Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

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This Crock Pot Beef Brisket takes minutes to prep, and you will look like a superstar when you serve this brisket at your next gathering. The trick to this tasty slow cooker beef brisket is using a dry rub made of chili powder, paprika, garlic salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar.

The secret to a good brisket is cooking it low and slow, and a crock pot is PERFECT for this cut of beef. Also, using a dry rub for your beef brisket is another trick of the trade, and that’s just what we did for our simple crock pot beef brisket recipe. If you’d rather cook your brisket in the oven, try this recipe.

Table of Contents

Beef Brisket Rub Ingredients

Slow cooker BBQ beef brisket is so yummy, and you won’t be disappointed!This is such an easy beef brisket slow cooker recipe that Barbara is secretly embarrassed that her husband makes such a fuss over the brisket.

You will also need a 3-5 pound brisket, beef broth, Worcestershire Sauce and bay leaves to complete this beef brisket recipe.

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (3)

How to Make Easy Beef Brisket in the Slow Cooker

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Make a slow cooker brisket rub by mixing chili powder, paprika, garlic salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar.
  2. Massage the brisket with the beef brisket dry rub.
  3. Refrigerate overnight to marinate.
  4. Add beef brisket fat side up, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth and bay leaves to crock pot insert. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
  5. Let rest for 10 minutes, and slice with a sharp knife. Serve as is, over mashed potatoes with its juices or as a brisket sandwich.

Full recipe and ingredient list for slow cooker beef brisket can be found below.

How to buy a beef brisket

Buy this cut of beef at the meat counter – usually anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds in size. If you shop at a wholesale club, you can find larger ones perfect for the smoker. If you don’t see a brisket out, don’t be afraid to ask the folks behind the counter! They are there to help…we promise.

While we do buy them at the grocery store, Barbara also gets one brisket from the quarter of beef that her family gets twice a year. She gets the beef from the 4-5 beef cattle that our family raises each year. These cattle graze for months behind Barbara’s house and we grain-finish them. Want to know more about grain-finished beef? Our friend Leah over at Beyer Beware explains the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.

Whether she gets it from the grocery store or out of her freezer, Barbara usually saves brisket for special occasions. She makes it for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and her husband’s birthday, and she swears that her husband loves her just a bit more on those days she makes this Crock Pot Beef Brisket.

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe

Beef brisket is a tough cut of meat which is why it is traditionally cooked low and slow. Cooking it this way makes the house smell delicious for hours on end, and this makes the anticipation of the meal even better. Barbara serves this beef brisket over mashed potatoes, and the juice from the meat serves as the gravy. You could switch it up and serve over Mashed Cauliflower as well to keep the carb count low.

​Brisket Cooking Time

The cook time for the brisket will depend on the size of the brisket, and if you cook it on high or low temperature setting in the crockpot. For a 3 to 4 pound brisket, I like to cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours to let the meat become fork tender; however, the best way to ensure your brisket is cooked is by the internal temperature of the brisket. Use a meat thermometer, and cook to 195 degrees F.

What internal temperature should I cook my beef brisket to?

The brisket internal temp should be around 195 degrees F. Keep in mind that the temperature tends to still rise up to an additional 10 degrees F as it comes out of the oven or crock pot. With that being said, it is ok to target a temperature around 185 to 190 degrees F instead.

How do I know if my brisket is done?

There’s several ways to tell the doneness of a beef brisket.The easiest, most stress-free way is to use a meat thermometer.There are digital versions available in which you set the desired temperature, insert the thermometer while cooking, and then it beeps when the brisket hits that temperature.

If a meat thermometer is not handy, use your nose first. Once your kitchen starts smelling of delightful beef, you know you are getting close.When the meat is easily shredded with two forks, it is done.

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (8)

Recipe FAQs

  • Making a dry rub for a beef brisket does not have to be exact science. Therefore, if you don’t have all the spices in your pantry, then swap out others instead.This slow cooker beef brisket dry rub is a good starting point.
  • Cut down the cooking time for this easy crock pot beef brisket by cooking on high instead of low. It should take approximately 4 hours.Use your nose as your guide. The brisket is close to being down when it starts to smell delicious in your kitchen.
  • Many people ask if you should sear the brisket before cooking.That step is completely optional. Caramelizing the meat adds flavor.We find that the recipe is just as tasty without adding in a searing step.
  • Rather fix your brisket in the oven? Try this recipe.
  • Here is a BBQ beef brisket recipe for the crock pot.

Crock Pot Buffet Recipes

Looking for some other holiday meats from the crock pot? You can truly make almost any big cut of meat in your crock pot, including ham, turkey breast and pork roasts. Try our favorites found below.

Brown Sugar Crock Pot Ham

Slow Cooker Pork Roast and Gravy

3 Ingredient Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker

20 Clove Crockpot Chicken

What goes with beef brisket?

Wondering what you should serve with beef brisket?

Hearty side dishes such as all pair perfectly with beef. Our favorites include

  • Crock Pot Cheesy Corn
  • French Onion Rice Casserole
  • Crock Pot Green Beans
  • Kentucky Southern Squash Casserole
  • Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
  • Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

We also recommend starting out the meal with a lighter salad or a soup such as the following:

  • Classic Spinach Salad
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • French Dinner Salad with Low Fat Cottage Cheese Dressing
  • Low Carb Tuscan Kale Soup
  • Tomato Cucumber Salad with Dill Dressing

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (15)

Print Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

Crock Pot Beef Brisket

This Crock Pot Beef Brisket, which takes minutes to prep, will make you look like a superstar this season when you serve it as part of your holiday menu.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time8 hours hrs

Refrigerator Time8 hours hrs

Total Time16 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crock pot beef brisket, slow cooker beef brisket

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 283kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb. beef brisket
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 2 whole bay leaves

Instructions

  • Mix chili powder, paprika, garlic salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, black pepper and sugar together.

    Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (16)

  • Rub spice mixture onto all sides of brisket. Let sit in refrigerator overnight to marinate.

    Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (17)

  • Pour Worcestershire sauce and beef broth into Crock Pot insert; add beef and bay leaves. Be careful not to pour broth over top the beef as to not remove the delicious rub which forms a crust layer on top.

  • Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. It is done when you can easily shred the meat with two forks.

    Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (18)

Notes

  • Want to cook it in the oven?
    Rub the spice mix on the brisket and place in roasting pan. (Do NOT add the liquid.)Cook uncovered at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.Lower oven temperature to 300 degrees F.Add the liquids to the roasting pan and cover pan tightly with foil.Cook for an additional 3 hours or until fork-tender.
  • Making a dry rub for a beef brisket does not have to be exact science. Therefore, if you don’t have all the spices in your pantry, then swap out others instead. This slow cooker beef brisket dry rub is a good starting point.
  • Cut down the cooking time for this easy crock pot beef brisket by cooking on high instead of low. It should take approximately 4 hours. Use your nose as your guide. The brisket is close to being down when it starts to smell delicious in your kitchen.
  • Many people ask if you should sear the brisket before cooking. That step is completely optional. Caramelizing the meat adds flavor. We find that the recipe is just as tasty without adding in a searing step.
  • Garlic salt is a pantry staple that goes great on meat.
  • Rather fix your brisket in the oven? Try this recipe.
  • The nutritional information below is auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 1212mg | Potassium: 647mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 727IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 4mg

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (20)

This is a sponsored post written by us on behalf of The Glass Barn which is funded by the Indiana Soybean Alliance. All opinions are 100% our own.

Crock Pot Beef Brisket Recipe with Homemade Dry Rub - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

Does brisket need to be covered in liquid in crock pot? ›

Should brisket be submerged in the slow cooker? The meat doesn't need to be swimming in broth, but yes, it should be at least partially submerged. Here, 2 1/2 cups is plenty for a 3-pound piece of meat. A bit of cornstarch whisked into the liquid helps add body to the sauce.

Do I need to brown brisket before slow cooking? ›

Step 1: Sear the beef: The first step to making a brisket in the Crockpot is to start outside the slow cooker. Though it takes a little more work, searing the beef until it's a deep golden brown adds a ton of flavor.

What is the secret to moist tender brisket? ›

Set the temperature to a low heat, around 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C), and cook the brisket slowly. You can wrap it in foil or use a roasting pan with a lid to help retain moisture. Slow Cooker Method: Using a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off method.

How long can you leave brisket in a slow cooker? ›

Leaving your brisket unattended for 10 to 12 hours is not an option; if you go that route, the brisket can go from tender to mush. Know when it's done: A three-pound beef brisket will take six to eight hours in the slow cooker.

Should brisket be submerged in a slow cooker? ›

Place the seasoned beef brisket into the slow cooker, making sure it is submerged in the liquid mixture. Add a little extra salt to taste, if desired. Cover the slow cooker, and cook on low heat setting for approximately 8-10 hours, or until the beef brisket is tender and easily pulls apart.

Why is my brisket still tough in the slow cooker? ›

Brisket is a cut of beef that really needs a long, slow cook to break down all the connective tissue. Otherwise, it'll be tough and chewy.

Should I flip my brisket in the slow cooker? ›

It will be large so you will have to squish it in. Not all of it will be under the liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until brisket is very tender, flipping over half way through cooking.

Do you cook brisket fat side up or down in a slow cooker? ›

After applying the rub, I allow the brisket to rest for about 30 minutes before placing it into the slow cooker. Speaking of placing the brisket in the cooker, make sure you do it fat side up! This will cause all of those juices fat to seep down into the meat while slow cooking.

How do you make brisket more flavorful? ›

Common go-to rubs include seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices. Just be sure to take it easy on the rub so that your brisket doesn't come out too salty. If you plan to mop or baste your brisket while smoking, be sure to coordinate the flavors properly with your rub. Marinating is another option for smoked brisket.

Is dry rub or wet rub better for brisket? ›

Wet rubs are fantastic when you are cooking low and slow – again, brisket and pulled pork.

How do you get a dry rub to stick to a brisket? ›

If you're finding the rub isn't sticking to the meat, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil over the brisket and then add the rub, using your hands to evenly coat the meat. You can also add oil to the dry rub to turn it into a wet rub.

Is brisket better in the oven or slow cooker? ›

Honestly, we don't consider that the best way to cook brisket. Some ovens can be unreliable at the low temperatures required for such a long cooking time. If you want to cook a brisket overnight, do so in a slow cooker. Those instructions are below.

What is the 3/2:1 rule for brisket? ›

Often used for other meats that require long, slow cooking on the barbecue, such as ribs, the 3-2-1 method essentially involves firstly smoking the meat as it is for three hours, wrapping it for the second two hours, and finally finishing the cooking unwrapped for the last hour.

What is the best cooking method for brisket? ›

All brisket, no matter which cut you choose, is a tough cut of meat that needs to be cooked low and slow: think oven, slow cooker or indirect heat on a grill.

Does liquid need to cover brisket? ›

Don't Drown Your Brisket

To braise properly, you don't want the meat to be all the way covered with stock and wine—liquid should come up about halfway on the brisket.

Does meat in crock pot need to be covered with liquid? ›

Water or liquid is necessary to create steam. When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

How do you keep a brisket moist in a crock pot? ›

To keep brisket moist in a slow cooker, sear before cooking to trap in the juices, add liquid (broth, BBQ sauce), cook on low heat, and avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain moisture.

Does brisket need to be fully submerged? ›

Best braised in a Dutch oven or tightly covered pan/roasting dish, liquid (usually something acidic – tomatoes, beer, wine, vinegar + water or stock) should not cover the meat entirely (that's called boiling) but rather reach no further than 2/3rds of the way up the side of your brisket.

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