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Learn how to make Crockpot Brisket Recipe that is so tender it falls apart. The flavor from being slow cooked all day is delicious and the recipe can’t be beat.

Close up image of shredded beef brisket in a crock pot
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Beef Brisket in the Crockpot:

Once you make this Crock Pot Brisket Recipe, you will see just how amazing this meal is. I love meals that I can toss in the crockpot and go about my day. It takes me about 15 minutes to gather the ingredients and toss into the crock pot.

The meat is so flavorful from being slow cooked all day. Come home to dinner ready and waiting for the best meal.

This cut of meat is so tender in the crock pot and you will love how simple this meal is. No longer is this for Sunday lunch only but you can now enjoy it even on busy weeknights. We have even made it for a Father’s Day Dinner Idea.

What is Beef Brisket?

Brisket refers to a cut of beef that is from the lower chest portion. It is typically smoked to get that amazing flavor.

This cut of meat is tough and ideal for slowly cooking until tender. Slow Cooking is easy, but if you are short on time, try making Instant Pot Beef Brisket Recipe.

Pick up some meat at the grocery store and save money and time. If I spot one on sale, I always grab it for the freezer.

Ingredients needed - beef brisket, paprika, salt and pepper, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, bbq sauce

Ingredients

  • Beef Brisket
  • Paprika
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Brown Sugar
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • BBQ Sauce

How to make Brisket in the Crock Pot:

  • Place all the ingredients in a 6 quart crock pot. We place the brisket fat side down. You can also add in some fresh onions or onion powder and garlic powder.
Uncooked brisket in a crock pot with seasoning sprinkled on top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 5 hours.
Uncooked brisket in a crock pot with BBQ sauce poured over top.
  • Shred and Enjoy – Then shred the brisket and it’s ready to enjoy!

Can I Make Beef Brisket ahead of time?

It is super easy to make ahead of time and the flavor is even better.

This is a great way to save time if you plan to make this for a party. Just cook as normal and store in the fridge.

Make sure to use an airtight container and it will last up to 3 days.

Can you overcook Brisket in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can overcook your Brisket in a slow cooker. Brisket is not a pulled type of meat. If you leave your brisket in the slow cooker to long it could result in mushy, tasteless meat.

Close up image of shredded beef brisket in a crock pot

How to tell when Brisket is done?

When cooking Brisket in the slow cooker the results should be fork-tender brisket. Your brisket should be able to slice as well as shred if you prefer.

  • Fork Test – If the brisket edges can easily be shredded then your brisket is done. We recommend you tongs to hold up your brisket. If it keeps it shape then, your brisket is done.
  • Meat Thermometer – When cooking meat, we recommend to have a meat thermometer. This ensures your meat is cooked to the right temperature. When you test your brisket it should show an internal temperature between 195 degrees to 215 degrees.

Tips for the Best Beef Brisket:

  • Don’t Overcook – Make sure to not overcook as your brisket can turn mushy or tough.
  • Low Heat – We like to cook out meat on low. Brisket seems to cook better on low.
  • Let Meat Rest – Before shredding meat, let meat rest to lock in the juices and retain the moisture. Cutting meat to early will result in dry meat.
  • Slice the Brisket – Instead of shredding the beef, you can slice in thinly slice pieces.

How to make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

It is optional but we love to make this Homemade BBQ Sauce for the brisket. Barbecue sauce is one of the easiest things to make.

Not only is it simple to make but this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe is very cost effective as well. I love to have extra barbecue sauce to top our brisket with after cooking.

What should I serve with beef brisket?

Brisket goes with so many side dishes so the ideas are really endless. See What to Serve with Brisket for more ideas.

Close up image of shredded beef brisket in a crock pot with a wooden spoon.

Try making Crock Pot Brisket and Potatoes:

For a complete meal, add potatoes to the crock pot. Adding potatoes to this brisket taste so amazing. No need to dirty up multiple pans. Everything is cooked together for an easy weeknight meal.

After the potatoes are finish cooking, you can make mashed potatoes.

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Sandwiches:

The meat is perfect for making sandwiches or sliders. This is also a great way to use the leftovers.

Shred the meat and make sandwiches everyone will love. They are perfect for meals on the go or a quick dinner or lunch idea.

These are a hit at parties, game day, family dinner and more. Top with The Best Coleslaw Recipe and what an amazing meal!

Can you Reheat Brisket in a Crock Pot?

We like to keep the crock pot on warm so that we can enjoy the brisket later. Sometimes with various activities, we are not able to all eat at once.

I can just keep the setting on warm and not have to worry about the meat getting cold.

How do you finish a beef brisket in the oven?

We almost always use the slow cooker entirely. However, if you need to finish the brisket in the oven you can.

Some prefer the outside golden brown and you can finish cooking in the oven to achieve this if desired. Place brisket in a baking dish and finish cooking in a preheated oven of 350 degrees.

This Slow cooked brisket oven option only takes a few extra minutes.

The Best Way to Freeze Brisket Leftovers:

Freeze the brisket inside a freezer airtight container for up to 2 months. You can use a container or freezer bag.

I prefer to use freezer bags when possible because they freeze flat. This will take up less room in the freezer. I am always running out of room so it really helps.

It is also a good idea to wrap the meat in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing inside the bag. This will keep it fresh in the freezer.

When you are ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Close up image of shredded beef brisket in a crock pot with a wooden spoon.

How to reheat brisket:

I love having leftover brisket because it reheats nicely. However it can really dry out if you are not reheating it correctly. See How to Reheat Brisket the best way.

Your family will love this easy Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket.

This is such an easy meal and also a slow cooker brisket passover idea.

It really is so simple and makes dinner time effortless. We like to cook it on low but you can adjust cook times if you need to cook the brisket in a shorter amount of time.

The meat is just as delicious cooked on high. Our family loves this brisket recipe.

It is so nice being able to enjoy this any day of the week. The meat is slow cooked to perfect and is fork tender.

The sliced onions combined with the seasonings and worcestershire sauce give it the most amazing flavor.

Print Recipe here for Crockpot Beef Brisket:

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe

5 from 120 votes
Learn how to make Crock Pot Brisket Recipe that is so tender it falls apart. The flavor from being slow cooked all day is amazing and the recipe is so easy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 494

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients in a 6 quart crock pot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 5 hours.
  • Then shred the brisket and it's ready to enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

*Refrigerate any leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days.ย ย 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 494kcal, Carbohydrates 33g, Protein 48g, Fat 18g, Saturated Fat 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 141mg, Sodium 1571mg, Potassium 1025mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 26g, Vitamin A 1331IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 55mg, Iron 6mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 120 votes (117 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    No you don’t have to.

  2. michelle thormann says:

    do i have to cook with bbq sauce?

  3. Wendy says:

    5 stars
    I liked how you could still slice it! So tender!

  4. Carrie says:

    Thank you!

  5. Renee says:

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe!

  6. john t butchko says:

    5 stars
    we will try this and compare with smoked brisket…this sounds delicious….any suggestions on a BBQ sauce?…my wife and i cannot wait to taste this recipe!

  7. Vanessa says:

    Do you add water to the crock pot ?

  8. Carrie says:

    You can but I prefer to cook on low as it’s generally more tender when cooked on low. Thank you!

  9. Carrie says:

    I would cook on low for 8 hours. Thank you.

  10. Vicki says:

    If I wanted to cook in 8 hours, should I keep on high for the full 8 hours in slow cooker?

  11. Kay says:

    Do you cook it for 10 hours on low? Can you cook it for 5 hours on high?

  12. Carrie says:

    Yes, you can and I would extend the cooking time. Thank you.

  13. Marise Quock says:

    You mentioned thawing the meat if shredding is preferred… if slicing is preferred, do I place meat in crock pot frozen?
    Thank you