When it comes to hearty, soul-satisfying meals, few dishes beat a tender brisket slow-cooked to perfection. Add a luscious, savory rich gravy, and you have a dish that’s not just dinner — it’s an experience.
This Easy Crockpot Brisket with Rich Gravy recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, lazy Sundays, or special occasions when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Set it, forget it, and prepare to be amazed by the melt-in-your-mouth texture and mouthwatering aroma filling your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
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Effortless: Your slow cooker does 90% of the work.
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Deep Flavor: Slow cooking allows the spices, broth, and brisket to develop rich, layered flavors.
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Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even tucked into a crusty sandwich roll.
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Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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3–4 pounds beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 large onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
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2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the Brisket
Pat your brisket dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Rub this spice mix generously all over the brisket.
2. Sear for Flavor (Optional, but recommended)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides until nicely browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
3. Layer the Crockpot
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a “bed” for the brisket and infuses the dish with incredible flavor.
4. Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture over the brisket in the crockpot.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook:
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On LOW for 8–10 hours
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Or on HIGH for 4–5 hours
The brisket is ready when it’s fork-tender and shreds easily.
6. Make the Gravy
Once the brisket is cooked, transfer it carefully to a cutting board and tent it with foil to keep warm.
Pour the cooking juices into a saucepan (straining out the onions if you prefer a smoother gravy). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering juices and cook until thickened into a rich, glossy gravy.
7. Slice and Serve
Slice the brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. Spoon that luxurious gravy generously over the meat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Skip the Sear: While technically optional, searing really deepens the flavor.
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Cook Low and Slow: Low heat for longer is ideal for the most tender, flavorful brisket.
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Let It Rest: Allow the brisket to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
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Adjust the Gravy: For a thicker gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry; for a thinner one, add a bit more broth.
Serving Suggestions ️
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Over creamy mashed potatoes
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With buttery egg noodles
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On a toasted French roll for the ultimate brisket sandwich
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Alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans
Pair it with a glass of robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, for a truly elegant meal.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Leftover brisket can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze brisket slices and gravy separately for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Warm brisket in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil and a little extra broth or gravy to keep it moist.
Why Crockpot Brisket is a Game-Changer
Busy days often leave little room for complicated dinners. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker shines. With this Easy Crockpot Brisket with Rich Gravy, you get all the benefits of slow cooking — tenderness, flavor, and heartiness — with just a few simple steps.
Each bite is a perfect blend of savory beef, aromatic herbs, and that silky gravy that clings lovingly to every slice. It’s comfort food at its finest, without the stress or mess of traditional slow-roasting methods.
