Brisket Barbecue // Crockpot Recipe (2024)

Brisket Barbecue // Crockpot Recipe (1)

Recipes, Savory

Brisket Barbecue // Crockpot Recipe (2)

I grew up in the midwest, where we always ate pork barbecue. After moving to Texas, I was introduced to brisket (it’s all about the beef here). After marrying a Texan, I decided that I should try to tackle the beef BBQ thing myself. The crockpot really makes cooking brisket so easy!

For best results, use a small brisket. I have found that larger pieces of meat overwhelm the crockpot and don’t cook down as well. Also, fat around the meat is good (it will help the meat to become tender and it will peel off easily after cooking) but try to avoid buying a brisket with a lot of fat marbling throughout (fat running through the piece of meat is much harder to remove after cooking).

Brisket Barbecue

  • small brisket (3-4lb)
  • 18 oz barbecue sauce

For the Rub:

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • salt
  • pepper

Brisket Barbecue // Crockpot Recipe (3)

Don’t worry about trimming up the meat, any fat around the piece of meat will easily come away from the meat after cooking (and the fat will help to keep the meat moist while cooking). Sprinkle brisket generously with salt and pepper. Mix together other dry ingredients and rub into meat. For more flavor, wrap in plastic wrap and let sit in fridge over night.

Make your own barbecue sauce or grab your favorite bottled sauce. Place brisket (fat side up) in a crockpot or slow cooker and pour half of sauce over meat. Cook on low for 9-10 hours. The meat should release juices that keep everything moist, but if the crockpot seems to be drying out, mix together a little barbecue sauce with some water and add that to the crockpot. You can tell that meat is done when it shreds easily with a fork. When ready, pull meat out of the crockpot to cool before cutting. The meat really was so tender, I couldn’t get it out of the crock pot all in one piece.

Brisket Barbecue // Crockpot Recipe (4)

If you want shredded meat, use two forks and pull meat apart. For chopped meat, slice thinly across the grain. You can pour the rest of barbecue sauce over meat, or serve it on the side.
I’m not usually a big fan of beef but this was so good (it’s my husband’s new favorite), I’ll definitely be making it again. I hope you try it, brisket really shouldn’t be intimidating!

If you end up with any leftover barbecue meat, try my BBQ Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese!

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  1. Haha… in Australia everyone is also about beef and lamb (especially lamb!!! It’s seen as a national dish over here!) but my favourite is still always pork. It’s so delicious; my favourite is probably braised pork ribs in homemade BBQ sauce (mmm!). This dish does look incredible though. I’ve never eaten brisket, but I think I’d be one very happy camper if I had a plate of this to devour. Thanks for sharing the recipe! x

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  2. Nice recipe! Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply

  3. Pingback: 2013 Reader Favorites // Top 15 | Hello Homebody

  4. I made this exactly as the directions the meat is very dry not what I expected. I think adding soda would help this to break down the brisket while it’s cooking. I will try that next time now I have to figure out a way to make it ok for dinner tonight..

    Reply

    1. I’m sorry to hear that. There are many good variations for cooking pieces of beef, but this slow cooker method has never failed me!

      Reply

  5. How long do you cook it for?

    Reply

    1. For this small brisket (3-4 pounds) I cook it on low for 9-10 hours.

      Reply

  6. I Made this today and we LOVED it! I followed the measurements exactly and the suggestion of using a smaller cut of meat- it was amazing! I was cautious with the barbecue sauce, didn’t want to cheapen the taste of the meat and rub.

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting!

      Reply

  7. Mouth watering after reading through your post.

    I love the first picture the most.

    Always fascinated by the smoked or BBQ meat chopped.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Sean!

      Reply

  8. I slow smoke whole packers on a smoker at an hour per pound using indirect heat and a slight bit of skill from my grandpa. Tonight’s I am marinating a small flat using your re pie to see how it turns out. My wife and I nearly slobbered everywhere with the mouth watering picture you presented. Wish me luck for tomorrow.

    Reply

  9. How many did this serve?

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  10. How many does this serve?

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    1. It depends on brisket size… the general rule is 1/2 pound meat (pre-cooked weight) per person, so a 4 pound brisket should cook down to be around 8 servings. Hope this helps!

      Reply

  11. I just have to let you know this has become our GO TO brisket recipe!! I have made it at least five times! I tried many recipes before and they weren’t right. Thanks for posting. My husband and friends all LOVE it!

    Reply

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Brisket Barbecue // Crockpot Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my brisket tough in slow cooker? ›

Brisket contains a lot of connective tissue, which can make it tough. The type of connective tissue in brisket is called collagen. Cook the meat quickly and you get tough, dry meat. Cook a brisket slowly, with some liquid, and the collagen turns into gelatin.

What is the 3 2 1 rule for brisket? ›

What's the 3-2-1 method for brisket? While it is true cooking brisket is a time-consuming process, the 3-2-1 rule makes it easier for beginners. First off, you'd smoke or bake the brisket at 225 degrees for 3 hours; then you'd wrap it in foil and keep cooking it for 2 hours.

What is the best cooking method for brisket? ›

Brown brisket in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Or sear fat side up in a heated 500 ˚F oven for 20 minutes to develop flavor. Add a small amount of liquid (water, broth, or wine) to a Dutch oven, cover tightly, and simmer gently over low heat or in a 275 ˚F oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until tender.

Is brisket better in slow cooker or pressure cooker? ›

Because pressure cookers utilise steam to cook food very quickly, they are the perfect choice for cooking meals such as beef brisket that can take a much longer time than slow cookers, yet provide almost identical results.

Should you brown brisket before slow cooker? ›

Step 1: Sear the beef: The first step to making a brisket in the Crockpot is to start outside the slow cooker. Though it takes a little more work, searing the beef until it's a deep golden brown adds a ton of flavor.

How do you keep brisket moist in a slow cooker? ›

To keep brisket moist in a slow cooker, sear before cooking to trap in the juices, add liquid (broth, BBQ sauce), cook on low heat, and avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain moisture.

Should brisket be fat side up or down? ›

To set things straight, we're here to put an end to the confusion, so you can get back to the grill with confidence. For brisket cooked to flavorful perfection, fat-side-down is the way to go. This is the only way to achieve a brisket that is perfectly moist with a perfect bark on both sides.

What is the danger zone for brisket? ›

Danger Zone for Smoking and Grilling Meat

Therefore, you need to find the optimum temperature for meat. As mentioned above, the temperature danger zone is 46°F -140°F (8°C-60°C). Hence, it is better to keep the hot smoking or grill above 158°F (70°C).

Should I pull brisket at 190 or 200? ›

Can I pull brisket at 190? The brisket is just about ready at 190. While I suggest you wait until it hits at least 195 before pulling it off the smoker, you can do so a few degrees sooner as well.

What is the secret to juicy brisket? ›

How Do You Keep a Brisket Moist While Smoking It?
  1. Get the Right Cut. It always starts with the cut. ...
  2. Get Your Setup Right. If you're using a smoker or grill, you'll want to get your layout right. ...
  3. Use Aluminum. ...
  4. Place It Fat-Side Up. ...
  5. Try Adding Bacon. ...
  6. Add the Right Spices. ...
  7. Use the Right Temperature. ...
  8. Add Moisture.
Jul 26, 2021

What is the secret to brisket? ›

These are our top 10 tips for cooking the best brisket possible.
  • Start with a good brisket. ...
  • Trim it into a nice shape. ...
  • Season it simply. ...
  • Maintain an even heat. ...
  • Look for color changing. ...
  • Wrap it at the right time. ...
  • Wrap it in a foil boat. ...
  • Pull it off when it's tender.
Mar 22, 2021

Should brisket be submerged in slow cooker? ›

Start checking on the meat according to the time recommendations in the recipe and you'll be golden. Should brisket be submerged in the slow cooker? The meat doesn't need to be swimming in broth, but yes, it should be at least partially submerged. Here, 2 1/2 cups is plenty for a 3-pound piece of meat.

What's the difference between a crockpot and a slow cooker? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

What happens if you overcook brisket in slow cooker? ›

Yes, it is in fact possible to overcook brisket in a slow cooker. While it is a tough cut of meat and slow cooking it over a long period of time is what makes it tender, cooking it for too long will result in mushy and unappetizing brisket.

Why is my brisket still tough after 8 hours in the slow cooker? ›

The meat was overcooked: Slow cookers are known for their ability to tenderize meat, but if the meat is cooked for too long, it can become overcooked and tough. It's important to follow the recommended cooking time for your recipe to ensure that the meat is cooked to the correct doneness.

Does brisket get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

The temperature of the meat begins to rise again -- which you want because brisket gets more tender the longer you cook it.

Why is my brisket still tough after 7 hours? ›

OK, most of the problem with tough brisket is usually undercooking. The way to solve this is to cook to internal temperature of about 95C or 203f.

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