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Slow-Cooked Barbecue Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce: A Comforting Classic

Ah, barbecue brisket—there’s just something about it that warms the soul and makes your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for gatherings, weekend family dinners, or simply indulging after a long, hectic week. Trust me; this slow-cooked barbecue brisket with homemade barbecue sauce is one recipe you’ll want tucked away in your back pocket. Not only is it simple to prepare (even on your busiest days), but it also delivers a hearty meal that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the deliciousness, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooked Barbecue Brisket

First off, if you’ve ever battled with a hungry crowd or attempted to win over picky eaters, you know how pivotal it is to have a “go-to” recipe in your arsenal. This slow-cooked barbecue brisket serves up a tender, juicy cut of meat that practically shreds itself—perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or simply serving with sides like cornbread and coleslaw. Throw some ingredients in your slow cooker, grab a good book (or binge-worthy series), and let the magic happen while you relax.

Ingredients

Before we get to the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Brisket:

• 3-4 pounds brisket
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (or enough to cover the brisket)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps to Culinary Bliss

1. Prep the Brisket: Start by rubbing your brisket generously with salt and pepper. Think of it as giving it a little love before it hits the cooker!

2. Layer with Aromatics: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll infuse flavor as everything cooks.

3. Sear (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, you can sear the brisket in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side to lock in those juices. This step is not mandatory, but hey, every bit of flavor counts!

4. Slow Cook It: Add your brisket to the slow cooker along with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Secure the lid, set your slow cooker on low, and let it do its magic for 8-10 hours. Yes, you read that right! Go ahead and binge-watch some Netflix; you’ve earned it.

5. Whip Up the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the brisket is done, mix together all the ingredients for the homemade barbecue sauce in a bowl. Taste it and adjust the sweetness or smokiness according to your preference. Don’t be shy—get creative!

6. Glaze the Brisket: Once the brisket is fork-tender, carefully remove it from the cooker. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes, then slice it against the grain. Drizzle your homemade barbecue sauce over the top (or serve it on the side if you’re feeling generous. You might want some for dipping!).

Cooking Tips

• Leftover Brisket: If you’re lucky enough to have any left, shred it for sandwiches or use it in tacos—trust me, it’s a game-changer for lunchboxes!
• Don’t Stress the Sauce: If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t worry. It’s all part of the magic! A quick stir will give it that glossy finish.
• Customization is Key: Feel free to add your own twist! Want a spicier BBQ sauce? Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.

A Little Anecdote

You know, the first time I made this slow-cooked barbecue brisket, it was a sweltering summer day. My kids had invited friends over, and I thought, “What could go wrong?” Spoiler alert: everything went right! The kids devoured it, and I barely had a moment to snap a photo. To this day, it remains a family favorite and is often requested at our backyard gatherings.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brisket with another cut of meat?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary with different cuts. Chuck roast or pork shoulder could work well too.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

What sides pair well with barbecue brisket?
You can never go wrong with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or mac and cheese!

Wrapping It Up

As you can see, slow-cooked barbecue brisket with homemade barbecue sauce is not only accessible but also well worth the wait. You’ll be rewarded with a meal that stirs up nostalgia, cheers, and satisfied bellies around the table. So, gather your family, put on your favorite playlist, and get cooking! I can’t wait for you to savor every mouthwatering bite.

Oh, and if you loved this recipe, check out my classic mac and cheese for another crowd-pleaser!

Meta Description: Slow-Cooked Barbecue Brisket with Homemade Barbecue Sauce is the perfect recipe for impressing guests. Quick, easy, and delicious—try it today!

Barbecue Brisket

A tender and juicy slow-cooked barbecue brisket served with a homemade barbecue sauce, perfect for family gatherings and comforting meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Brisket

• 3-4 pounds brisket Choose a tender cut for best results.
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth Add enough to cover the brisket.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning the brisket.

For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning the sauce.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Rub your brisket generously with salt and pepper.
2. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. If desired, sear the brisket in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.

Cooking

1. Add the brisket to the slow cooker along with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Cover with the lid.
2. Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 8-10 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before the brisket is done, mix all the barbecue sauce ingredients in a bowl.
4. Once the brisket is fork-tender, remove it from the cooker, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and drizzle with barbecue sauce.

Notes

Leftover brisket can be shredded for sandwiches or tacos. If your sauce looks a little lumpy, stir it for a glossy finish. Customize sauce with cayenne pepper for extra heat.