There’s nothing like coming home to the comforting aroma of tender, slow-cooked brisket. This Maple-Garlic Slow Cooker Brisket recipe combines sweet maple syrup with savory garlic for a dish that’s big on flavor yet effortless to prepare. Set it and forget it, then return to a hearty meal that warms both the belly and the soul.
Ingredients
- 3-pound beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
First, season the brisket with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on both sides for about 2 minutes per side, just until it’s nicely browned. This quick sear helps to lock in the juices and deepen the meat’s rich flavor.
Next, arrange the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seared brisket on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, minced garlic, and beef stock. Pour this flavorful mixture over the brisket and onions. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for about 8 hours, or until the brisket is fork tender.
When it’s done, carefully lift the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain, then stir the onions in the slow cooker to evenly distribute the cooking juices. Serve the brisket with onions and a drizzle of that irresistibly sweet-savory sauce.
This recipe is a terrific option for family dinners or entertaining guests who crave a hearty main course. Not only does the slow cooker technique turn brisket into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight, but it also frees you up to tackle other tasks.
If you’re watching sugar intake, you can swap the maple syrup for a lower-sugar alternative, and if you’re wanting a spicier kick, try adding a dash of chili flakes. No matter how you make it, this Maple-Garlic Slow Cooker Brisket is guaranteed to offer comforting, robust flavor in every bite.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
