Name: Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Ingredients: 1 oz. envelope onion soup mix; 1 tbsp. light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper; 1 piece of beef brisket (3 lb, flat cut); 8 fresh thyme sprigs; 8 whole garlic cloves; 2 bay leaves; 1 lb. carrots, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 lb. golden baby potatoes; 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges; 2 1/2 cups beef stock; 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp. cornstarch

This delicious Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket is prepared using beef brisket, carrots, baby potatoes, celery, and onion. This savory Slow Cooker Brisket recipe is a hearty dinner that takes about 8 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket Ingredients

1 oz. envelope onion soup mix
1 tbsp. light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 piece of beef brisket (3 lb, flat cut)
8 fresh thyme sprigs
8 whole garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1 lb. carrots, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb. golden baby potatoes
3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges
2 1/2 cups beef stock
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. cornstarch

How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket

Prepare the Seasoning: Combine the onion soup mix, brown sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Ensure the brisket is dry, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Position the seasoned brisket fat-side down in a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker. Scatter the thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, and bay leaves directly over the meat.
Arrange the Vegetables: Evenly distribute the carrots, baby potatoes, celery, and onion wedges around and on top of the brisket in the slow cooker.
Create the Cooking Liquid: In a separate cup, dissolve the cornstarch in the Worcestershire sauce before whisking this mixture into the beef stock until smooth. Pour this liquid evenly over the brisket and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook the Brisket: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for about 8 hours. The brisket is properly cooked when it is tender enough to be sliced easily but still retains its shape.
Serve the Brisket: Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Trim off and discard the fat cap. Slice the meat against the grain. Serve hot, accompanied by the vegetables, and spooned with the rich gravy from the slow cooker.

Recipe Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your brisket is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature should reach around 195°F (90°C).
Deglaze the Pot: After removing the brisket, deglaze the slow cooker with a bit of beef stock. This step helps to incorporate all the flavorful bits into the gravy.
Rest the Brisket: Allow the brisket to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains moist.
Thicken the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin after cooking, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until reduced to your desired consistency.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist on the traditional thyme flavor.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe

What To Serve With Brisket

Serve your hearty Slow Cooker Brisket with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, steamed green beans, cauliflower rice, and a quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal.

You can also pair it with a kale and apple slaw or a wild rice pilaf to keep things interesting.

How To Store Brisket Leftovers

To Refrigerate: Place leftover brisket in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the brisket is covered with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

To Freeze: Slow Cooker Brisket can be frozen in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Store it with some of the cooking liquid to help maintain moisture. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Brisket Leftovers

In The Oven: Place the leftover brisket in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Add a few tablespoons of broth or water to prevent drying out.

In The Microwave: Reheat slices of brisket on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for 2-3 minutes on high power. Check periodically to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

In The Air Fryer: Reheat the brisket in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. This method helps to preserve the meat’s moisture while restoring a bit of its crispy edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook the brisket if I prefer it very tender?

For a very tender brisket, extend the cooking time in your slow cooker by an hour or two beyond the standard recommendation, monitoring until it reaches the desired tenderness.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Brisket ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Brisket ahead of time. Cook it fully, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving, which also allows flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I do if my brisket is too dry?

If your brisket turns out to be too dry, try slicing it thinly and reheating it with some of the cooking broth. This can help rehydrate the meat and restore moisture.