Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms a tough cut of meat into something irresistibly tender and flavorful with very little hands-on time. The crockpot does all the work, allowing the brisket to soak up deep, savory flavors. It’s versatile, foolproof, and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Plus, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef brisket (flat cut or point cut)
- Onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce (optional)
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil (for searing, optional)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)
Directions
- Pat the brisket dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and smoked paprika if using.
- (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on both sides until browned.
- Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Lay the brisket on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Pour over the brisket.
- Add fresh herbs if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Remove the brisket from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Optional: Simmer the juices in a saucepan to reduce into a thicker sauce, or serve as-is.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–6 hours (high)
Total time: Approximately 8 to 10 hours and 10 minutes
Variations
- BBQ Style: Add your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet finish.
- Spicy Brisket: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Red Wine Version: Replace some of the broth with dry red wine for deeper flavor.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add chili powder and cumin, and serve with tortillas or rice.
- Herb Crust: Rub brisket with a mixture of dried herbs before searing or slow cooking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm brisket slices in a skillet with a little broth or the cooking juices over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture. Brisket freezes well for up to 2 months—slice before freezing for easy portioning.
FAQs
What cut of brisket is best for the crockpot?
Flat cut brisket is leaner and slices well, while point cut has more marbling and is more tender and juicy.
Do I have to sear the brisket first?
It’s optional but recommended for added depth of flavor and better texture.
Can I overcook brisket in the crockpot?
If cooked too long, it may become mushy. Stick to 8–10 hours on low or 4–6 hours on high.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, carrots, potatoes, or parsnips can be added around the brisket for a full meal.
Should I trim the fat before cooking?
Trim excess fat, but leave a thin layer to keep the meat moist while cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, brisket tastes even better the next day. Store it with the juices and reheat slowly.
How do I slice brisket?
Let it rest first, then slice against the grain to ensure tender bites.
Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 75–90 minutes, then natural release.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Cool completely, slice, and freeze with some of the cooking liquid for moisture.
What do I do with leftovers?
Use them in sandwiches, tacos, hash, or stir into pasta or rice dishes.
Conclusion
Crockpot Brisket is a tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful dish that practically cooks itself. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this slow-cooked meal delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this brisket recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintCrockpot Brisket
Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked side dish made with sweet corn, cream-style corn, cream cheese, and cheddar—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornmeal (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine drained corn, cream-style corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings or sugar to taste. Mix well.
- If a firmer texture is desired, stir in flour or cornmeal to help bind.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to firm up slightly.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight—bake before serving.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating if the texture thickens too much.
- Customize with jalapeños, bacon, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg