Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Juicy, tender brisket cooked with a variety of spices and a simple flavorful sauce.
I love my slow cooker. During the school year, my afternoons/early evenings are crazy and it is the worst time to try to prep dinner. This BBQ Brisket recipe can be prepped in the morning (with only a few minutes of prep!) and then cooked all day long, so it’s ready whenever you finally have a few minutes to eat dinner on those super busy days!
Why we love Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket
- Easy to make. Only a few minutes of prep for this delicious brisket recipe. The BBQ Brisket can be made in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot to save on time.
- High protein. I know many of you are trying to be mindful of eating in a more balanced way and making sure you get enough protein in your diet! If you are trying to reduce your carbs, you can eat brisket over lettuce as a salad.
- Delicious and versatile. Many readers have confirmed that this BBQ Brisket recipe is the best one that they’ve ever tried! My kids are pretty picky eaters, but this is one meal that they all love! Some eat the meat plain, some eat it on buns, some in a salad – everyone can customize the meat however they want, but everyone loves it!
What to serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
BBQ Brisket Sandwiches pair perfectly with Orange Glazed Carrots or Baked Parmesan Potato Wedges. They also go well with Fancy Fruit Salad or Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. And don’t forget dessert! Try some Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies or No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake.
How to serve Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket
- For Tacos/Burritos: Warm tortillas, fill them with shredded brisket, coleslaw, and cheese. Add extra BBQ sauce if desired.
- For a Bowl: Serve the brisket over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice, topped with coleslaw and cheese.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
For the Brisket:
- 3–4 lbs beef brisket
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
For Assembling:
- Coleslaw/shredded red cabbage
- Cheddar cheese, sliced
- Hamburger buns
Instructions in Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
Prepare the Brisket:
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the coated brisket in the crockpot. For extra flavor, sear the brisket in a hot pan with oil for 2–3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
Slow Cook:
Pour the sauce over the brisket in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until the brisket is very tender and easily falls apart.
Shred the Brisket:
Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or a large dish.
Use two forks to shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces.
Mix & Serve:
Return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes on the “Keep Warm” setting to absorb the flavors.
Assemble:
Toast buns (optional), then layer the shredded brisket, cheddar cheese, and coleslaw/shredded red cabbage. Serve warm.
Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
- 3-4 lbs beef brisket
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
For Assembling:
- coleslaw/shredded cabbage
- cheddar cheese sliced
- hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the coated brisket in the crockpot. For extra flavor, sear the brisket in a hot pan with oil for 2–3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until the brisket is very tender and easily falls apart.
- Shred the Brisket: Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or a large dish.
- Use two forks to shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix & Serve: Return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes on the “Keep Warm” setting to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble: Toast buns (optional), then layer the shredded brisket, cheddar cheese, and coleslaw. Serve warm.
Nutrition
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Instant Pot Instructions for BBQ Brisket
This recipe can easily be adapted for an Instant Pot. Prepare the brisket and sauce according to the recipe and then cook on high pressure for 75 minutes, followed by a natural release for 15 minutes.
Storage and reheating
Store the leftover shredded brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a bit of beef broth to keep it moist.
FAQs:
Can I make beef brisket ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the brisket the day before, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While brisket is ideal for shredding, you can also use chuck roast or beef short ribs for a similar texture.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. A homemade BBQ sauce with honey, ketchup, and a touch of hot sauce also works great.
Can I make the brisket spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper, add hot sauce to the sauce, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Here are a few more delicious slow cooker recipes to try:
- This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is one of our most popular recipes! I promise it’ll be one of your new favorites – it’s so easy to make!
- Some of our favorite holiday recipes can be made in the crockpot. Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Slow Cooker Holiday Ham are both delicious.
- Crockpots are fantastic for making soups and stews. Slow Cooker Beef Stew is incredible, and Slow Cooker Pizza Soup is another of our favorites.
Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Juicy, tender brisket cooked with a variety of spices and a simple flavorful sauce.
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