Sweet and Tangy Slow-Cooker Brisket

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
updated Mar 30, 2020
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Credit: Joe Lingeman
Meaty brisket is simmered in the slow cooker with a sweet and tangy tomatoey sauced laced with tender onions and just the right amount of spices.

Serves6 to 8

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Here’s what’s going to make this dish a future family classic: The sweet and tangy sauce laced with tender onions and just the right amount of spices, fall-apart brisket that will make the house smell incredible, and easy cooking that means you get to reap the benefits of this home-cooked meal even when your to-do list is a mile long.

Serve this with rice, couscous, or a thick chunk of bread on the side to mop the extra sauce and you will not be sorry.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Start the Sauce on the Stovetop

Made with caramelized onions and a mess of spices, this sauce is nothing short of amazing. It’s layered with sweetness from a mix of brown sugar, tomato paste, and onions, and balanced with the tang of apple cider vinegar.

Starting the onions on the stovetop gives them a chance to caramelize, brown, and take on a deeper flavor. Then the spices and tomato paste are mixed in to bloom. Once the pan is deglazed with broth, the flavors begin to meld together before even hitting the slow cooker so you know that a few hours later, you’ll have a meaty masterpiece just waiting to hit the dinner plate.

Sweet & Tangy Slow-Cooker Brisket

Meaty brisket is simmered in the slow cooker with a sweet and tangy tomatoey sauced laced with tender onions and just the right amount of spices.

Serves 6 to 8

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons

    canola or vegetable oil

  • 2

    large sweet onions, thinly sliced

  • 1

    (6-ounce) can tomato paste

  • 4

    cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons

    ground paprika

  • 2 teaspoons

    dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon

    onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt, plus more for the meat

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper, plus more for the meat

  • 1 cup

    low-sodium beef broth

  • 1 cup

    apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 cup

    packed light brown sugar

  • 1

    (3-pound) beef brisket (preferably flat cut)

Instructions

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  1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown and char in some spots, about 8 minutes.

  2. Add the tomato paste, garlic, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and tomato paste, and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Deglaze the pan with 1 cup of the broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the vinegar and sugar and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

  3. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the brisket in the slow cooker fat-side down.

  4. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. The brisket is done when it easily shreds when pulled, but it shouldn't be falling apart.

  5. Transfer the brisket to a clean cutting board. If desired, use a spoon to scrape the fat cap off. Now you can slice and serve the brisket immediately with the sauce.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: The brisket can be cooked up to 3 days in advance. Store the brisket and onions covered with the sauce, in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage: Leftovers keep well for up to 1 week. Store the beef covered in sauce to keep the meat moist.