The most delicious, fall apart brisket that can easily be made in the slow cooker or Instant pot!
I have a confession.
I don’t really eat red meat. There, I said it. Are we still friends?
It’s not that I have anything against it. I’m not a vegetarian, I eat chicken, turkey and fish. It’s just that typically, red meat is not appealing to me. I would rather eat a piece of chicken or fish any day. I’ve never ordered a steak in a restaurant, and I’d choose a turkey burger or veggie patty at a BBQ. It’s just not my thing.
But I really WANT to like it! I always taste it! My husband is a huge meat eater, and so are my kids and family. So, I keep trying to woo myself.
Guess what? I think I’ve finally done it!
YOU GUYS.
This is the first time I’ve tasted meat and never wanted to stop eating it. It’s the first time I actually understood the OMG face of a true, die hard meat eater who takes their first bite of a juicy steak, or the perfect short rib, or in this case, the perfect brisket. It’s that good. The combination of spices, tangy sauce, and cooked low and sloooooooooow, (or pressure cooked nice and quick), makes this a melt in your mouth brisket that is sure to please your tastebuds. My kids even gobble this up!
Watch how to make it
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Brisket
- Beef brisket – not corned beef, this is super important
- Spices – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano
- Garlic cloves – the more the merrier
- Onion – adds great flavor
- Low sodium beef broth – make sure it’s low sodium so it’s not too salty
- Soy sauce – can also use coconut aminos or tamari
- Ketchup – for a little sweetness
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) – this helps to thicken the sauce if you choose
I love using my slow cooker. It seriously makes the best meals with minimal prep and easy clean up. Here’s the slow cooker I use. However, I’m a big fan of using the Instant Pot as well, especially when I don’t plan ahead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
PRO TIP: Add the rub to the brisket the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This helps the meat absorb all that flavor and makes for super delicious tasting meat.
Brisket Cooking Time
It’s important to cook brisket low and slow if you have the time. Meaning low heat for a long period of time, like 8 hours! The longer the better. Cooking it this way helps to gradually begin to dissolve the tough connective tissues found throughout the meat. If it’s not cooked long enough, the brisket will be tough and difficult to chew.
Once it’s done cooking, let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
At this point if you choose to reduce or thicken the sauce you can do it right in the slow cooker. Simply whisk together the arrowroot powder and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker and whisk. The liquid will begin to thicken after 2-3 minutes.
Pour it over the sliced brisket and enjoy!
Feel free to add some potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker while cooking. We also love to serve this with Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans.
The Home Cook’s Guide to Salt
Learn about the basics of salt, plus the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!) with this easy-to-understand guide to salt for home cooks.
Slow Cooker Brisket
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Slow Cooker Brisket will melt in your mouth and fall apart on the plate! It can be made in your slow cooker, pressure cooker or oven!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ pound beef brisket (not corned beef)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket on both sides, then place the brisket in a slow cooker, fat side up. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the brisket and top with the sliced onions, on and around it.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the broth, soy sauce, and ketchup. Pour into slow cooker until the brisket is just covered.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours. Once done cooking, either keep in the slow cooker on WARM, or transfer to a wood board and cover with foil and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the arrowroot powder and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker and whisk. The liquid will begin to thicken after 2-3 minutes.
- Slice the meat against the grain and serve with sauce on top.
Instant Pot Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket on both sides and set aside.
- Turn on the sauté function and add a little oil to the bottom of the pot. Sear the brisket for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. If brisket is too big to fit, you can cut in half and sear in batches (this step is optional, but creates extra flavor).
- Turn off sauté function and place the brisket in a Instant Pot, fat side up. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the brisket and top with the sliced onions, on and around it.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the broth, soy sauce, and ketchup. Pour into pot until the brisket is just about covered.
- Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then let naturally release for 15 minutes and release remaining pressure. Remove brisket and let sit on wood board to rest. Press sauté function again and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Whisk together the arrowroot powder and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the liquid in the Instant Pot and stir. The liquid will begin to thicken after 2-3 minutes.
- Slice brisket against the grain, or shred with two forks before adding back to the sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- If you plan to make this in the oven, use a baking dish covered tightly with foil or in a Dutch oven, covered with a lid. Cook at 325°F for 3 to 4 hours or until very tender.
- You can skip the arrowroot slurry step and simply serve the brisket with the cooking liquid and it will be just as delicious!
Comments
Dominique
Best ever, crowd pleaser! I have made this brisket dozens of times using the instant pot version and it has never let me down. Served alongside roasted vegetables it’s just an amazing meal! I’ve tested it with both soy sauce and coconut aminos and I like the coconut aminos more, but both were delish! Thank you Laney for another easy, delicious dinner!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
Thank you so much!! SO happy it’s never let you down.
Witchy Woman
My kids decided they were tired of turkey, so I made the oven version of this recipe for our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Love this recipe! So easy to prep and so flavorful!
The only tweak I made was to add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the rub. Gives it a little extra warmth.
Printed out and added to my “treasured family recipes” binder. This may become a new Thanksgiving tradition.
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
Honored to be added to that binder!!
Anita
Hi Laney,
Trying the recipe again with the correct beef brisket 🙂
#4 INSTRUCTION on the slow cooker “Meanwhile, whisk together the arrowroot powder and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker and whisk. The liquid will begin to thicken after 2-3 minutes.” I have cornstarch as a replacement. Is the cornstarch with water supposed to cook together for the 8 hours? Or is the instructions to be followed after the brisket cooked for 8 hours? Thank you so much. Happy Thanksgiving!
Laney Schwartz
No, I do it at the end just to thicken. Not necessary but works well.
Elsa
Sorry. If you don’t like red meat why do you think you should be qualified to post a recipe for brisket? Does it taste like fish or turkey? No thanks.
Laney Schwartz
No, it does not taste like fish or turkey. Maybe try reading the reviews or try it yourself before judging the recipe. It’s incredible.
Marlee Davis
Do you think this will work well with a Chuck Roast?
Laney Schwartz
I should be ok
Erlene Johnson
If I wanted to add potatoes, onions and carrots, at what point of the cooking do I add these?
Laney Schwartz
I add them in the beginning!
bianca
Always a hit when I make this for the holidays in my instant pot! Laney do you think the same recipe would work for tri tip if I don’t have any brisket on hand?
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
I think it could work ok
Andrew
I was skeptical because I thought I’d found “the” slow cooker brisket recipe…but this was more of a crowd pleaser. Thank you!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
Thanks Andrew!
Rick L.
Turned out great. Family loved it!
Followed the Pro Tip and rubbed dry seasoning on it 1-1/2 days ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and let it sit in the fridge with seasoning on it until it was time to put in the the crock pot. Also seared it before putting it in the crock pot.
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
So glad the family loved it!
Rick L.
I’m going to try this recipe this upcoming weekend. If I want to sear the brisket, do you sear it first and then do the spice rub, or spice rub first and then sear? Could I do the spice rub the day before like the pro tip suggests and then sear it before putting it in the crock pot?
Sorry I can’t rate it yet. If that messes up your rating, feel free to delete my question after you answer. Thanks!
Laney Schwartz
Yes you can totally sear it with the rub! I hope you love it!
Glenda L Smith
Can I add potatoes & carrots to this? Thank you.
Laney Schwartz
Yes you can!
Anita
Hi Laney,
I was only able to find corned beef brisket in my local supermarket. Your instructions specifically mention not to use corned beef brisket. Wouldn’t it work?
Thanks!
Anita.
Laney Schwartz
No, it’s processed differently and cooks differently. Corned beef is already brined and seasoned so the recipe would not work the same.
Amanda
Making this recipe for my brother’s wedding! I am using 3 crockpots and doing this process at least twice. Once it’s done in the crockpot. how should I reheat for rhe time of the meal? Should I keep it whole, reheat and slice when it’s time to serve or slice it and reheat on low in the oven?
Laney Schwartz
You can do either! Slicing it ahead might be easier? You can reheat in the slow cooker or in the oven.
Ed Dillard
That looks so over done and nasty!
Laney Schwartz
The rave reviews on this recipe would say otherwise. Hope you have a good day.
Nicole B
Did you even try making it before commenting?
John
What’s overdone? You HAVE to cook brisket a long time to break down connective tissues, whether oven or smoker. A rare brisket would be disgusting, and nearly impossible, to eat.
Mikaela B
Everyone LOVED this recipe, and said it was the best brisket they’ve ever had. I was in a hurry so I cooked 2.5 lbs of brisket on high in the slow cooker for 6 hours and it was still perfectly tender. I also flipped the brisket halfway through the cooking time. Next time I’ll also add potatoes and carrots!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
This makes me so happy! I’m so glad everyone loved it!
Kristen
Delicious! I was never a brisket fan but it was on sale so I tried it. Very happy I did. Can you recommend some side dishes to go with it?
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
Yay! It goes great with potatoes of any kind, mashed, roasted, etc and any veggies!
Sheri
Huge success!!!
2.4lb brisket – Did spice rub overnight in the fridge, seared in instapot on “sauté” turned it to “slow cook” for 6 hours after adding broth, onions, garlic, carrots & potatoes. I let it rest for 30 before slicing, made gravy in the instapot.
It was perfect! We had a great Seder:)!Thank you
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
I’m so so glad!!!
Michelle
I am going to put this in the slow cooker tomorrow morning and plan to let it sit overnight tonight in the spice rub, question is should i be searing the meat before I place it in the slow cooker, or you sear the meat before you season? or when using a slow cooker there is no need to sear?? Looking forward to your response – Thanx
Michelle
also I plan to add carrots, should I let them cook with the brisket and onions for the full 8 hours as well or add them later?
Laney Schwartz
Yes I add them the whole time
Laney Schwartz
I don’t sear it because I’m lazy 🙂 But you totally can!
Sheri
Hi planning on using your recipe Thursday for Passover. It looks fantastic:) I’ll be using my Instapot seat & then slow cooker. My brisket is 2.4 lbs, still 8 hours? Or 6?
Thank you
Laney Schwartz
That size should be done in 6 hours
Jennifer M.
Oops! Forgot to post 5 stars! Please revise my original comment if possible! If not, and if it affects your rating, please feel free to delete and I will properly review again!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
I can’t change it on my end but I can delete it if you wanted to repost. I appreciate you coming back to leave the star review!!
Jennifer M.
This was HANDS DOWN the BEST crockpot recipe for brisket I have ever made. I’m blown away by the flavor. And so simple! So easy to make! I left it on low for 10 hours to reach our desired tenderness, and I reduced the salt and pepper by about half, due to dietary restrictions and sensitive palate issues. The flavor was still INCREDIBLE. And the leftovers were even better! The 3rd day leftover meat and gravy made the base of a delicious vegetable beef barley soup. What a wonderful recipe. It’s going into our steady rotation. Thank you for sharing!
Laney Schwartz
Thank you so much Jennifer! Glad you love it as much as we do in our family!
Natalia
Hi Laney, if I double this recipe & use a 7 lb brisket, what would the cooking time change to if cooking in the slow cooker?
Laney Schwartz
You just need to make sure it can fit in your slow cooker. I would probably cook it 8 hours or longer if possible
Judy Currie
I am trying your recipe tomorrow & wondered if I can add cabbage & when in the cooking ? We have a lovely brisket.
★★★★
Laney Schwartz
I’ve never tried it but you probably could toward the second half of cooking?
Jen Jones
When, in the 8hours, do you recommend adding potatoes and carrots?
Laney Schwartz
You can add them in the beginning
Richard
What size slow cooker did you use
Laney Schwartz
I have the 7 Quart all clad
Sophie Krich-Brinton
Wow! I made this in the instapot and it is simply delicious. I’ll be coming here every time I make brisket!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
Welcome to the brisket club!
Caroline
This recipe is ridiculously good. I made it for dinner with friends and everyone loved it. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
Thanks Caroline!