# No Smoker Required: Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe
Creating a succulent, tasty beef brisket doesn’t necessitate a smoker or hours spent monitoring a grill. With the use of a slow cooker, you can produce brisket that melts in your mouth with minimal effort. This recipe includes a vibrant rub, slow-cooked alongside onions, garlic, and a zesty sauce, culminating in a meal that is both mouthwatering and simple to prepare.
## Flavor Profile
The brisket made using this technique is zesty, spicy, and brimming with deep flavors. The mix of the spice rub and the slow cooking method guarantees that the meat stays juicy and tender.
### Skill Level
This recipe is suitable for beginners, making it ideal for anyone wanting to wow family and friends without spending the entire day in the kitchen. The slow cooker streamlines the cooking process for straightforward preparation, cooking, and clean-up.
### Cooking Technique
The secret to achieving tender brisket lies in cooking it low and slow. Cooking on high is not advisable, as it may lead to tougher meat. Regularly check for tenderness; if it isn’t soft enough, let it cook a bit longer, ensuring to open the slow cooker lid quickly to keep the heat in.
## Ingredient Tips
– **Brisket**: Select a whole brisket with plenty of white marbling, which helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking. If brisket is unavailable, a pot roast or chuck roast can serve as substitutes.
– **Onions**: Incorporating onions enhances the flavor and creates a base for the brisket to rest upon in the slow cooker.
– **Spice Rub**: A homemade rub boosts the flavor without excessive saltiness.
– **Sauce**: For a unique touch, use a mix of homemade BBQ sauce and chili sauce. Keep in mind that chili sauce is not spicy and is readily available in most grocery stores.
## How to Prepare Brisket in a Slow Cooker
1. **Prepare the Rub**: Mix chili powder, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and chili sauce.
2. **Layer the Slow Cooker**: Place chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. **Sear the Brisket**: Dry the brisket with a paper towel and apply the spice rub all over. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on all sides for about one minute each.
4. **Combine Ingredients**: Position the seared brisket atop the onions in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
5. **Cook**: Cover and simmer on low for 7 to 9 hours, or until the brisket is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 205°F.
6. **Optional Broil**: For a charred finish, move the brisket to a baking sheet and broil for 4 to 6 minutes after cooking.
7. **Serve**: Allow the brisket to rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the reserved sauce or extra BBQ sauce.
### Serving Suggestions
Present the brisket buffet-style directly from the slow cooker, accompanied by rolls to soak up the savory sauce. It goes wonderfully with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, and cornbread. Moreover, any leftover brisket can be repurposed for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos.
### Leftovers
Store any remaining brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze portions in zippered bags for up to four months, thawing in the refrigerator before reheating.
This slow cooker brisket recipe is destined to become a favorite, providing a delicious and effortless way to savor a classic meal.