Tender & Juicy Slow Cooked BBQ Beef Brisket
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat30gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Beef brisket (whole, about 3-4 lbs)1 piece
- Barbecue dry rub (store-bought or homemade, see tips)3 tbsp
- Onion, sliced1 piece
- Garlic cloves, minced4 piece
- Beef broth or water1 cup
- Barbecue sauce1 cup
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepperto taste n/a
This recipe guides you through the process of slow cooking a tender, juicy BBQ beef brisket right in your oven or slow cooker. The key to this dish is the low and slow cooking method that breaks down the tough fibers in the brisket, resulting in a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The cost for all ingredients is approximately $20 USD, €19 EUR, £16 GBP, and ₹1500 INR. This dish yields about 6 servings with approximately 450 kcal per serving. It's suitable for a gluten-free diet if you ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. The recipe complexity is easy to medium, with most of the time hands-off, and total cooking time about 8 hours.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the brisket
1Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels. Generously apply the barbecue dry rub all over the brisket, pressing it into the meat. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to absorb the flavors and to help it cook evenly.
Arrange in slow cooker or oven-safe dish
2Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker or a deep oven-safe dish. Put the brisket on top of the onion and garlic, fat side up. Pour the beef broth or water around the brisket to keep it moist during cooking.
Cook the brisket low and slow
3Slow cook the brisket on low heat for 7-8 hours, or in your oven at 120°C (250°F) for the same duration. This slow cooking process will break down the meat fibers, making the brisket tender and flavorful. During this time, avoid opening the lid too often to maintain temperature and moisture.
Check internal temperature and finish with BBQ sauce
4Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The brisket is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 90-95°C (195-205°F). At this point, brush the barbecue sauce over the brisket and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered to let the sauce set and slightly caramelize.
Rest and slice
5Remove the brisket from the cooker or oven and let it rest covered loosely with foil for at least 20 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice the brisket against the grain for the most tender slices and serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Cooking Tips
1Always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly when handling raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
2Choose a brisket with good marbling (fat within the meat) for the best tenderness and flavor.
3If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a heavy oven-safe covered pot or roasting pan with a tight-fitting lid.
4You can prepare the brisket the night before by rubbing it with spices and refrigerating it, which enhances flavor.
5Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the brisket to check doneness accurately.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or oven and oven-safe dish
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl for rub (optional)
- Basting brush (optional)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Beef brisket (3-4 lbs) - Approx. $15. Choose brisket with good marbling for better flavor and tenderness.
- [ ] Barbecue dry rub (3 tbsp) - Approx. $2. Alternatively, make your own mix with paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder.
- [ ] Onion (1) - Approx. $0.50. Select firm onions without any soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4) - Approx. $0.30. Fresh garlic bulbs are best for flavor.
- [ ] Beef broth or water (1 cup) - Approx. $1 for broth, water is free.
- [ ] Barbecue sauce (1 cup) - Approx. $2. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own. Total Approximate Cost: $20.80
FAQ
What internal temperature should the brisket reach for safe eating?
The brisket should reach an internal temperature of 90-95°C (195-205°F) for optimal tenderness and safe consumption.
Can I cook the brisket in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can slow cook the brisket in the oven at 120°C (250°F) for 7-8 hours covered in a deep oven-safe dish.
How do I prevent the brisket from drying out during cooking?
Cook the brisket low and slow with beef broth or water in the cooking vessel, keep it covered during cooking, and avoid opening the lid repeatedly.
How do I make a homemade BBQ dry rub?
Mix equal parts paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a simple homemade dry rub.