I can’t tell you how much joy this Crockpot Barbecue Brisket Sandwiches Recipe has brought to our family dinners. The meat comes out so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, and the smoky, sweet barbecue sauce is the perfect complement.

I love putting the brisket into the slow cooker in the morning and coming back hours later to a house filled with that amazing barbecue aroma. These sandwiches are perfect for everything from a comforting weekend dinner to a game-day crowd-pleaser.

Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make, which is always a win in my book. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become a regular on your menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The Crockpot Barbecue Brisket Sandwiches recipe shines for so many reasons. Here are four that will make you want to bookmark this right away.

It’s Seriously Easy to Make

There’s almost no hands-on work here. You sear the brisket, whip up a quick barbecue sauce, and then the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a rookie in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These brisket sandwiches work just as well for a laid-back family meal as they do for hosting a big party. Pair them with coleslaw or pickles, and you’ve got something both adults and kids will adore.

Customizable to Your Taste

From the level of sweetness in the barbecue sauce to the type of buns you use, this recipe is easily adjustable. You can add extra spices to amp up the heat or stick with the original recipe for a balanced flavor.

It’ll Feed a Crowd

With 3-4 pounds of brisket, this recipe yields a generous amount of meat. Whether it’s a big gathering or just leftovers for the week, you’ll have enough to keep everyone happy.

Cooking Time

Time is your crockpot’s superpower here. This slow yet simple cooking process ensures melt-in-your-mouth brisket by dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
8 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional)
Sliced pickles (optional)

Variations and Equipment

Ingredient Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and double-check your Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free label.
Dairy-Free: The recipe is already dairy-free, so no changes are needed for this!
Kick Up the Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the barbecue sauce for some heat.
Sugar-Free: Substitute the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener that measures cup-for-cup.

Equipment You’ll Need

Crockpot: For slow-cooking the brisket to perfection.
Large Skillet: To sear the brisket and lock in flavor.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the barbecue sauce ingredients.
Cutting Board and Forks: For shredding the brisket once it’s cooked.

How to Make Crockpot Barbecue Brisket Sandwiches?

Making these sandwiches is a simple process that delivers big-time on flavor!

Sear the Brisket 🔥

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet is warming, season your brisket with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the brisket on both sides until it’s beautifully browned. This step adds a delicious, caramelized layer of flavor!

Prep the Crockpot 🍲

Layer your crockpot with thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Place the seared brisket on top. This combination will release incredible flavors during the slow cooking process.

Make the Barbecue Sauce 🍯

Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl. This sweet and tangy mixture is the star of the recipe. Pour the sauce over the brisket in the crockpot, and add beef broth to keep everything moist.

Slow Cook the Brisket 🕒

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8-10 hours. This might just be the hardest part because your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until dinner.

Shred the Brisket 🍖

Carefully remove the cooked brisket from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you like, toss the shredded meat back into the crockpot to soak up even more sauce.

Assemble the Sandwiches 🥪

Toast your hamburger buns in a skillet or oven for a light crunch. Pile on a generous serving of shredded brisket, top it with coleslaw or pickles if you like, and crown it with the top bun. That’s it, enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pick the Right Brisket: Choose a well-marbled cut of brisket for the most tender and juicy results.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the brisket beforehand adds depth of flavor.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste your barbecue sauce before pouring it over the meat. Like it sweeter? Add more sugar. Want it tangier? Increase the vinegar.
Low and Slow: Resist the urge to turn up the heat or shorten the cook time. Slow cooking is key for tender brisket.

How to Serve Crockpot Barbecue Brisket Sandwiches?

To make these sandwiches unforgettable, plate them with a few finishing touches. Serve them with sides like crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, or creamy macaroni and cheese. For a wow-worthy presentation, layer on some coleslaw for crunch and add a pickle spear on the side.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving (approximate values):

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

If you’ve got leftovers, that’s good news because the brisket only gets better with time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

For a longer shelf life, freeze the shredded brisket (without the buns) in portioned containers or freezer bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the brisket in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra sauce to keep it moist. Toast fresh buns, assemble, and serve!

And there you have it! This Crockpot Barbecue Brisket Sandwiches recipe is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!