Slow Cooker Cranberry Beef Brisket Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Beef Brisket is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. The tangy cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the tender, slow-cooked brisket, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs beef brisket
• 1 can (16 oz) cranberry sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the brisket evenly with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Step 2: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
3. Step 3: Lay the seasoned brisket on top of the onions and garlic.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and beef broth, then pour the mixture over the brisket.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the brisket is fork-tender.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, remove the brisket and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. Step 7: Serve the sliced brisket with the cranberry sauce from the slow cooker spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cranberry sauce mixture.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover brisket and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen brisket for this recipe?

It’s best to use a thawed brisket for even cooking in the slow cooker. If using frozen, allow extra cooking time and ensure the meat reaches a safe temperature.

What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?

If you don’t have cranberry sauce, a mixture of cranberry juice and a bit of sugar or another tart fruit preserve like cherry or raspberry can work as a substitute.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Beef Brisket Recipe

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4.4 from 72 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Beef Brisket is a tender and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. The beef brisket is slow-cooked with a savory blend of herbs, garlic, onions, and a tangy cranberry sauce that enhances the meat’s rich flavors, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Brisket

• 3–4 lbs beef brisket

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 can (16 oz) cranberry sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions

1. Season the Brisket: Pat the beef brisket dry and season it evenly on all sides with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary to infuse the meat with a fragrant herbal flavor.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that will enhance the meat as it cooks.
3. Position the Brisket: Lay the seasoned brisket directly on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker, allowing the meat to absorb the flavors as it cooks.
4. Mix and Pour Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cranberry sauce with the beef broth until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the brisket, ensuring it is fully covered to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the brisket on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and easy to shred with a fork.
6. Rest the Meat: Once cooked, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making it juicier when sliced.
7. Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain and serve it with the cranberry sauce from the slow cooker spooned over the top for a perfect finish.

Notes

• For best results, choose a brisket that is well-marbled for tenderness.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the brisket after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until reduced to your desired consistency.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: slow cooker brisket, cranberry beef brisket, slow cooked beef, holiday brisket recipe, cranberry sauce beef