Tender BBQ Beef Brisket

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're craving a meal that combines deep, smoky flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this BBQ Beef Brisket is the answer. Perfect for those lazy weekends or family gatherings, this recipe takes the guesswork out of achieving that classic brisket taste.

Ingredients for Tender BBQ Beef Brisket

The magic starts with the beef brisket, a cut known for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked. The BBQ sauce provides the sweet and tangy base, while smoked paprika adds depth and smokiness. Garlic powder and onion powder deliver an aromatic punch, and black pepper and salt are our trusty flavor enhancers. The apple cider vinegar brings a sharp zing that balances the sweetness of brown sugar. Lastly, beef broth and Worcestershire sauce round out the sauce with umami richness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best flavor, let the brisket sit with the rub overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • If you're short on time, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow really is the way to go for tenderness.
  • Use a fat separator to skim any excess fat from the sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This brisket pairs wonderfully with creamy coleslaw or a classic potato salad. For a hearty meal, serve it on a fresh bun as a sandwich, topped with pickles and extra sauce. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
While brisket is ideal for its flavor and texture, a chuck roast can be a good alternative if needed.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Slice the brisket and store it in an airtight container with some sauce. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can cook this in a Dutch oven at 275°F (135°C) in the oven for about 5-6 hours.

Tender BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe Walkthrough

First, you’ll want to prepare your spice rub. Grab a small bowl and mix together your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure they’re well combined before generously rubbing this mix all over your beef brisket. Don’t be shy — you want the whole brisket nicely coated for maximum flavor.

Next, let’s get the slow cooker ready. In the base of the cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir so every ingredient is well incorporated. This sauce will work its magic over the next several hours.

Place your seasoned brisket into the slow cooker, making sure it’s well-situated in the sauce. Now, cover the slow cooker and set it on low. You’ll need to let it cook for 8-10 hours. Trust the process — your patience will be rewarded with a brisket that’s tender and full of flavor.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the brisket from the cooker. It’ll be hot and tender, so use a pair of tongs for this job. Let it rest on a cutting board for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy slices.

To serve, slice the brisket against the grain into thick slices. You can serve it as is, with the sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless preparation: Simply rub, mix, and let the slow cooker do the work.
  • Rich, smoky flavor from a balanced spice mix and a tangy sauce.
  • Perfectly tender meat that’s easy to shred and serve.
  • Minimal hands-on time, freeing you up for other activities.

Ingredients

5 lbs beef brisket
2 cups BBQ sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the beef brisket.
3. In the slow cooker, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Place the brisket in the slow cooker and cover it with the sauce mixture.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the brisket is tender and easily shredded.
6. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!