One day, I hope to have a smoker to cook meats such as brisket. But right now I don’t even have a balcony, so…slow cooker it is. I do love the smell of it cooking in the kitchen throughout the day. And the recipe itself is simple, one of the best for any cooking-challenged people out there. Because of the simple preparation, I spent a little extra money to purchase a higher grade of meat from our local butcher. Locally raised is the way to go in terms of flavor and quality.
After the brisket was done cooking, I added a bit of chopped parsley and served it alongside the carrots, onions, and mushrooms that were made with it in the slow cooker. The liquid from the slow cooker can be used and transformed into gravy as well. The leftovers taste amazing as well, which is why I have no reservations making so much meat for only two people.
I know that normally large, hearty meals such as this one are good for enjoying during the cold months, but brisket really reminds me of summer. Perhaps it’s because I have always associated it with barbecue brisket, which is great for summer cookouts and picnics. For the Paleo diet I might mix some barbecue sauce with the brisket and serve with a side of sweet potatoes and slaw, or enjoy it in a sandwich. I have also been told about an idea to use the brisket in breakfast hash, which will I definitely have to try next time I make any.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef brisket
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 carrots, diced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Directions
- Add the onion, carrots, mushrooms, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and then add the brisket. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add the thyme. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-16 hours, until the meat is tender.
I’ve never done corned beef in the slow cooker as the traditional New England way (at least how I learned it) is to boil it with the vegetables, but it often leaves the ingredients very bland tasting no matter what spices you add. This was so delicious, we just wanted more and more! Thanks! Definitely will cook brisket this way again.
It states to cook the brisket for 8-16 hours – that is a very big gap, why such a big difference? How long did you cook yours for?