When it comes to easy, family-friendly meals that deliver big on flavor, crock pot pulled brisket is a must-try recipe.
Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this slow cooker bbq brisket will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Looking for more slow cooker recipes? We've got you. Try our readers favorite crock pot cube steak and gravy or our slow cooker chicken and stuffing.
Slow cooked pulled brisket recipe
Pulled brisket is all about simplicity without sacrificing taste. Using a crock pot ensures tender, juicy results every time, leaving you free to focus on other things while your meal cooks low and slow.
Plus, the versatility of this dish makes it a hit for sandwiches, tacos, and burgers!
If you love the convenience of slow cooking, try our slow cooker pulled brisket or slow cooker chicken and stuffing next!
Recipe Highlights
- Minimal prep: A few simple steps and the crock pot takes care of the rest.
- Budget-friendly meal: Brisket is a cost-effective cut of beef that feeds a crowd.
- Customizable flavors: Adjust the dry rub and sauce to match your personal taste.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers in multiple dishes throughout the week.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket: A cut of meat perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful.
- Avocado oil: Used to sear the brisket for added flavor.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the brisket.
- BBQ sauce: Stubb’s Sticky Sweet BBQ Sauce gives it a rich, tangy flavor.
- Beef broth: Keeps the brisket moist and enhances the sauce.
- Parsley: Optional garnish for freshness and a pop of color.
Seasoning blend
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices.
- Paprika: For a smoky flavor.
- Chili powder: Adds a touch of heat.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential savory seasonings.
- Cayenne pepper: A little spice kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance the overall flavor.
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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- Slow cooker
How to make pulled brisket in the slow cooker
In a medium bowl mix the bbq sauce and beef broth and set aside, next mix the dry rub ingredients together.
Prepare the brisket: Pat the brisket dry and rub it generously with the dry rub mixture.
Sear the brisket: Heat avocado oil in a skillet and sear the brisket on all sides for added flavor.
Place the seared brisket in slow cooker. Add the sliced onions to the sides and around the brisket, pour in the beef broth mixed with BBQ sauce over the brisket.
Cook low and slow: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the brisket is tender enough to shred.
Remove the brisket, shred it with two forks, and mix it back into the sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.
What to serve with it
Crock pot pulled brisket is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
Pulled brisket sandwiches: Load it onto toasted buns with a crunchy coleslaw or pickles.
Pulled brisket burgers: Add cheese, BBQ sauce, and fried onions for a hearty twist.
BBQ pulled brisket tacos: Wrap it in soft tortillas with avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
How to store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled brisket in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a saucepan with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
How to use up leftovers
Loaded baked potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled brisket, shredded cheese, and sour cream for a satisfying meal.
Brisket nachos: Pile shredded brisket onto tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings.
Rice bowls: Serve the brisket over steamed rice with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad on the side.
Brisket sliders: Perfect for parties, serve on mini buns with a dollop of coleslaw.
Mac and cheese: Spoon the pulled brisket over creamy mac and cheese for an indulgent comfort food combo.
Flatbreads or pizzas: Use the brisket as a topping for BBQ-inspired flatbreads or pizzas.
Brisket quesadillas: Stuff it into tortillas with melted cheese for a quick and easy meal.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the sear: It locks in flavor and adds a caramelized crust to the brisket.
- Cook on low: For the most tender results, opt for the low setting on your slow cooker.
- Let it rest: After shredding, let the meat sit in the sauce for 10-15 minutes to absorb more flavor.
FAQs
Yes, chuck roast or short ribs can work, but brisket delivers the best texture for pulled meat.
While BBQ sauce is traditional, you can substitute it with a tomato-based sauce or a marinade of your choice.
Absolutely! Cook it a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat before serving. The flavors will develop even more overnight.
More slow cooker recipes
- Slow cooker corned beef and cabbage.
- Crockpot ribs
- Crockpot lil smokies
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
Crock pot pulled brisket is a go-to recipe for flavorful, family-friendly meals that are easy to make and incredibly versatile.
Whether you serve it as sandwiches, burgers, or tacos, this slow cooker favorite is guaranteed to be a hit. Ready to give it a try? Let your slow cooker do all the work! When you try this recipe be sure to let us know what you think!
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Crock pot pulled brisket
Equipment
- 7qt slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef brisket trim excess fat if desired
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce I used Stubb’s Sticky Sweet BBQ sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
For the dry rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Serving suggestions:
- hamburger buns coleslaw, pickles, French fries or chips, corn on the cob, extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and beef broth until well combined, then set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the dry rub.
- Use paper towels to pat the brisket dry, then rub the dry seasoning blend evenly over the entire brisket.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil once the skillet is hot, and sear the brisket on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the brisket in the slow cooker and arrange the sliced onions around it.
- Pour the BBQ sauce and beef broth mixture over the brisket.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. If using a smaller 2-pound brisket, reduce the cooking time to 6-8 hours on LOW.
- When done, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice or shred the brisket, then return the meat to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
Notes
- Cooking low and slow ensures tender meat. If it’s still tough, return it to the slow cooker for another hour.
- Slice the brisket against the grain for easier chewing; slicing with the grain makes it tougher.
- Any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works including sugar free.
- Use the provided dry rub, a premade one, or your own seasoning mix.
- This BBQ beef is perfect for sandwiches, with rice, or over mashed potatoes with a side of veggies.
