When you’re craving tender, juicy beef brisket with the perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors, this Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient BBQ Beef Brisket is the answer. This easy recipe requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just five ingredients, you can create a melt-in-your-mouth brisket that’s cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. The brisket is slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce, allowing the meat to absorb all the smoky, tangy goodness as it cooks low and slow. After hours of slow cooking, the result is a tender, fall-apart brisket that’s perfect for serving on sandwiches, with mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables. If you’re a fan of BBQ, this dish will become your go-to comfort food.
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Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient BBQ Beef Brisket: A Simple, Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 8-10 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
A simple and flavorful slow-cooked BBQ beef brisket made with just five ingredients. Perfect for tender, juicy meat with rich BBQ flavors.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef brisket
- 1 bottle (16 oz) BBQ sauce
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor.
- Place the seared brisket into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, dry onion soup mix, and water. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker, making sure the brisket is coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the beef using two forks, and return it to the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Serve the BBQ beef brisket on buns, with mashed potatoes, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter BBQ flavor, choose a sweeter BBQ sauce for this recipe.
- The brisket will become more tender the longer it cooks in the slow cooker, so feel free to let it cook for up to 10 hours if you want it very soft.
- You can serve the brisket with coleslaw or pickles to balance the richness of the meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef brisket
The main ingredient, beef brisket, is a tough cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender when cooked slowly. Look for a well-marbled piece of brisket for the best flavor and texture.
BBQ sauce
BBQ sauce is the star of this recipe. Choose your favorite sauce, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky. A good-quality, flavorful BBQ sauce will infuse the meat with all the right flavors during the slow cooking process.
Onion
Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the brisket. It also helps to create a flavorful base for the sauce as the brisket cooks.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder brings a mild garlic flavor that complements the BBQ sauce and enhances the overall savory taste of the brisket.
Beef broth
Beef broth is used to keep the brisket moist and tender while it cooks in the slow cooker. It also adds depth to the flavor of the BBQ sauce, ensuring the brisket is full of rich, savory goodness.
Directions
- Prepare the brisket:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef brisket. Season both sides of the brisket with garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker:
Slice the onion and place it at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seasoned brisket on top of the onions. Pour the BBQ sauce over the brisket, making sure it’s evenly coated. Add the beef broth around the brisket to help it stay moist while cooking. - Slow cook the brisket:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, depending on your time. The brisket should be tender and easily shred with a fork when it’s done. - Shred and serve:
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces, and return the shredded meat to the slow cooker to soak up any remaining sauce. - Serve:
Serve the shredded BBQ beef brisket on sandwiches, over mashed potatoes, or with your favorite side dishes. Drizzle more BBQ sauce over the top for an extra kick of flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6-8 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with cooking time of 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. The total time for this recipe is approximately 8-10 hours, depending on the cooking method.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient BBQ Beef Brisket recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Use Different BBQ Sauces
Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce. If you like it spicy, try using a hot BBQ sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a tangier option, use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Add Extra Vegetables
While the recipe uses onions, you can add extra vegetables to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor. Carrots, bell peppers, or celery work well with the brisket and BBQ sauce.
Make it a Sandwich
For an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, serve the shredded brisket on soft sandwich buns or slider rolls. Add a bit of coleslaw or pickles for a crunchy contrast to the tender beef.
Make it Low-Carb
For a low-carb option, serve the shredded brisket over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or bread.
Add Spice
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/6 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose the Right Cut of Brisket
For the best results, choose a well-marbled beef brisket. The fat content ensures that the brisket becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
Let It Rest Before Shredding
After removing the brisket from the slow cooker, allow it to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Make it Ahead of Time
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Once the brisket is cooked, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. Just reheat and serve when ready!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute the brisket with chuck roast or round roast for a similar result.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the brisket on high for 4-6 hours if you’re short on time, but the low and slow method produces the most tender results.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
You can cook the brisket in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours if you don’t have a slow cooker. Cover it with foil to retain moisture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, shredded brisket freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What do I serve with this BBQ brisket?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make this recipe with a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use other sauces such as teriyaki sauce or honey mustard for different flavor profiles.
Can I cook the brisket for less time?
If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can reduce the cooking time, but the meat may not be as tender and shred as easily.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers will enhance the flavor and create a more complete meal.
Can I make this BBQ brisket in advance?
Yes, the brisket can be made ahead of time. It’s even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient BBQ Beef Brisket is the epitome of simple, comfort food. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a tender, flavorful brisket that will impress your family and friends. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite sides, this dish is sure to be a hit. Perfect for busy days or a slow-cooked weekend treat, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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