Savory Slow Cooker Brisket with Herb Infusion

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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This savory slow cooker brisket is an absolute game-changer. Packed with aromatic herbs and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy meal, this recipe is your go-to.

Ingredients for Savory Slow Cooker Brisket with Herb Infusion

The star here is the beef brisket, weighing in at a hearty 5 pounds, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep. Olive oil is used to sear the meat, giving it a beautiful crust that locks in juices. A good amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is crucial for seasoning the brisket, enhancing its natural flavors. The onion and garlic provide a savory base, while the beef broth and red wine add depth and richness. Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce introduce umami notes, complemented by a touch of tomato paste for balance. The herbs — dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves — infuse the dish with earthy aromas that truly elevate it.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the brisket overnight with the same herbs and spices.
  • If you don’t have red wine, substitute with additional beef broth — it will still taste amazing.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

This brisket pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up all the flavorful juices. Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both hearty and healthy. For a fresh twist, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a chuck roast can be a good alternative, though it might be slightly different in texture.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
An oven set to a low temperature (around 275°F) can work as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This brisket tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Savory Slow Cooker Brisket with Herb Infusion Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it warms up, season your beef brisket generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, sear the brisket in the skillet. You'll want to brown it on all sides, which should take about four minutes per side. This step is key for sealing in all those delicious juices.

Once your brisket is beautifully browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. But don't rush to clean that skillet just yet. Use it to sauté your sliced onion and minced garlic until they're nice and translucent — this should only take a few minutes. Then, add them to the slow cooker, right on top of the brisket.

Now, it's time to pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste. These liquids will create a rich and savory bath for your brisket to cook in. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and drop in the bay leaves for that herbaceous touch.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for about 8 hours. This long, slow cooking process is what turns your brisket into a tender masterpiece. Once done, remove the brisket and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite as good as the last.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Set it and forget it — the slow cooker does all the work!
  • Infused with a fragrant blend of herbs, making it deeply flavorful.
  • Perfectly tender and juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
  • Simple, no-fuss preparation that anyone can follow.

Ingredients

5 lbs beef brisket
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the brisket with salt and pepper, then sear it in the skillet until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the brisket to the slow cooker.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, then add to the slow cooker.
5. Pour beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste over the brisket.
6. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the brisket is tender.
8. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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