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Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket with Bourbon BBQ Sauce

A tender and flavorful beef brisket slow-cooked in a rich bourbon barbecue sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs beef brisket Look for one with good marbling for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup bourbon Try to use a mid-range quality for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup beef stock Consider using low-sodium beef stock for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Homemade or your favorite store-bought.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket to ensure a leaner dish. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, pressing it into the meat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and crusty.
Mix Sauce
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the bourbon, beef stock, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir until mixed well.
Slow Cook
  1. Transfer the brisket to a slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the brisket is well coated. Cover and cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Serve
  1. Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and serve hot.

Notes

Allowing the brisket to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute. This dish can be made ahead and reheated for optimal flavor.