Name: Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with Smoky BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 35 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 lbs beef brisket; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 cup ketchup; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp molasses; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp liquid smoke; 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with Smoky BBQ Sauce is a melt-in-your-mouth delight, crafted effortlessly in your Crockpot. Infused with bold spices and a tangy, smoky sauce, it’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. A standout among beef slow cooker recipes, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the best results, sear the brisket before slow cooking—it adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the meat. Don’t trim all the fat; it keeps the brisket moist during the long cook. Use liquid smoke sparingly—it’s potent! Let the brisket rest before slicing to ensure juicy, even cuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to swoon over this Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with Smoky BBQ Sauce—it’s a game-changer that’ll make you the hero of any meal! Picture this: a beef brisket so tender it falls apart with a fork, drenched in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This Crockpot recipe is low-effort but delivers massive flavor, making it ideal for busy days, weekend feasts, or impressing a crowd. Serve it on buns, with coleslaw, or alongside mashed potatoes—it’s versatile, hearty, and downright delicious, with leftovers that taste even better the next day!

Yield: Serves 10

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with Smoky BBQ Sauce

Tender beef brisket slow-cooked in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce—irresistible comfort from your Crockpot.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

5 lbs beef brisket
1 large onion, sliced

1 cup ketchup
½ cup beef broth
¼ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp liquid smoke
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Fire Up the Flavor with a Sear (Optional but Awesome): Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your beef brisket dry with paper towels—dry meat sears like a dream—and season it generously with salt and pepper. Place it in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until it’s got a deep, golden-brown crust. This step isn’t a must, but it’ll give your brisket that extra smoky BBQ vibe. Once seared, set it aside on a plate to cool slightly.
Lay the Foundation in Your Crockpot: Grab your slow cooker and scatter the sliced onion across the bottom. These onions will soften and soak up the brisket’s juices, adding a sweet, savory layer to the dish. It’s like building a flavor runway for your beef to land on!
Settle in the Brisket: Carefully place your seared (or raw, if skipping the sear) beef brisket on top of the onions, fat-side up if possible. That fat will melt down as it cooks, basting the meat and keeping it juicy—pure slow-cooker magic!

Whip Up the Smoky BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke. Stir until it’s smooth and glossy—this is your ticket to that bold, smoky flavor that’ll make your brisket unforgettable. Taste it and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed.
Drench the Brisket in Sauce: Pour your smoky BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the brisket in the Crockpot. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it around, making sure the meat gets a nice, even coating. The sauce will sink in and mingle with the onions, creating a heavenly bath for your beef.
Let the Slow Cooker Take Over: Pop the lid on your Crockpot, set it to low for 10 hours (for that ultra-tender texture) or high for 5-6 hours if you’re short on time. Then, walk away and let the slow cooker do its thing—your kitchen will soon smell like a Southern BBQ joint!

Check for Fork-Tender Perfection: After cooking, lift the lid and marvel at your creation. The brisket should be so tender you can shred it with a fork. If it needs a bit more time, give it another hour or so on low. The sauce should be thick and clinging to the meat—pure bliss!
Rest for Juicy Results: Using tongs or a couple of forks, carefully transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step locks in all those juices, making every bite succulent. While it rests, skim any excess fat from the sauce in the Crockpot if you’d like a leaner finish.
Slice or Shred with Love: Slice the brisket against the grain into thick pieces for a classic presentation, or shred it with two forks for a pulled-beef vibe—your call! Either way, spoon some of that smoky BBQ sauce from the Crockpot over the top to keep it extra juicy and flavorful.

Serve and Soak in the Praise: Pile your brisket onto plates or buns, maybe with a side of coleslaw or mashed potatoes, and dig in. This is BBQ heaven, slow-cooked to perfection, and you made it happen! Enjoy the smoky, tangy goodness and bask in the compliments—it’s a meal worth savoring.

Notes

Searing is optional but enhances the smoky flavor—don’t skip it if you can swing it.
Resting the brisket is key for juiciness; don’t rush this step.

Liquid smoke is strong—start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste if you’re new to it.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 742Total Fat 45gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 240mgSodium 405mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 1gSugar 13gProtein 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

The beef brisket is the centerpiece—its rich marbling ensures a juicy, flavorful result after slow cooking. Brown sugar and molasses in the sauce add sweet depth, while smoked paprika and liquid smoke bring that signature BBQ smokiness. Ketchup provides tang, and apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with a bright zing.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap brisket for chuck roast if needed—adjust cooking time slightly. Use honey instead of brown sugar for a lighter sweetness, or swap molasses with maple syrup. For a spicier kick, add cayenne or hot sauce. Replace liquid smoke with smoked salt or skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or slow cooker with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and saucy.