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Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes

Experience mouthwatering brisket slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with a smokey BBQ spice rub and tangy barbecue sauce. The beef is gently shredded or sliced, then piled high onto soft burger buns for a satisfying bite. Fresh toppings like crisp pickles, zesty onions, creamy slaw, and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce balance the richness of the meat. Perfect for casual gatherings or an easy dinner, this sandwich delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture in every mouthful.

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Authored By Tyla
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 02:08:16 GMT
Un sandwich de brisket grillé avec des barbecue sauce et des légumes. Save
Un sandwich de brisket grillé avec des barbecue sauce et des légumes. | savorieswithtyla.com

This Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich hits every craving when you want something savory smoky and deeply comforting without fussing over the stove all day. The magic happens in the slow cooker letting the brisket turn meltingly tender while soaking up rich barbecue flavors. This is my tried and true way to satisfy a crowd or keep my family happy for a weekend meal it always brings everyone back to the table.

I still remember the first time I made this for a backyard get together the kids could not get enough and the adults went back for seconds everyone asked for the recipe by the end of the night

Ingredients

  • Beef brisket: pick a well marbled piece for the most tender result and ask your butcher for a nicely trimmed cut
  • BBQ sauce: choose a sauce you love since it flavors the whole dish I like something smoky but slightly sweet
  • Burger buns: go for sturdy buns that hold up to the juicy brisket brioche or potato buns are my favorites
  • Pickles: crunchy bright pickles cut the richness
  • Onions: thinly sliced onions bring fresh bite
  • Coleslaw: creamy or vinegar based slaw for texture and freshness
  • Brown sugar: in the dry rub adds balance and helps the crust caramelize
  • Smoked paprika: for a deep smoky essence choose Spanish smoked paprika for boldness
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: boost savory depth look for fresh fragrant spices
  • Salt and pepper: essential for bringing out the brisket’s flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Pour one cup of your favorite barbecue sauce into the slow cooker making sure the bottom is well coated
Mix and Rub the Spices:
Combine brown sugar smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper until evenly mixed then thoroughly rub the seasoning mix over every side of the brisket pressing it in so it forms a flavorful crust
Slow Cook the Brisket:
Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker cover with the lid and let it cook on low for seven to eight hours The meat will become fork tender and infused with BBQ essence
Rest and Shred:
Carefully lift the brisket out and let it rest for ten minutes so the juices settle Slice thinly across the grain for sandwich slices or shred with forks for a pulled texture
Build the Sandwiches:
Pile brisket onto your toasted buns topping with extra barbecue sauce crunchy pickles onions and creamy slaw for a perfect balance of flavor and texture
Un sandwich de brisket barbecue avec des sauces et des légumes. Save
Un sandwich de brisket barbecue avec des sauces et des légumes. | savorieswithtyla.com

Coleslaw is my secret weapon for this sandwich The crunch and tang play off the tender smoky beef perfectly and my family always asks for extra slaw on the side We once had a family cookout where the slaw totally outshined the chips Thanks Aunt June

Storage Tips

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The meat reheats well on the stovetop with a splash of extra BBQ sauce If freezing portion out the brisket first for easy grab and go meals down the line

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out beef brisket with chuck roast if needed or use chicken thighs for a lighter variation If you prefer homemade BBQ sauce cook down ketchup with apple cider vinegar brown sugar molasses and your favorite spices for customizable heat

Serving Suggestions

Serve the brisket sandwiches with classic sides such as corn on the cob baked beans or potato salad For a fun twist layer the meat inside a grilled cheese or turn leftovers into loaded nachos for your next movie night

Un sandwich de brisket grillé avec des sauces et des légumes. Save
Un sandwich de brisket grillé avec des sauces et des légumes. | savorieswithtyla.com

A Bit of Barbecue History

Slow cooking brisket has Southern roots but families across North America have made it their own since the rise of backyard grilling The tradition of slathering brisket in barbecue sauce is a beloved ritual that brings folks together every time

Recipe Questions

→ How do you keep the brisket tender while slow cooking?

Cook the brisket on low heat and avoid opening the slow cooker. Letting the meat rest before shredding helps retain juiciness.

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Beef brisket yields the best texture, but chuck roast can be substituted for similar results.

→ What toppings pair well with BBQ brisket sandwiches?

Pickles, onions, coleslaw, and extra barbecue sauce add crunch, tartness, and freshness to the sandwich.

→ How can I make the spice rub spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry rub for an extra kick.

→ Are the sandwiches best served hot or cold?

The brisket tastes best warm, but leftovers can be served cold or gently reheated for another meal.

Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich

Slow-cooked brisket with smoky BBQ flavors, piled onto buns and topped with slaw, pickles, and onions.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cooking Duration
480 mins
Overall Time
500 mins
Authored By: Tyla

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate Challenge

Cuisine Type: American

Serves: 6 Portions (6 sandwiches)

Diet Preferences: Dairy-Free Alternative

What You Need

→ For the Brisket

01 2.5 kg beef brisket
02 360 ml barbecue sauce, divided
03 6 burger buns
04 Pickles, for serving
05 Sliced onions, for serving
06 Coleslaw, for serving
07 Additional barbecue sauce, for serving

→ Smokey BBQ Dry Rub

08 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
09 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
10 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 1 teaspoon onion powder
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 1 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It

Step 01

Pour 240 ml of barbecue sauce into the base of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Step 03

Coat the beef brisket thoroughly on all sides with the smokey BBQ dry rub.

Step 04

Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours until tender.

Step 05

Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shred or slice the meat thinly.

Step 06

Layer the shredded brisket on burger buns and garnish with pickles, sliced onions, coleslaw, and extra barbecue sauce as desired.

Important Notes

  1. Letting the brisket rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp carving knife or forks for shredding
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Details

Always check the ingredients for allergens and consult an expert if necessary.
  • Contains gluten from burger buns

Nutritional Details (Each Serving)

This nutrition info is for reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 550
  • Total Fat: 16 grams
  • Total Carbs: 54 grams
  • Protein Content: 44 grams