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Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

This Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket is smoky, tender, and loaded with flavor. A simple spice rub and hands-off slow cooking deliver fall-apart beef perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and more.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 lbs beef brisket flat cut recommended
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp paprika sweet or smoked
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 cup water
  • 1.5 tsp liquid smoke flavoring do not skip
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce check label if gluten-free required
  • 18 oz barbecue sauce 1 bottle, store-bought or homemade, check label if gluten-free required

Equipment

  • 7-quart slow cooker
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Large platter
  • Two forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. Mix the thyme, paprika, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin together in a small bowl until you have an even spice rub.
  2. Rub the spice mixture firmly all over the top and sides of the brisket, pressing it in with your hands so it adheres well.
  3. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a large 7-quart slow cooker.
  4. Place the spice-rubbed brisket fat side down into the water.
  5. Pour the liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce over the top of the brisket.
  6. Cover with the lid and cook on Low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
  7. Carefully lift the brisket out onto a large platter. Skim and discard the fat layer from the bottom of the slow cooker.
  8. Shred the brisket using two forks, pulling it apart into tender strands.
  9. Return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over the top. Stir gently to coat.
  10. Cover and cook on Low for another 30 minutes until the sauce is heated through. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the brisket in a hot cast iron skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side before placing in the slow cooker. Always cook on Low heat for the most tender result. The longer it cooks up to 10 hours, the more tender the brisket will be. Check Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce labels if serving to anyone avoiding gluten.
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