Name: Crockpot BBQ Beef Brisket
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 lbs beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 ½ cups low-sugar BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing); 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper

This Crockpot BBQ Beef Brisket is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Infused with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and healthy! Perfect for weeknights or family dinners, this recipe is also versatile with make-ahead and storage-friendly options.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim the fat: For a leaner brisket, trim excess fat before cooking. This helps reduce grease and keeps it healthy.
Sear for extra flavor: Searing the brisket before placing it in the crockpot locks in juices and creates a caramelized crust.
Don’t skimp on the sauce: The BBQ sauce doubles as a marinade and glaze—brush some on the brisket before serving for extra flavor.
Use a meat thermometer: Brisket is ready when the internal temperature reaches 195°F-205°F for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the brisket rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot BBQ Beef Brisket will win you over with its simplicity and unbeatable flavor. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that requires minimal prep but delivers restaurant-quality results. The slow-cooking process ensures the meat becomes fall-apart tender, while the BBQ sauce adds a sweet, smoky, and tangy kick. It’s ideal for health-conscious individuals, as you can customize the sauce and choose lean cuts of beef. Pair it with roasted veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or meal-prepping, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Yield: Serves 6

Crockpot BBQ Beef Brisket

Tender, flavorful Crockpot BBQ Beef Brisket with smoky, tangy homemade BBQ sauce—perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

3-4 lbs beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 ½ cups low-sugar BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the brisket: Trim excess fat from the brisket and pat it dry with paper towels. Season generously with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Sear the brisket: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on both sides for 2-3 minutes until browned. This step locks in flavor.
Layer the crockpot: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the seared brisket on top.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture over the brisket, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Baste the brisket with the sauce occasionally, if possible.
Rest the brisket: Carefully remove the brisket and let it rest for 15-20 minutes on a cutting board. This step helps retain the juices.
Slice and serve: Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with extra sauce on the side. Pair with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

Make ahead by prepping the brisket and sauce the night before. Store them in the fridge, then set up the crockpot in the morning.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 2887Total Fat 172gSaturated Fat 67gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 82gCholesterol 962mgSodium 979mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 1gSugar 53gProtein 263g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Beef Brisket: Choose a 3-4 pound brisket with some marbling for flavor. Trim off excess fat for a leaner dish.
BBQ Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce to control the sweetness and sodium levels. Feel free to add extra spices for a personalized flavor.
Beef Broth: This adds moisture and richness while cooking. Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatics deepen the flavor of the sauce and the meat as they cook.
Spices: Smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin bring a smoky, savory profile that enhances the BBQ sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat during cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of brisket, substitute it with boneless beef chuck roast or pork shoulder for equally tender results.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce. For a milder version, reduce chili powder.
Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the BBQ sauce with a sugar-free version and skip the apple cider vinegar for a lower-carb option.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap the brisket with jackfruit for a plant-based BBQ dish—perfect for vegetarians craving the same smoky flavor.
Instant Pot Method: To save time, cook the brisket in an Instant Pot on the pressure cook setting for 60-80 minutes.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftover brisket in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
Freezer: Slice the brisket, then freeze in individual portions with extra sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of beef broth or BBQ sauce while reheating to keep the meat moist and flavorful.