Traditional flavored beef brisket is a classic comfort food with tender juicy flavorful meat and a rich savory sauce. This brisket, perfectly seasoned and low-heat cooked with aromatic herbs, onion, tangy sweet condiments, is a gala piece sure to impress any meal. Top it with gravy-sauced beef at dinner-and never forget the great and unique flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Its Easy and Requires No Great Cooking Ability: The cooker does all the work that requires hard labor while giving you every free moment to work on something else; be it your space or your projects for next dinner.
It has a Rich Flavor: Categorized ‘from good to great,’ this brisket’s endless layers include seared brisket, balsamic or red wine, fresh herbs, and caramelized onions, all blending into a savory sauce tough to resist quality.
Just Perfect for Any Moment: From weekdays to occasionful meals, this is sure pairing with most any kind of side dishes.
Prepper’s Note: Can be prepared before time and then easily reheated if saved.
Key Ingredients
Beef Brisket:
Brisket becomes tender and juicy and flavorful with slow cooking; get a part with lots of fat layers.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings bask in the juice of the brisket.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a touch of smokiness to the meat.
Onion and Garlic Powder: Rich, savory notes.
The Aromatics and Some Sauce:
Onion and garlic: Very sweet mixture for flavor.
Broth: Makes the brisket tender enough to be eaten and brings weight to the finished product.
Balsamic Vinegar or Red Wine: Acid or deep rich flavor added
Brown Sugar: Used for sweet note, balances out savory elements
Tomato Paste & Worcestershire: Both give umami to the dish.
Extra flavor can also be derived from:
A couple of bay leaves and a sprig of thyme: Makes the broth aromatic and earthy.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Brisket
Prep the Brisket: Start by patting the beef brisket dry with paper towels. This step ensures the seasoning adheres well and helps achieve a golden crust during searing.
Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine:
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Stir until the spices are well blended.
Season the Meat: Generously rub the spice mix over the entire brisket, pressing it into the surface to create a flavorful crust.
Sear the Brisket: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the brisket in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Aim for a rich, golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics and Sauce
Cook the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add 1 large sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and aromatic.
Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. These bits are loaded with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
Add the Flavors: Stir the following ingredients into the skillet:
½ cup balsamic vinegar or red wine (choose based on your flavor preference)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, blending the flavors into a rich sauce.
Pour Over the Brisket: Carefully pour the aromatic sauce mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker. Ensure the sauce surrounds the meat evenly.
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Cook
Add Fresh Herbs: Lay 2 bay leaves and a few sprigs of fresh thyme on top of the brisket. These herbs will infuse the dish with earthy, aromatic notes during cooking.
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat for 8-10 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the brisket becomes tender and flavorful. The meat is ready when it can be easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Rest the Brisket: Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Slice the Brisket: Using a sharp knife, slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices. Cutting against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-eat portions.
Prepare the Gravy: For a smoother gravy, strain the cooking juices to remove the solids. To thicken the gravy, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this slurry into the strained juices. Return the gravy to the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Serve: Arrange the brisket slices on a platter and pour some of the warm gravy over the top. Serve additional gravy on the side for drizzling.
Serving Suggestions
Another great idea on how to accompany your tender chunk of beef brisket is through the various goods soaking in its gravy:
Mashed Potatoes: Classic, creamy foundation of butter.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts bring a great color and tiny bit of sweetness to the dish.
Buttered Noodles: This one is simple and complementary to the lovely sauce.
Crusty Bread: Enormous help in soaking up each drop of it all good.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Put leftover brisket in the sauce in an airtight container to keep the texture rich. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Cut your brisket, load it down with sauce, and store in a cold-safe box in a freezer up to 3 months before thawing. Recover overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Remove the wrapped package and bake the brisket in preheated 300°F oven until it warms up. Maybe, heat it on a stove using this sauce over very low heat.
Variations
Fiery brisket: Mix a 0.5 teaspoon of cayenne pepper on the rub or add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
BBQ Brisket: Swap balsamic vinegar or red wine for half a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce for added smoky, sweet deliciousness
Include another flavor twist – rosemary, sage, or thyme
Mexican-Style Brisket: Instead of Worcestershire sauce, use chipotle sauce and serve with tortillas and avocado for a touch of the southwest.
Conclusion
It is the ultimate comfort food-easy, delightful taste and mouthwatering ingredients at their finest. It’s so delicious that it will quickly become a favorite in the family. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and bask in the heat of homemade winter comfort food!
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds beef brisket trimmed
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar or red wine for a richer flavor
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Pat the brisket dry and rub with a mixture of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes. Deglaze with beef broth, scraping up the browned bits. Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes and pour over the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Place bay leaves and thyme sprigs on top of the brisket. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, until the brisket is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin pieces for maximum tenderness.
- Strain the cooking juices and thicken with a cornstarch slurry, if desired. Cook on high in the slow cooker for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Serve over sliced brisket.
