Slow Cooked Beef Brisket (Printable)
Tender brisket slowly cooked with caramelized onions and spices for rich, comforting flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 4 lb beef brisket, trimmed
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
→ Liquids
04 - 1 cup beef broth
05 - 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
06 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 2 tsp kosher salt
08 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
→ Fats
12 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the brisket dry and season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate.
03 - In the same skillet, cook sliced onions for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to caramelize. Add minced garlic and cook another minute.
04 - Layer half the onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared brisket on top, then cover with remaining onions.
05 - Pour beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce evenly over the brisket and onions.
06 - Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the brisket is fork-tender.
07 - Transfer brisket to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
08 - Skim excess fat from cooking liquid. Serve brisket slices topped with onions and spoonfuls of pan juices.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The flavors develop slowly, giving you a dish that tastes like it took all day without the fuss.
- It’s perfect for gatherings and always earns compliments without much hands-on time.
02 -
- Make sure to sear the brisket well; this step adds depth of flavor you won’t get otherwise.
- Removing excess fat after cooking makes the dish rich but not greasy, balancing the hearty flavors perfectly.
03 -
- Don’t rush the low and slow cooking; the transformation in texture and flavor is worth every minute.
- Add a splash of acidity like a squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar when serving to balance richness.