Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Sugar Rub

sliced beef brisket on a white cutting board with parsley behind it.

Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Sugar Rub

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 8 10

Servings:

Calories: 369cal

Author: Ashley Fehr

This Slow Cooker Brisket is slow-cooked to juicy perfection with a sweet and smoky spice blend, finished with barbecue sauce for that irresistible caramelized flavor!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 (3-4 lb) beef brisket
¼ cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

Remove brisket from the packaging and trim the fat cap somewhat -- this is optional but I prefer to trim it down to just a thin layer.
Stir together the brown sugar, chili powder, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. Rub all over the brisket and place in a 5-7 quart slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours, until it feels like it is tender enough that it could easily pull apart.
Remove from the slow cooker, brush with barbecue sauce, slice against the grain and serve. Optional: you can remove to a baking dish, brush with barbecue sauce and broil for 4-5 minutes to crisp up the outer crust if desired.

Notes

*Note: I don't add any liquid to the slow cooker and I don't think it needs it. You are welcome to add some if you prefer. The brisket is going to release quite a bit of liquid as it cooks.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Brisket: if you buy a whole brisket and you're not planning to use it to feed 10-20 people, I recommend cutting it into about 3 chunks and vacuum sealing each piece to freeze for later. I prefer to use the wider, flatter end of the brisket for this recipe.
Seasoning: feel free to swap this homemade spice rub for a multi purpose rub you already have to cut down on prep time.

Nutrition