This slow-cooked brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with the rich brown gravy adding the perfect depth of flavor to every bite. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a hassle-free, delicious meal.
For an easy and comforting dinner, this recipe is ideal. The beef becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, making it perfect for sandwiches, served over mashed potatoes, or enjoyed with a side of vegetables. The savory brown gravy pulls everything together for a meal that everyone will love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 pounds brisket
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1 packet dry onion soup mix
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon vinegar
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Place the brisket in the slow cooker.
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In a small bowl, combine the onion soup mix, brown sugar, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the mixture over the brisket.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Once done, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and slice it against the grain.
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Serve with the brown gravy from the slow cooker.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Gravy
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that fills your home with its rich, savory aromas and delivers tender, flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what you get with a Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Gravy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is a game-changer. It combines the irresistible tenderness of brisket, slow-cooked to perfection, with a rich and savory brown gravy that elevates the entire meal.
What Makes Slow Cooker Brisket So Special?
Brisket is a cut of beef that’s known for its rich flavor but can be tough if not cooked properly. It’s a cut that benefits from slow cooking, which allows the tough muscle fibers to break down and turn into a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This is why brisket is often slow-cooked, whether in a smoker, oven, or, as in this case, a slow cooker.
The beauty of using a slow cooker for brisket is that you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together without requiring constant attention. The low, steady heat of the slow cooker transforms the brisket into a tender, juicy masterpiece that is full of flavor. In this recipe, the brisket is paired with a luscious brown gravy that soaks into the meat, adding moisture and enhancing the overall taste.
The Flavor Profile: Savory and Rich
What truly sets this Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Gravy apart is the flavor profile. The gravy itself is savory, with a slightly sweet depth thanks to the brown sugar. Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang, while Dijon mustard and vinegar provide a hint of acidity to balance the richness. Together, these ingredients create a complex, layered flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
This combination of ingredients also allows for versatility. Depending on your personal preferences or what you have on hand, you can tweak the flavor profile by adjusting the amount of mustard, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce. The result will still be a succulent brisket smothered in a deliciously rich brown gravy.
The Convenience of the Slow Cooker
One of the main reasons people love this dish is its convenience. If you have a busy lifestyle or don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, the slow cooker comes to the rescue. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set the brisket in the slow cooker with the seasoning and gravy mixture, then let it do its thing for the next 6 to 8 hours.
During this time, the slow cooker works its magic, infusing the brisket with flavor and tenderness. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the fat and collagen in the brisket, creating a meltingly tender texture that’s perfect for slicing or shredding. There’s no need to constantly check the meat or babysit the oven; you can go about your day while your slow cooker handles the hard work.
Once the brisket is done, you simply slice or shred it and serve with the brown gravy. It’s an effortless meal that’s perfect for families, gatherings, or anyone who enjoys a satisfying home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Slow Cooker Brisket
Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Gravy is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. You can serve it in a variety of ways depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy this dish:
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With Mashed Potatoes: One of the most popular ways to enjoy brisket with gravy is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the rich gravy, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
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With Rice: For a lighter, yet equally satisfying meal, pair the brisket with fluffy white rice. The gravy will drizzle over the rice, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
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As a Sandwich: The tender brisket also makes an excellent sandwich filling. Serve it on a hearty roll or bun with some extra gravy, and you’ve got a delicious, satisfying lunch or dinner.
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With Roasted Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider serving your brisket with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. The savory meat pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
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With a Side Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter side to go with your brisket, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the beef and gravy.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover brisket (which is often the case with this dish, as it’s quite filling), you’ll be happy to know that it keeps very well. To store leftover brisket, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The gravy can also be stored separately if desired.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, there are a couple of options for reheating:
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In the Microwave: For a quick option, simply place the brisket and gravy in a microwave-safe container and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
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On the Stovetop: If you want to preserve the tenderness of the brisket, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little extra broth or water if needed to keep the gravy from getting too thick.
Brisket also freezes well if you want to save it for a later date. Wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Brisket can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as described above.
Tips for Perfect Brisket
While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to help ensure your brisket comes out perfectly every time:
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Choose the Right Brisket: When selecting your brisket, look for one with a good amount of marbling. The fat will help keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks.
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Sear the Brisket First (Optional): Some people like to sear their brisket before slow cooking it to develop a deeper flavor. If you have time, heat some oil in a skillet and brown the brisket on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker.
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Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Brisket needs time to break down and become tender, so be sure to allow the full 6-8 hours of cooking. If you cook it for too short a time, the meat may remain tough.
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Adjust the Gravy to Taste: The gravy can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you like more tang, increase the vinegar or mustard. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go and make adjustments.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Brisket with Brown Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender, flavorful meat with a rich and savory gravy that elevates the entire meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe delivers both in taste and convenience. The slow cooker makes it so easy to create a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and the brown gravy brings everything together for a satisfying and fulfilling meal.
So, the next time you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dinner, this slow-cooked brisket with brown gravy is the perfect choice. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today, and enjoy the irresistible comfort of this classic dish!