This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a melt-in-your-mouth dish, infused with a rich blend of spices, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Slow-cooked for hours, the beef becomes incredibly tender and is served with a savory gravy. Ideal for pairing with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket: Tender, juicy brisket slow-cooked in a savory sauce, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
4-5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar or red wine (for a richer flavor)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
Fresh thyme sprigs
Directions
- Season the Brisket:
- Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Rub the seasoning mix all over the brisket, ensuring a generous coat on both sides.
- Sear the Brisket:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the brisket for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
- Transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar (or red wine), brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes before pouring it over the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook:
- Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs on top of the brisket.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once done, let the brisket rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve with the gravy created from the cooking juices, strained if desired for a smoother sauce.
- Variations & Tips:
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add a tablespoon of honey.
- Texture: For a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) into the sauce before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.