Tender Crock Pot Brisket (Printer-Friendly)

Slow-cooked brisket with a spicy dry rub and tangy barbecue glaze for tender, flavorful meat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Brisket

01 - 4.5 to 5 pound beef brisket (flat cut)

→ Liquid and Sauce

02 - 1 cup beef broth
03 - 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
04 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided

→ Dry Rub

05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
08 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
15 - 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the base of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke if desired.
02 - Combine all dry rub spices thoroughly in a bowl until uniform.
03 - Generously coat the entire brisket with approximately 1/3 cup of the dry rub mixture, ensuring even coverage.
04 - Place the brisket into the slow cooker with the fat side facing upward. Brush about half of the barbecue sauce over the top of the brisket evenly.
05 - Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
06 - Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet. Brush with the remaining barbecue sauce and broil on high for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown crust forms.
07 - Let the brisket rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain using a sharp knife for tender pieces.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Broiling after slow cooking enhances texture and flavor by adding a caramelized crust.
02 - Seasoning the brisket the night before and refrigerating allows deeper flavor penetration.
03 - The brisket is done when a fork can easily pull the meat apart, indicating fork tenderness.
04 - Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2-3 months with proper wrapping.
05 - Reheat slowly in a 350°F oven with juices to maintain moisture.