment with other cuts such as chuck roast or round roast.

Keep in mind that different cuts may require adjustments in cooking time and tenderness.

Is it necessary to brown the brisket in the oven before slow cooking?

Browing the brisket in the oven before slow cooking helps develop flavor and texture by caramelizing the surface.

While it’s not absolutely necessary, it enhances the overall taste of the dish.

If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the final result may be slightly different.

Can I adjust the seasoning in the rub to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! The rub ingredients, including cumin, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and cinnamon, can be adjusted to your liking.

Feel free to increase or decrease the amounts of specific spices based on your flavor preferences.

Can I cook the brisket on high heat in the slow cooker for a shorter duration?

While it’s possible to cook the brisket on high heat in the slow cooker for a shorter duration (around 4-6 hours), cooking it on low heat for a longer time allows the meat to become more tender and flavorful as it slowly breaks down.

However, if you’re short on time, cooking on high heat is an option.

What can I serve with slow cooker beef brisket?

Slow cooker beef brisket pairs well with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

Additionally, you can serve it on sandwiches or tacos for a different presentation.

Can I substitute beef broth for the beef bouillon cube and water?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth for the bouillon cube and water.

Use about 1 cup of beef broth instead of the bouillon cube dissolved in water for added flavor.

Can I make this recipe without using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven or stovetop.

After preparing the brisket and sauce, place them in a covered roasting pan or Dutch oven and cook in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours or simmer on the stovetop over low heat until tender.

What can I do with the leftover brisket?

Leftover brisket can be used in various ways, such as making sandwiches, tacos, wraps, salads, or incorporating it into soups and stews for added flavor and protein.

Can I freeze the cooked brisket for later use?

Yes, cooked brisket freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the brisket from drying out during cooking?

Slow cooking the brisket in the covered slow cooker with liquid helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out.

Additionally, trimming excess fat and not overcooking the meat can help maintain its juiciness.

Can I adjust the seasoning in the rub to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amounts of spices in the rub according to your taste preferences.

You can also add additional spices or herbs for extra flavor.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or homemade BBQ sauce for this recipe.

Choose a sauce that complements the flavors of the rub and beef, whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties.

Do I need to broil the brisket after shredding it?

Broiling the brisket after shredding is optional but recommended as it caramelizes the BBQ sauce and adds a delicious crispy texture to the meat.

If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the final result may have a different flavor and appearance.