Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe

I’ve made the Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Brisket countless times, and it never fails to be a hit at my table.

The key to this recipe is patience; slow cooking the brisket on low heat makes it unbelievably tender.

I love the simplicity of the preparation.

Just a few minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest of the work.

One tip:

Don’t skip the step of trimming the fat cap—it locks in moisture and flavor.

What I adore about this recipe is its foolproof method for a succulent, savory brisket every time.

It’s the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special, yet it’s so easy to prepare.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe

Preparing a tender brisket in your slow cooker is simple and rewarding.

This method allows the brisket to slowly simmer in its juices, making it particularly flavorful and tender.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 pound) brisket, with fat cap
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• A dash of liquid smoke (optional)
• Fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (for glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by trimming the fat cap on your brisket to about 1/4 inch thick to retain moisture while cooking.

Step 2:

Create a rub by combining brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Step 3:

Apply the onion soup mix and your rub generously on both sides of the brisket.

Step 4:

Place the brisket fat cap side down in your slow cooker.

Step 5:

Scatter minced garlic, sliced red onions, thyme, and bay leaves over and around the brisket.

Step 6:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and liquid smoke if using.

Step 7:

Pour this flavorful liquid over the brisket in the slow cooker.

Step 8:

Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours; remember, the longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes.

Layering Flavors

Through each step, you’re layering flavors to build that hearty, sumptuous taste only slow-cooking brisket can provide.

Tips and Tricks to Making This Recipe

• Always slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4-5 hours is an option, though the slow and low method is preferable for a more tender brisket.

Checking Doneness

• Use a fork to test the brisket; if it easily falls apart, it’s done.
• For a thicker glaze, brush the brisket with barbecue sauce during the last hour of cooking.

Glaze for the Finish

• This step adds a caramelized layer to your already juicy brisket.
• Don’t discard the cooked onions; they can be puréed with some cooking liquid and a splash of milk to make a delicious sauce to accompany the beef.

Sauce from Leftovers

Repurposing the flavors left in your slow cooker ensures every bit of this meal is savored.

Serving Suggestions

 

When you’ve spent hours slow cooking a brisket to perfection, choosing the right side dishes can turn your meal into a memorable feast.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket

Your brisket will be tender and flavorful, practically melting in your mouth, which means you want sides that complement that richness without overshadowing it.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for brisket.

They soak up the brisket’s juices and gravy beautifully.

Gravy

A homemade gravy made from the brisket drippings is a must.

It adds an extra layer of flavor that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

Vegetables

Steamed or roasted vegetables lighten the meal.

Choose seasonal veggies for the freshest taste and a splash of color on your plate.

Baked Beans

Baked beans add a comforting, home-cooked feel.

The sweetness balances the savory notes of the brisket.

Other Side Dishes

Think about texture when selecting additional sides.

A crispy salad or some crunchy bread can add a delightful contrast to the soft brisket and potatoes.

Variations and Substitutions

 

When you’re making this brisket, sometimes you’ll need to switch things around, and that’s perfectly fine.

If you don’t have beef consommé on hand, a good homemade beef broth will add just as much flavorful depth to your dish.

I’ve found that using a kosher brisket tends to improve the overall taste due to its quality and preparation.

Beef Broth

A simple swap like beef broth can save your brisket if you’re out of consommé.

Kosher Meat

Consider a kosher brisket for a richer flavor profile.

Sometimes, you might want to turn your brisket into a pot roast, and for that, you’ll want to add more vegetables.

Vegetables for Pot Roast

Throw in carrots, onions, and potatoes to suit that pot roast craving.

Deglazing the pan after browning your brisket can add another layer of flavor.

Deglaze for Depth

Just use a bit of red wine or broth, scrape up those tasty bits, and pour it all over the brisket in the slow cooker.

If you’re in a pickle, using a store-bought BBQ sauce can come to your rescue instead of making your own.

Remember, these substitutions may slightly alter the taste, but they’re all fantastic ways to add your personal touch to this recipe!

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket

When you’ve had your fill of the succulent Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket, storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying it later.

You’ll want to make sure the brisket cools down before you tuck it away in the refrigerator.

Wrap your leftover brisket tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.

The brisket should be stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which generally means the bottom shelf.

Refrigeration Life

Leftover brisket kept in the refrigerator can stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days.

Be mindful to keep the beef stock from the slow cooker, as it will help keep the brisket moist when reheating.

Reheating Leftovers

When you’re ready to reheat, simply place the refrigerated brisket in a baking dish.

Pour the retained beef stock over the brisket to prevent it from drying out.

Cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through.

Extra Tips

For a quick meal, you can chop the leftover brisket and add it to stews, sandwiches, or tacos.

Remember, if at any point your leftover brisket doesn’t smell or look right, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen a lot of folks throw a brisket in the slow cooker without pre-browning it.

Trust me, browning your brisket in a pan before slow cooking brings out so much flavor.

Don’t skip this crucial step.

Over Seasoning

Be careful not to overdo it with the beef broth and barbecue sauce.

Your brisket will naturally release juices while it cooks, so too much liquid can lead to a bland result.

I like to lightly season the beef and let the slow cooker do the rest.

Excessive Heat

Cooking on high might seem like a time-saver, but it’s not the way to go.

“Low and slow” is your mantra for a tender, flavorful brisket.

Underutilizing Onions

Onions do wonders for the cooking liquid.

They add a natural sweetness and depth to the brisket.

Slice them up and let them work their magic at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Thickening Troubles

Don’t toss cornstarch directly into the slow cooker.

If you’re looking to thicken your sauce, mix the cornstarch with water first to make a slurry.

This will prevent any clumping and give you a smooth, glossy sauce perfect for sandwiches.

Remember, patience is key and the details matter.

Enjoy your cooking!