Beef Brisket: Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket

Ingredients:

• 4 to 5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)

1. Season the brisket:
   Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if using. This creates a flavorful crust and layers of seasoning.
2. Sear the brisket:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned. This step locks in flavor and adds rich caramelization.
3. Prepare the slow cooker:
   Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a bed for the brisket.
4. Add the brisket:
   Transfer the seared brisket on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
5. Mix the sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the brisket.
6. Cook low and slow:
   Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
7. Rest and slice:
   Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin slices for maximum tenderness.
8. Serve with sauce:
   Spoon some of the cooking juices and BBQ sauce over the sliced brisket for extra flavor. Serve with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

• For deeper flavor, prepare the brisket a day ahead, allowing it to marinate overnight in the sauce in the refrigerator.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the brisket after cooking and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop to reduce.
• Leftover brisket makes fantastic sandwiches or tacos.