Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich

Featured in Tasty Evening Meals.

Slow-cooked BBQ brisket sandwich with homemade smoky rub. Takes 7-8 hours on low, makes 6 sandwiches. Serve with pickles, onions, or slaw.
Clare Greco
Updated on Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:46:25 GMT
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Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly tender brisket sandwich, dripping with smoky BBQ sauce. This slow cooker version brings Texas-style BBQ right to your kitchen, transforming a humble cut of beef into something truly special through low-and-slow cooking.

Just last weekend, I served these at a family gathering, and my uncle, who's usually a BBQ purist, asked for the recipe. That's when I knew this slow cooker version was something special.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Brisket flat: Choose a well-marbled piece for the best flavor
  • Homemade BBQ rub: The secret to that authentic bark
  • Quality BBQ sauce: Make your own or choose a Texas-style sauce
  • Fresh burger buns: Look for ones that can handle the juicy meat
  • Classic toppings: Dill pickles and red onions are non-negotiable
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Detailed Instructions

Rub Creation
Mix those warm spices together - the brown sugar and smoked paprika create magic.
Meat Preparation
Massage that rub into every nook and cranny of your brisket. Don't be shy with it.
Low and Slow
Let your crockpot transform that tough cut into tender, juicy perfection.
Resting Period
Give your meat time to rest - this keeps all those precious juices inside.
Perfect Assembly
Layer your meat on a toasted bun, add your toppings, and finish with an extra sauce drizzle.

Back in my Texas days, I learned that letting the brisket cool slightly before shredding gives you those perfect, juicy strands instead of mushy meat. Now everyone asks how I get the texture just right.

Topping Tales

Load these beauties up Texas-style with tangy dill pickles and thin-sliced red onions. For a creamy twist, add homemade coleslaw right on top. Pickled jalapeños bring that authentic Southwest heat that makes everything better.

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside classic potato salad - the creamy, tangy side perfectly complements the smoky meat. A scoop of baked beans adds that traditional BBQ joint feel. For something lighter, crisp green beans with bacon bring freshness to the plate.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftover brisket in its juices - this keeps it moist and flavorful for up to four days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of beef broth or extra BBQ sauce to maintain that perfect texture.

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Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich | recipesbyclare.com

Sauce Strategy

Keep some extra BBQ sauce warm for serving. I like offering both a spicy and sweet option so everyone can customize their sandwich just right.

After years of playing with this recipe, I've learned that great BBQ is about patience and respect for the meat. While it might not be traditional pit BBQ, this slow cooker version brings that same comfort and satisfaction to your table without the 12-hour smoke. Sometimes the simplest methods give us the most satisfying results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What BBQ sauce works best?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like - sweet, spicy, or smoky varieties all work well with the homemade rub.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cook the brisket a day ahead and reheat slowly. It often tastes even better the next day.
→ Should I slice or shred the brisket?
Both work well - shred for a pulled-style sandwich, or slice thinly against the grain for a more traditional presentation.
→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slowly with extra BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist. Use a microwave or covered pan on low heat.
→ What toppings go best with this?
Classic toppings include pickles, sliced onions, and coleslaw. Extra BBQ sauce is always welcome.

BBQ Brisket Sandwich

Tender slow-cooked brisket with smoky spice rub and BBQ sauce, served on soft buns with your favorite toppings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
420 Minutes
Total Time
435 Minutes

Category: Evening Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 ½ lb Beef Brisket
02 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce
03 6 burger buns

→ Smokey BBQ Dry Rub

04 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
05 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 teaspoon salt
09 1 teaspoon pepper

→ Optional Toppings

10 Pickles
11 Sliced onions
12 Coleslaw
13 Extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

Step 01

Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce into your slow cooker.

Step 02

Mix together the spices for the Smokey BBQ Rub. Rub the seasoning all over the brisket. Add the brisket to the slow cooker.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Step 04

Remove the brisket from slow cooker and let the meat rest for 10 minutes. Either shred the meat or slice it thinly.

Notes

  1. You can use any favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe.
  2. The brisket can be either shredded or sliced, depending on your preference.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl for rub
  • Sharp knife or two forks for shredding

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (burger buns)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 44 g