Embrace the power of slow-cooking and unlock the flavors in this irresistible Crock Pot Brisket recipe. The rich, savory flavors meld together as the meat effortlessly falls apart in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.
This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe is a delicious comfort food that we enjoy year round. Perfect when you have a busy day ahead, and don't have time to cook. Easy to prepare the night before, kept in the fridge until you're ready to go to work in the morning!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Flavorful - slow cooking the beef brisket in a crock pot ensures that it becomes incredibly tender, allowing the flavors to meld together creating an irresistible taste.
- Minimal Effort - sit back and relax while the slow cooker does all the work.
- Versatile - serve it as a main course alongside roasted vegetables, shred it for sandwiches, or even incorporate it into tacos or sliders.
Ingredients
- Beef Brisket - brisket size 2-3 pounds (1 to 1½ kg)
- medium Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Mushrooms
- Red Wine
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Beef Stock
- Bay Leaf
- Olive Oil
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crock Pot Brisket
- Prepare Brisket - trim excess fat from brisket. Evenly coat salt and pepper all over the brisket.
- Sear Brisket - heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear brisket on all sides until browned, approx 2-3 minutes per side.
- Saute - caramelize onions, garlic and mushrooms until golden.
- Crock Pot - place the seared brisket, onion mixture, bay leaf into the Crock Pot. Add beef stock, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Slow Cooking - set the crock pot to low heat and cook the brisket for 8-10 hours. For a faster cooking time, set it to high heat and cook for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will result in a more tender brisket.
- Serve - remove brisket from Crock Pot and let rest before slicing or shredding using 2 forks.Drizzle with the cooking juices, or place into Crock Pot juices until serving.
How to Serve Beef Brisket
- Classic Brisket Dinner - serve with sides like Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo, or Garlic Butter Green Beans), and a side salad.
- Brisket Sandwiches - serve shredded brisket on a soft sandwich bun or roll. Add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions, or barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering brisket sandwich.
- Tacos or Wraps - Warm up tortillas and fill them with sliced brisket, along with toppings like salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
- Brisket Hash - make a tasty brunch or breakfast by using the slow cooker beef brisket in a hash. Sauté diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet until golden brown, then add chopped brisket and cook until heated through. Serve with fried or poached eggs on top for a complete meal.
- Brisket Sliders - serve beef brisket on slider buns. Top each mini sandwich with a dollop of barbecue sauce, a pickle slice, and your favorite burger toppings.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Choose the Right Cut - look for a well-marbled beef brisket with a good balance of fat and met, as it will ensure a juicy and flavorful end result.
- Sear the Brisket - searing the brisket before slow cooking adds a rich, caramelized flavor and helps lock in the juices.
- Season Generously - season the brisket well, or use your favorite rub or spice mixture.
- Slow and Low Cooking - the key to a tender and melt-in-your-mouth brisket is cooking it on low heat for a longer period. This allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in a tender texture.
- Skim Off Excess Fat - once the brisket is cooked, you may notice a layer of fat on top of the cooking liquid. Use a spoon or fat separator to skim off the excess fat for a lighter and more flavorful gravy.
Can I Use Dried Mushrooms?
Yes! It's convenient to use dried wild mushrooms like Chanterelles. Rehydrate 1oz (20g) of dried wild mushrooms in 2 cups of warm water for at least 20 minutes. Reserve the mushroom water to substitute the beef stock.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
While beef brisket is traditionally used for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts like chuck roast or bottom round roast. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat you choose.
Can I Cook the Brisket on High Heat for a Shorter Time?
Yes, you can adjust the cooking time by setting the crock pot to high heat. However, slow-cooking on low heat yields a more tender and flavorful result.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge - allow to cool and place in airtight container or wrap aluminium foil. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days. Better to store unsliced brisket so it doesn't dry out.
- Freezer - wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before heating.
- Reheating - heat oven to a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C). Place the brisket in a covered baking dish or wrap it tightly in foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively microwave in short 30 second bursts until warmed through.
Can I Make the Brisket in Advance?
Yes, you can make the brisket a day in advance. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then refrigerate it in its cooking liquid. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving. Alternatively, prepare the evening before by searing and sautéing vegetables, and keep in fridge until the morning. Set and forget while you're at work, returning to a hot dinner ready to serve.
Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- Sheet Pan Gnocchi
- Slow Cooker Ribs
- Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
- French Dip with Au Jus Dip
- Chicken Stroganoff
Making Crock Pot Brisket rewards you with tender, flavorful meat. Easy and versatile, this recipe is a must-try for any beef lover. So, grab your crock pot , set and forget, and get ready to enjoy flavors that will make your taste buds sing! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Equipment
- Crock Pot or Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (1kg) Beef Brisket
- 1 medium Onion sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups Beef Stock
- ¾ cup Red Wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from brisket. Evenly coat salt and pepper all over the brisket.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear brisket on all sides until browned, approx 2-3 minutes per side.
- Caramelize onions, garlic and mushrooms until golden.
- Place the seared brisket, onion mixture, and bay leaf into the Crock Pot. Add beef stock, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Set the crock pot to low heat and cook the brisket for 8-10 hours. For a faster cooking time, set it to high heat and cook for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat will result in a more tender brisket.
- Remove brisket from Crock Pot and let rest before slicing or shredding using 2 forks. Drizzle with the cooking juices, or place into Crock Pot juices until serving.
©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted March 2018, updated May 2023
