Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

### Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Brisket**
Start by preparing the brisket. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear on the meat. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it’s well coated.

**Step 2: Sear the Brisket (Optional)**
Although this step is optional, it adds an extra layer of flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it develops a rich brown crust. This will enhance the taste and give the brisket a beautiful color once cooked. After searing, transfer the brisket to the slow cooker.

**Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, depending on whether you prefer a tangier or sweeter sauce. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the brisket in the slow cooker, making sure it’s fully covered.

**Step 4: Slow Cook the Brisket**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Let the brisket cook for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but low and slow really brings out the best flavors.

**Step 5: Shred and Serve**
Once the brisket is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. You can shred the brisket with two forks or slice it against the grain for a more traditional BBQ presentation.

**Step 6: Serve with Extra BBQ Sauce**
Serve the brisket with a generous drizzle of the leftover BBQ sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish. Pair with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

### Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

– **Choose the Right Cut:** Brisket comes in two main cuts—flat and point. The flat cut is leaner and cooks faster, while the point cut has more marbling and tends to be juicier and more flavorful. Either cut works well for this recipe, but the point cut is often preferred for its tenderness.

– **Don’t Rush the Slow Cooking:** The beauty of brisket lies in its slow cooking. The long cooking time allows the fat to render out, making the meat incredibly tender. Resist the urge to rush it!

– **Adjust the BBQ Sauce:** If you like your brisket spicier or sweeter, feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce ingredients. Adding extra brown sugar will make it sweeter, while more hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce can bring an added kick of flavor.

– **Rest the Meat:** Let the brisket rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing or shredding. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures your brisket stays moist.

– **Leftovers:** Leftover brisket can be used in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

### Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

This **Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce** is a surefire crowd-pleaser that delivers all the tender, smoky goodness of a classic BBQ without the need for a smoker or grill. The slow cooking method ensures that every bite is juicy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Plus, the BBQ sauce gives it that perfect tangy and sweet flavor that everyone craves.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a comforting meal to enjoy, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s effortless, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!

**Enjoy your tender, flavorful brisket!**