Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker brisket recipe is perfect for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Tender and juicy, the brisket absorbs a rich blend of BBQ spices and sauce while cooking low and slow. It’s an ideal dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

Ingredients

• ½ cup BBQ rub seasoning
• 3-4 lbs. brisket
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup beef stock
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 1 large red onion, quartered

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry the brisket and rub the BBQ seasoning all over the meat to evenly coat it.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until combined.
3. Step 3: Place the quartered onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Lay the brisket on top of the onions, then pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the brisket.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6 hours, until the brisket is tender.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and slice or shred it as desired.
6. Step 6: Serve the brisket topped with the cooked onions and spoon some of the sauce over it. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture before cooking.
• Try substituting beef stock with strong brewed coffee for a richer taste.
• If you like a spicier brisket, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the rub or sauce.

Storage

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a covered pan with a little broth or water to keep it moist. You can also freeze cooked brisket for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use chuck roast or flat iron steak for a similar slow-cooked result, but brisket remains the best choice for tenderness and flavor.

Do I need to brown the brisket before slow cooking?

Browning the brisket is optional. It can add extra flavor, but the slow cooker will make the meat tender and flavorful even without browning.

Slow Cooker Brisket with BBQ Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

This Slow Cooker Brisket recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef infused with a smoky BBQ rub and savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, the brisket is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a tangy BBQ sauce blend that enhances every bite. Ideal for busy days, it requires minimal prep and results in melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours (LOW) or 6 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Brisket and Seasoning

• 3–4 lbs. brisket
• ½ cup BBQ rub seasoning

Sauce and Aromatics

• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup beef stock
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 large red onion (quartered)

Instructions

1. Season the Brisket: Pat dry the brisket to remove excess moisture, then evenly rub the BBQ seasoning all over the surface of the brisket to infuse it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until well combined to create a rich, tangy sauce.
3. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Arrange the quartered yellow and red onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the seasoned brisket on top of the onions, then pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the brisket.
4. Cook the Brisket: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 8-10 hours or on HIGH heat for 6 hours, allowing the brisket to become tender and soak up the flavors.
5. Slice and Serve: When cooking is complete, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and slice or shred it. Serve the brisket topped with the cooked onions and the sauce from the slow cooker.
6. Enjoy Your Meal: Plate your brisket with your favorite sides and enjoy this flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker brisket dish.

Notes

• For best results, use a brisket cut that has good marbling to ensure tenderness and flavor.
• Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of your brisket.
• Leftover brisket can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Feel free to substitute onions with shallots or add a few carrots for added sweetness.

Keywords: slow cooker brisket, BBQ brisket, slow cooked beef, tender brisket, easy brisket recipe