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Slow Cooked Beef Brisket

Tender slow cooked beef brisket with deep, rich flavors, perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 495 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) beef brisket, fat cap trimmed to about 1/4 inch
  • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp liquid smoke or 1 tsp espresso powder for depth

Instructions

  1. Pat the brisket dry and trim the fat cap to about 1/4 inch. Combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and thyme. Rub this mixture all over the brisket.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 3–4 minutes per side until it is deeply browned. Transfer the brisket to a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes while scraping up the browned bits. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar; let simmer for 1 minute. Pour this mixture over the brisket and add the bay leaves.
  4. For slow cooker: Cook on Low for 480–600 minutes or High for 300–360 minutes until fork-tender. For oven: Cover the Dutch oven tightly and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 210–270 minutes.
  5. After cooking, let the brisket rest for 20 minutes on a board, tented with foil. Strain the cooking liquid, discarding the bay leaves. Reduce the liquid on the stove for 8–12 minutes until it becomes a glossy gravy.
  6. Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4-inch slices or shred it. Serve with warm gravy and onions.

Notes

Searing the brisket is essential for flavor. Adjust spices to your taste.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: beef brisket, slow cooked, comfort food, main dish, meat