Crock Pot Brisket with Barbecue Sauce and Spice Rub Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Brisket recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Using a blend of spices and slow cooking, the brisket becomes juicy and perfect for any casual meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4-5 pound brisket
• 1/3 cup dry rub
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the beef broth into the base of a 6-quart crock pot. Add the liquid smoke if using.
2. Step 2: Prepare the dry rub by mixing granulated sugar, brown sugar, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black peppercorns, chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper together until well combined.
3. Step 3: Generously spread about 1/3 cup of the spice mixture evenly over the entire brisket.
4. Step 4: Place the brisket into the crock pot with the fat side facing up. Brush about half of the barbecue sauce over the brisket.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender.
6. Step 6 (Optional): Once cooked, preheat the broiler to high. Remove the brisket from the crock pot, brush with the remaining barbecue sauce, and place under the broiler for about 5 minutes until a golden brown crust forms.
7. Step 7: Let the brisket rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, be sure to include the liquid smoke but use just a little to avoid overpowering the meat.
• If you prefer a spicier brisket, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add extra chipotle powder.
• Use homemade barbecue sauce or your favorite store-bought brand for different flavor profiles.
• Leftover brisket can be shredded and used in sandwiches or tacos for a delicious second meal.

Storage

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or covered in a low oven to maintain moisture. You can also freeze cooked brisket for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the brisket on high instead of low?

Cooking on low is recommended for tender, juicy results. Cooking on high may reduce the cooking time but can result in a less tender brisket.

Do I need to use liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke is optional but adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the spices. It can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.

Crock Pot Brisket with Barbecue Sauce and Spice Rub Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crock Pot Brisket recipe offers a tender, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal using a slow cooker. A rich blend of spices creates a robust dry rub that perfectly complements the beef, enhanced with a smoky hint and tangy barbecue sauce. Slow cooking ensures the brisket becomes fork-tender, and an optional broil at the end adds a crispy, caramelized crust for the perfect finishing touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brisket and Dry Rub

• 4–5 pound brisket
• 1/3 cup dry rub (prepared by mixing the following spices)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided)

Sugars

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crock Pot Base: Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the base of a 6-quart crock pot. If using liquid smoke, add 1 teaspoon into the broth to infuse a smoky flavor from the start.
2. Make the Dry Rub: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together all the dry rub spices and sugars: chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black peppercorns, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well blended.
3. Apply the Dry Rub: Generously spread about 1/3 cup of the prepared dry rub evenly over the entire surface of the brisket, ensuring every side is coated to maximize flavor penetration.
4. Place Brisket in Crock Pot: Place the brisket into the crock pot with the fat side facing up to keep the meat moist during cooking. Brush approximately half of the barbecue sauce over the top of the brisket to add a tangy glaze.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until the brisket is thoroughly cooked and fork tender.
6. Optional Broil for Crust: Once cooked, preheat your oven broiler to high. Remove the brisket carefully, brush the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the top, and place it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Broil until the top develops a golden brown, caramelized crust.
7. Rest and Slice: After removing from the crock pot (or broiler), let the brisket rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the meat thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.

Notes

• Using liquid smoke is optional, but it adds a nice smoky depth to the brisket.
• The slow cooking method ensures the brisket becomes extremely tender and flavorful.
• If you do not have a broiler, you can skip the crisping step or finish on a hot grill for added texture.
• Resting the meat before slicing is crucial to keep it juicy and tender.
• Adjust spice levels, especially cayenne and chipotle, to suit your heat preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crock pot brisket, slow cooker brisket, barbecue brisket, slow cooked beef, tender brisket recipe