Name: Slow Cooked Beef Brisket
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 lb beef brisket, trimmed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups beef broth or stock; 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: 2–3 carrots, chopped; Optional: 2–3 potatoes, chopped

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Slow Cooked Beef Brisket is a tender, juicy, and flavorful cut of beef that’s cooked low and slow until it practically melts in the mouth. Whether I’m serving it with mashed potatoes, piling it on a sandwich, or slicing it alongside roasted veggies, this brisket always delivers deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals I keep coming back to when I want something hearty and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is to prepare while still turning out restaurant-quality results. The brisket becomes fork-tender after hours of slow cooking, and the rich juices create a natural sauce that soaks into every bite. It’s perfect for Sunday dinner, special occasions, or just feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers that taste even better the next day. Slow Cooked Beef Brisket

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
Olive oil
Onion, sliced
Garlic, minced
Beef broth or stock
Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
Worcestershire sauce
Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
Brown sugar
Smoked paprika
Dried thyme or rosemary
Salt and black pepper
Optional: carrots or potatoes for one-pot cooking

Directions

I season the brisket generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
I heat a skillet with olive oil and sear the brisket on both sides until browned—about 4–5 minutes per side.
I transfer the brisket to a slow cooker.
In the same skillet, I sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes, then stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. I bring it to a simmer.
I pour the mixture over the brisket, cover, and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
I remove the brisket and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
I skim the fat from the cooking liquid and spoon the sauce over the sliced brisket to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes 15–20 minutes to prep, and 8–10 hours to cook on low (or 4–6 on high). It’s a perfect hands-off meal for busy days or special gatherings.

Variations

I add BBQ sauce during the last hour for a smoky, tangy twist.
I cook the brisket with potatoes, carrots, and celery for a full one-pot meal.
Sometimes I rub the brisket with mustard and spices the night before for extra flavor.
I use red wine instead of broth for a deeper, richer sauce.
I shred the brisket instead of slicing for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge, covered in its juices, for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 300°F (covered) or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. It also freezes well—I wrap it tightly and freeze with some of the sauce to keep it moist. Slow Cooked Beef Brisket

FAQs

What cut of brisket should I use?

I use a flat cut for even slices, or a point cut for more marbling and tenderness. Either one works well in the slow cooker.

Do I have to sear the brisket first?

Searing adds flavor, but I skip it if I’m short on time. The slow cooker still delivers great results.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Yes. I place the brisket and sauce in a Dutch oven, cover tightly, and bake at 300°F for 3–4 hours until tender.

What can I serve with brisket?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, polenta, or crusty bread are all great sides. I also like coleslaw or pickled onions for contrast.

Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely. I season and sear the brisket, mix the sauce, and refrigerate everything overnight. In the morning, I just set it in the slow cooker and turn it on.

Conclusion

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket is one of my favorite comfort meals—rich, savory, and effortlessly tender. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it always earns compliments and leaves everyone satisfied. With just a little prep and some slow cooking time, I get big flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that never fails.