Name: Crockpot Barbecue Beef Brisket with Rich Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1.5 cups barbecue sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 lbs beef brisket; 4 cloves garlic, minced

This Crockpot Barbecue Beef Brisket with Rich Gravy features tender brisket infused with smoky barbecue flavors and a luscious gravy. Perfect for a hearty meal, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot barbecue beef brisket with rich gravy is a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that brings bold, smoky flavors to your table with ease. The slow cooker transforms tough brisket into tender perfection, while the rich, savory gravy elevates every bite, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep, with leftovers that taste even better. The hands-off cooking and deep, satisfying taste make it a go-to for anyone craving a hearty, comforting dish without the fuss.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose a Fatty Cut: Select a well-marbled brisket for juiciness and flavor.

Sear for Depth: Browning the brisket before slow cooking adds a caramelized crust.
Trim Excess Fat: Remove thick fat layers, but leave some for richness.
Low and Slow: Cook on low to break down connective tissue without drying out.

Thicken Gravy: Use a cornstarch slurry for a silky, rich sauce.
Rest Before Shredding: Let brisket rest in gravy for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak barbecue sauce or spices after cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure brisket fits comfortably in the crockpot.
Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the gravy for a cleaner finish.
Serve Warm: Pair with sides for a complete, comforting meal.

Yield: 8 servings

Crockpot Barbecue Beef Brisket with Rich Gravy

Tender crockpot barbecue beef brisket with rich gravy, perfect for hearty meals.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt

1.5 cups barbecue sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 lbs beef brisket
4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep the Brisket: Pat brisket dry and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Sear the Brisket: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear brisket for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Mix the Base: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic.

Pour Over Brisket: Pour the mixture over the brisket, ensuring it’s partially submerged.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until brisket is fork-tender.
Remove Brisket: Take brisket out and set aside; skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.

Make Gravy: Stir barbecue sauce into the liquid. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, add to the slow cooker, and cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
Shred or Slice: Shred the brisket with two forks or slice against the grain, then return to the gravy.
Rest and Coat: Let brisket rest in the gravy for 10 minutes, stirring to coat evenly.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm over mashed potatoes or with rolls, savoring the smoky, rich flavors!

Notes

Use a well-marbled brisket for best results; trim excess fat if preferred.
Sear in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Adjust barbecue sauce sweetness or tanginess to taste.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-sugar diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 789Total Fat 44gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 240mgSodium 1048mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 1gSugar 21gProtein 66g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Beef Brisket (3-4 lbs): Well-marbled for tenderness; flat or point cut works.

Barbecue Sauce (1.5 cups): Smoky and tangy, store-bought or homemade.
Beef Broth (1 cup): Low-sodium keeps gravy balanced; enhances beef flavor.
Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and a sticky glaze.

Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): Provides umami depth; adjust to taste.
Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth.
Onion Powder (1 tsp): Brings savory sweetness to the mix.

Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens gravy; dissolve in water before adding.
Salt and Pepper (1 tsp each): Seasons the brisket; adjust after cooking.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing, adding richness.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Swap: Use chuck roast or short ribs; adjust cooking time.
Sauce Variations: Try a spicy or honey BBQ sauce for a twist.
Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with honey or molasses.

Broth Options: Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
Veggie Add-Ins: Mix in carrots or celery for extra flavor.

Gluten-Free: Ensure barbecue sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce or reduce brown sugar.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with broth.

Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding gravy to maintain moisture.