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Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes

Start by mixing a smokey BBQ spice rub and massaging it over the brisket. The meat gets slow-cooked with tangy sauce until exceptionally tender and juicy. After a long, gentle cook, the brisket can be shredded or sliced, perfect for folding into warm tortillas. Fresh toppings like cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, and vibrant diced red onion add extra flavor and texture. These savory tacos are effortless and crowd-pleasing, making them a great choice for gathering or family dinners. The ease of the process ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Authored By Tyla
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 02:08:07 GMT
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Des tacos de bœuf grillé servis dans un bol. | savorieswithtyla.com

There is nothing cozier than coming home to the smell of rich BBQ brisket ready in the slow cooker and knowing an easy taco night is moments away. These tacos are so tender and flavorful you may find yourself making double batches just for leftovers.

The first time I made these was for a big family game night and everyone came back for seconds. Now it is our staple for any casual get together

Ingredients

  • Brisket: Look for well marbled brisket around two and a half pounds which stays juicy and flavorful after hours of slow cooking
  • Smokey BBQ spice rub: Smoked paprika and brown sugar are key for that deep rich flavor. I use fresh spices for boldness
  • BBQ sauce: Go for a thick and tangy sauce. Homemade or store bought both work just choose one that you love the taste of
  • Tortillas: Warm flour tortillas are classic but corn tortillas add great texture and a hint of sweetness. I toast them on a dry pan for a few seconds each side
  • Favorite toppings: Fresh cilantro Monterey Jack diced onions and anything else you love will bring brightness and crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Spice Rub:
Mix brown sugar smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in a small bowl until completely blended. Freshly ground pepper makes a big difference
Season and Slow Cook the Brisket:
Rub the spice blend generously over every surface of the brisket pressing it into the meat. Place the brisket in your slow cooker Pour one cup of BBQ sauce directly over the brisket making sure it gets into all the nooks. Cover with the slow cooker lid and set to low. Cook for seven to eight hours until fork tender
Rest and Shred the Brisket:
Once the brisket is cooked use tongs to transfer it to a large cutting board. Let it rest for ten minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Shred the meat with two forks for juicy pulled brisket or slice it thin for a neater look
Build Your Tacos:
Warm the tortillas until they are soft and pliable. Fill each with a generous amount of brisket and extra BBQ sauce. Finish with fresh toppings like cilantro Monterey Jack cheese and diced red onion
Des tacos de bœuf grillé servis dans un bol. Save
Des tacos de bœuf grillé servis dans un bol. | savorieswithtyla.com

Brisket is always my favorite part of this recipe because it transforms into something incredibly savory and satisfying with so little work. My family always jokes that the brisket disappears faster than the tortillas. Every time someone new tries these tacos they ask for the recipe

Storage Tips

Cool leftover brisket completely before storing. Keep meat and tortillas separate to prevent sogginess. Store brisket in a sealed container in the fridge up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat the brisket slowly on the stovetop with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist

Ingredient Substitutions

Try chuck roast as a budget friendly alternative to brisket. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika plus a pinch of cayenne if you love a little extra heat. Any meltable cheese works so try cheddar or pepper Jack if preferred

Serving Suggestions

Pile the brisket high on tortillas and offer bowls of all your favorite taco toppings for a DIY taco bar. Add lime wedges for brightness. These are also fantastic with slaw or avocado slices for extra freshness

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Des tacos de bœuf grillé avec des légumes verts et des limons. | savorieswithtyla.com

The Story Of Brisket Tacos

Slow cooking beef brisket is a Texan classic elevated by smoky spices and bold BBQ sauce. Brisket tacos are the kind of dish that bring everyone to the table whether at a cookout or a busy weeknight at home. I love how this recipe takes BBQ flavors and wraps them up in taco form

Recipe Questions

→ What cut of brisket works best for these tacos?

Flat cut brisket is commonly used, but either flat or point cut yields juicy, flavorful results for tacos.

→ Can I use store-bought BBQ rub and sauce?

Yes, store-bought rubs and sauces work well if you prefer to save time or have a favorite flavor profile.

→ What are the best toppings for beef brisket tacos?

Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced onion, pickled jalapeños, and lime wedges add great texture and flavor.

→ Is it better to shred or slice the brisket for tacos?

Shredding gives bite-sized, saucy pieces, while thin slices offer a meaty texture—choose based on your preference.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cooked brisket can be made in advance and reheated gently before assembling into tortillas.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

Juicy brisket slow cooks with BBQ flavors, then gets tucked into soft tortillas for a savory handheld meal.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
480 mins
Overall Time
495 mins
Authored By: Tyla

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: Mexican-American

Serves: 12 Portions (12 tacos)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You Need

→ Brisket and Main Components

01 1.1 kilograms beef brisket, trimmed
02 360 millilitres barbecue sauce, divided
03 12 flour or corn tortillas

→ Smokey BBQ Spice Rub

04 13 grams light brown sugar
05 8 grams smoked paprika
06 3 grams garlic powder
07 3 grams onion powder
08 6 grams salt
09 2 grams ground black pepper

→ Toppings

10 Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped
11 Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
12 Red onion, diced

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the BBQ spice rub.

Step 02

Rub the entire surface of the brisket evenly with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.

Step 03

Pour 240 millilitres of barbecue sauce into the base of the slow cooker. Place the seasoned brisket on top. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours until tender.

Step 04

Remove the brisket from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juices, then shred the meat or slice thinly against the grain.

Step 05

Warm the tortillas. Fill each tortilla with shredded brisket, a drizzle of the remaining barbecue sauce, and your preferred toppings such as chopped coriander, Monterey Jack cheese, and diced red onion.

Important Notes

  1. Allowing the brisket to rest before slicing helps preserve moisture and enhances tenderness.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always check the ingredients for allergens and consult an expert if necessary.
  • Contains gluten if using flour tortillas.
  • Contains dairy if topped with cheese.

Nutritional Details (Each Serving)

This nutrition info is for reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 287
  • Total Fat: 10 grams
  • Total Carbs: 26 grams
  • Protein Content: 23 grams