Crockpot Smoky BBQ Brisket

There’s something magical about the aroma of barbecue wafting through the air, signaling the arrival of a hearty, comforting meal. And when it comes to barbecue, few things are as satisfying as a tender, smoky brisket cooked to perfection. But who has the time to tend to a smoker for hours on end? Fear not, because I have the perfect solution for you: Slow Cooker Smoky BBQ Brisket. With just a little bit of prep and the magic of a crockpot, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth brisket without the hassle.

Ingredients: Before we dive into the method, let’s gather our ingredients:

For the Brisket:

• 4-5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup homemade barbecue sauce (recipe below)

For the Spice Rub:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 tsp each: garlic powder, salt
• 1 tsp each: onion powder, chipotle powder, pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)

For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup seedless blackberry preserves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon reserved Spice Rub
• 1 tablespoon mesquite liquid smoke (optional but recommended)

Directions: Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Spray a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Trim the brisket of excess fat, rinse, and pat dry. If needed, slice the brisket in half to fit into the slow cooker.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the Spice Rub ingredients. Set aside 1 tablespoon for the barbecue sauce.
5. Rub the remaining Spice Rub evenly over the brisket and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 425 degrees F to sear.
6. While the brisket is searing, combine all the Barbecue Sauce ingredients, including the reserved Spice Rub, and whisk together. Reserve ½ cup of the sauce to use in the slow cooker.
7. Carefully transfer the seared brisket to the slow cooker. Add the reserved barbecue sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef bouillon.
8. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until the brisket is very tender, flipping it halfway through.
9. Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush it with barbecue sauce and broil for 5-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.
10. Warm the remaining barbecue sauce to serve alongside the brisket.
11. Slice the brisket across the grain or chop it as desired. Serve with the warmed barbecue sauce, or use it to make sandwiches.

Conclusion: With just a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of barbecue brisket without spending hours tending to a smoker. This Slow Cooker Smoky BBQ Brisket is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for any occasion. So fire up that crockpot, sit back, and let the magic happen. Your taste buds will thank you!

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