If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare beef brisket, this Slow Cooker Beef Brisket recipe is sure to impress. With bold flavors from pasilla and guajillo peppers, a hint of smokiness from chipotle, and a rich broth base, this dish is tender, juicy, and full of layers of flavor. It’s the perfect meal for busy days when you want something comforting and hearty with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with vegetables, tacos, or on a sandwich, this brisket will be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
- 2 large dried pasilla-ancho chile pods, stemmed, seeded, and soaked
- 2 large dried guajillo peppers, stemmed, seeded, and soaked
- 1 large red onion, roughly chopped
- 4-5 lb (1.8-2.3 kg) beef brisket or chuck roast
- Ground Himalayan sea salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I recommend using a mix of peppercorns)
- 4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, or as needed
- 6 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chipotle purée
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chipotle chili pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground cumin
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) dried Mexican oregano (or substitute with regular oregano)
- 1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) low-sodium beef broth, divided
Yield: 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg) brisket
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Method: Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
- Place the dried pasilla-ancho and guajillo peppers in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak the peppers for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, spread the chopped onions on the bottom of the slow cooker and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Once the oil is hot, place the brisket in the pan and sear it on all sides for about 1 ½ minutes per side. Transfer the brisket to the slow cooker and place it on top of the onions. Set aside.
- In a blender, combine the soaked peppers, garlic, chipotle purée, lime juice, chipotle chili pepper, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar. Blend for 30 seconds, then slowly pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of beef broth and blend until smooth, scraping the sides of the blender as needed.
- Pour the sauce over the brisket, spreading it to cover the meat. Pour the remaining beef broth around the brisket in the slow cooker. Close the lid and cook on High for 6 hours or on Low for 9 hours. Once the cooking time is complete, serve the brisket immediately or proceed with your desired recipe.
This Slow Cooker Beef Brisket is a simple yet flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of smoky chipotle, rich beef broth, and tender brisket results in a meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides, over rice, or as a filling for tacos or sandwiches. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—it’s the perfect solution for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to be a hit every time you make it.
