Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with Rich Tobacco Glaze Recipe
This slow-cooked beef brisket recipe delivers tender, flavorful meat infused with a blend of smoky and savory spices. Seared to perfection and slow-cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and a rich broth-based gravy, this dish is ideal for comforting family meals or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours (slow cooker low) or 3.5 to 4.5 hours (oven bake)
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker) or 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 50 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) beef brisket, fat cap trimmed to about 1/4 inch
- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 1/2 tsp liquid smoke or 1 tsp espresso powder for depth
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and trim the fat cap to about 1/4 inch thickness. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, and dried thyme. Rub this spice mixture all over the brisket, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
- Sear the Brisket: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it develops a deep, caramelized brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds depth to the final dish. Transfer the seared brisket to your slow cooker or a Dutch oven if using the oven method.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the pan to incorporate flavor. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds a savory base for the sauce.
- Create and Add the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1 minute to meld flavors. Pour this sauce over the brisket in the slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add the bay leaves and, if desired, the optional liquid smoke or espresso powder for added depth.
- Slow Cook the Brisket: For the slow cooker method, cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 5 to 6 hours until the brisket is fork-tender. If using the oven method, cover the Dutch oven tightly and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. The slow cooking process breaks down connective tissue, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- Rest and Prepare the Gravy: Once cooked, transfer the brisket onto a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes to redistribute juices. Strain the cooking liquid to remove solids and discard the bay leaves. Reduce the strained liquid over medium heat on the stovetop for 8 to 12 minutes until it thickens to a glossy, flavorful gravy.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces or shred it if preferred. Serve the meat warm, topped with the rich onion gravy for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Trimming the fat cap to about 1/4 inch prevents the brisket from becoming overly greasy while keeping it moist.
- Searing the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor through caramelization.
- You can use a Dutch oven and oven-bake if a slow cooker is unavailable, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Adding liquid smoke or espresso powder intensifies the smoky and savory flavors but is optional.
- Leftover brisket can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to slice brisket against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Keywords: beef brisket, slow cooker brisket, slow cooked beef, comfort food, braised brisket, family dinner, hearty meal
