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Tender Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe with Coffee Rub and Beer Braise Made Easy

slow cooker brisket - featured image

A flavorful and tender slow cooker brisket featuring a unique coffee dry rub and beer braise that creates a rich crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for fuss-free, hearty meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, preferably flat cut
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground dark roast coffee
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces craft beer or dark lager
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Pickled jalapeños or mustard on the side (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Trim and pat dry the brisket, removing silver skin and excess fat but leaving about ¼ inch for flavor.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the coffee dry rub.
  3. Generously coat the entire brisket with the coffee rub, pressing it into the meat. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature if time allows.
  4. Optional: Sear the brisket in a hot skillet or cast iron pan with a bit of oil for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  5. In the slow cooker, pour in the beer, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smashed garlic cloves, and sliced onion. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Place the brisket fat side up in the slow cooker liquid. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until fork-tender.
  7. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Slice the brisket thinly against the grain and serve with braising liquid or reduced sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use finely ground coffee for best rub texture; searing the brisket before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but is optional. Resting the brisket after cooking helps redistribute juices. If brisket is not tender enough, cook for an additional hour. Keep an eye on liquid level and add broth or beer if it reduces too much. Reduce braising liquid on stove for a thicker sauce if desired.

Nutrition

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