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Crock Pot Brisket with Barbecue Sauce and Spice Rub Recipe


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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

Brisket and Dry Rub

  • 45 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

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