Crock Pot Brisket: Paula Deen's Recipe For Succulent Meat

how to cook brisket in crock pot paula deen

Slow cooker brisket is a classic, comforting dish that fills your home with a delightful aroma. The best part about it is that it's an easy, low-effort recipe with a high reward. There are many ways to cook brisket in a slow cooker, and celebrity chef Paula Deen has her own secrets to making meals memorable. Deen's Texas Oven-Roasted Beef Brisket recipe involves a dry rub of spices and seasonings, while other recipes call for an onion soup mix seasoning, which is said to be a game-changer. The key to a good slow cooker brisket is in the timing—it should be easy to pull apart but not falling apart. Whether served with a rich gravy, BBQ sauce, or on pita bread, this hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Characteristics Values
Recipe Slow-Cooker Beer Brisket
Cook time 6-8 hours
Ingredients brisket, onion soup mix, sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, stock, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, beef broth
Instructions 1. Combine soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl
2. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the brisket and rub it into the meat
3. Place the meat, fat side down, into a slow cooker
4. Place the thyme, garlic, and bay leaves on top of the brisket
5. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion
6. Whisk together the stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch in a measuring cup
7. Pour the liquid into the slow cooker
8. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or low for 8 hours
9. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board
10. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve

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Seasoning and spices

Another option is to use an onion soup mix seasoning, which can be a real game-changer. Combine the soup mix with sugar, salt, and pepper, and sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the brisket, rubbing it into the meat. You can then place the brisket, fat side down, into the crock pot.

To add even more flavour, place some thyme sprigs, garlic, and bay leaves directly on top of the brisket. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion to the crock pot, placing them on top of the brisket. For a rich gravy, you can add some beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, and tomato paste to the crock pot.

If you're looking for a sweet and savoury dish, you can try an apricot glaze by combining apricot jam with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Brush this glaze over the brisket before placing it in the crock pot.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your perfect combination!

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Vegetables to include

Vegetables are an essential component of a well-rounded meal and can add flavour, texture, and nutritional value to a dish. When it comes to cooking brisket in a crock pot, Paula Deen-style, here are some vegetables that you can include:

Onions: Onions are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of ways. In this dish, they can be placed at the bottom of the crock pot, providing a flavourful base for the brisket to cook on. You can also slice or chop them to your desired size and scatter them on top of the brisket to avoid overcooking. Onion soup mix can also be used as a seasoning to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Carrots: Carrots are a sweet and crunchy vegetable that can add a pop of colour and a healthy boost to your meal. Cut them into chunks or slices and place them around the brisket in the crock pot. Carrots pair well with the rich gravy that is often served with brisket.

Potatoes: Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that can be a comforting and filling addition to your meal. They can be cut into chunks or wedges and tucked around the brisket in the crock pot. Potatoes absorb the flavours of the dish and can be a delicious side when served with the cooked gravy.

Celery: Celery is a crisp and refreshing vegetable that can add a touch of freshness to your dish. It can be chopped and placed in the crock pot with the other vegetables. Celery has a subtle flavour that complements the heartiness of the brisket.

Other Root Vegetables: In addition to the vegetables mentioned above, you can also include other root vegetables of your choice. Beets, turnips, and parsnips are just a few examples of root vegetables that can be prepared and cooked in a similar way to the carrots and potatoes in this dish.

Sides: If you're looking for side dishes to serve with your crock pot brisket, there are several options that can complement the meal. You can serve classic sides like baked beans, cornbread, creamy corn casserole, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or potato salad. These sides add variety to your meal and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Remember, when cooking the vegetables with the brisket in the crock pot, it's important to ensure they are not overcooked. Place them on top of the brisket or around it, being mindful of the cooking times and temperatures provided in the crock pot brisket recipe you are following.

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Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a crock pot brisket can vary depending on the weight of the brisket and the desired level of doneness. It's important to note that brisket should not be served rare or undercooked, as it will be tough.

For a 1.5 kg / 3 lb brisket, cook on high for 4.5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. For a 2 kg / 4 lb brisket, cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. If you prefer your brisket well done, you may need to cook it for closer to 8 hours on low.

For larger cuts of brisket, such as a 2.5 - 3 kg / 5 - 6 lb brisket, it's recommended to cook it for 10 hours on low. This will ensure that the brisket is tender and easy to pull apart, but not falling apart.

Some recipes suggest cooking the brisket on high for 6 hours or low for 8-9 hours, but this may vary depending on the size and thickness of the brisket.

It's important to remember that slow cookers reduce the chances of overcooking, but it's always a good idea to check the brisket's progress and adjust the cooking time as needed. The brisket should be tender and easy to slice or shred, but not falling apart.

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Meat preparation

To prepare the meat, start by combining the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. The exact ingredients will vary depending on the recipe you are following. For example, one recipe suggests combining soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper, while another recommends a rub of chili powder, salt, garlic and onion powders, black pepper, sugar, dry mustard, and bay leaf. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the brisket and rub it into the meat.

Next, place the seasoned brisket in the crock pot, fat side down. This is because the heat comes from below, so placing the fat cap side down helps to keep the meat moist. Place the thyme sprigs, garlic, and bay leaves on top of the brisket. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion, placing them on top of the brisket to avoid overcooking.

At this point, you can add liquid to the crock pot. One recipe suggests whisking together stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch, then pouring this into the slow cooker. Another option is to deglaze a pan with beef broth and add ketchup, brown sugar, and tomato paste to create a sauce, which is then poured over the onions and brisket.

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. The brisket is done when it is tender and can be easily pulled apart or shredded, but it should not be falling apart. Remove the brisket from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board, fat cap side up. Remove and discard any herbs, such as thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Allow the brisket to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

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Serving suggestions

Slow-cooked brisket is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for a Sunday supper or a holiday dinner. Here are some serving suggestions for a delicious and memorable meal:

Vegetables and Sides

Serve the brisket with a range of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. You can cook these alongside the meat in the crockpot, infusing them with the rich flavours of the broth. For a true comfort food experience, serve mashed potatoes on the side.

If you're looking for something a little lighter, opt for a fresh and creamy coleslaw. You can also offer a variety of salads, such as macaroni salad or a potato salad. For a more Southern-style supper, include sides like baked beans, cornbread, or cornbread muffins.

Breads

Brisket goes well with various types of bread. Try serving it on soft rolls, brioche buns, or pita bread. For a heartier option, offer dinner rolls or sliders.

Sauces and Gravy

The broth or gravy from the crockpot can be served alongside the brisket as a rich and flavourful sauce. Alternatively, you can offer a BBQ sauce, which pairs perfectly with the meat. If you're feeling adventurous, make a beer-based sauce by stirring together ale and tomato paste until smooth, then adding onion and other ingredients of your choice.

Leftovers

Brisket leftovers are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Slice the meat for sandwiches or lunch wraps, or use it as a filling for sliders or pita bread with hummus. You can also reheat the brisket gently in a covered dish in the oven, making it perfect for potluck suppers and dinner parties.

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Frequently asked questions

A flat cut of brisket is best, with a thick fat layer on top.

For best results, cook on a low heat setting for 8-10 hours.

Preheat your oven to 325-350 °F.

Brisket goes well with potatoes, carrots, onions, and other root vegetables. It can also be served in pita bread or on sliders.

Season the brisket with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch to the crock pot for extra flavor.

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