Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a timeless dish that delivers exceptional tenderness and deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. This recipe features a carefully balanced blend of garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that enhances the brisket’s natural juiciness. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping. Whether served with classic sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables or transformed into sandwiches, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar (or red wine for deeper flavor)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Directions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Brisket:

Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Rub the seasoning mix all over the brisket for full coverage.

2️⃣ Sear the Brisket:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the brisket for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.
Transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker.

3️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic.
Cook for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

4️⃣ Make the Sauce:

Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits.
Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Let simmer for 2 minutes, then pour the mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker.

5️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection:

Add bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs on top of the brisket.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (or HIGH for 4-6 hours) until fork-tender.

6️⃣ Rest, Slice & Serve:

Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serve with the cooking juices (strain for a smoother sauce).

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8-10 hours | Total Time: ~10 hours
🔥 Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
🍽 Servings: 6-8

Pro Tips & Variations:

✔ Want extra flavor? Marinate the brisket overnight with the spice rub.
✔ Thicken the sauce: After removing the brisket, simmer the cooking juices in a pan for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
✔ Pair it with: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce!

If you love Balsamic Roast Beef check out this: How to Make Juicy Balsamic Roast Beef

• A rich, tender brisket packed with deep, savory flavors—perfect for any occasion🥩