Beef Brisket Slow Cooker Recipe

This slow cooker beef brisket is the kind of dish that delivers big flavor with very little hands-on work. As it cooks low and slow, the brisket becomes incredibly tender while soaking up a bold, tangy, lightly smoky sauce. It’s a great option for family dinners, weekend meal prep, or feeding a crowd without stress. Whether you slice it or shred it, this brisket turns into a rich, comforting meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 whole beef brisket
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of celery seed
• 1/8 cup A1 sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Stir together salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed to make the dry rub.
2. Rub seasoning mixture all over the brisket and refrigerate 4–5 hours or overnight.
3. Whisk A1 sauce, mustard, liquid smoke, chili sauce, ketchup, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire to form the sauce.
4. Pour half of the sauce into the slow cooker and place the seasoned brisket on top.
5. Add the remaining sauce over the brisket.
6. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until tender.
7. Transfer brisket to a cutting board and slice or shred.
8. Spoon remaining sauce over the brisket before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 6

Tips

• Use the Low setting for the most tender, flavorful brisket.
• Store leftovers tightly covered and refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of extra sauce.

FAQ

Should I trim the fat on the brisket?
Trim only thick, hard fat; leaving some helps keep the meat juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes—cook the brisket, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the sauce for even better flavor.

Can I use a smaller brisket?
Absolutely; just reduce seasoning and sauce amounts proportionally.

Do I need liquid smoke?
No, but it adds a nice barbecue-style depth. You can omit it without altering the recipe.

Can I serve it shredded?
Yes—this brisket shreds beautifully and is great for sandwiches or tacos.