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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is fall-apart tender and packed with flavor thanks to a rich sauce made with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy Sunday dinner—and your slow cooker does most of the work!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 25 minutes
Course dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 8
Calories 485 kcal

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
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions
 

  • Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Combine salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, then rub all over the brisket.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  • Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in balsamic vinegar or wine, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Pour the sauce over the brisket in the slow cooker. Add bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until brisket is fork-tender.
  • Remove brisket from slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  • Optional: Strain and reduce cooking juices or thicken with cornstarch slurry for a gravy. Serve brisket topped with sauce.

Notes

  • Make it sweeter: Add honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
  • Add heat: A dash of chipotle powder or red chili flakes works wonders.
  • Thicker sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into juices, cook on high for 15-20 minutes.
  • Vegetable option: Add carrots or potatoes for a full one-pot meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal
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