These Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches are a perfect meal for anyone who loves tender, smoky brisket paired with a tangy BBQ sauce. The beef brisket is coated in a flavorful Smokey BBQ rub, slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, and then piled high on a soft bun with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches bring together the best of BBQ flavor without all the effort. The slow cooking process infuses the brisket with a rich, smoky taste, and the BBQ sauce adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the meat’s natural flavors. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, then come back to a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving a hearty, flavorful sandwich. Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Brisket:

1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce
2 ½ lbs Beef Brisket
6 burger buns

For the Smokey BBQ Spice Rub:

1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

For Toppings:

Pickles
Onions
Slaw
Additional BBQ sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Make the BBQ Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Season the Brisket: Rub the Smokey BBQ Spice Rub evenly all over the brisket, making sure to coat it well on all sides.
Slow Cook the Brisket: Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker and cover it with the remaining BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Brisket: Once the brisket is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. After resting, shred the meat using two forks or slice it thinly.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Serve the shredded brisket on burger buns and add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, onions, slaw, and extra BBQ sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ brisket sandwiches immediately with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours
Total Time: 7-8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy BBQ: Add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the spice rub for an extra kick.
Smoked Brisket: If you have a smoker, you can smoke the brisket before slow-cooking it for a deeper smoky flavor.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, you can swap the brisket for jackfruit.
Slaw Variation: Try different types of slaw—coleslaw, spicy slaw, or even a tangy vinegar-based slaw to add a refreshing contrast to the rich brisket.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover brisket for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to add a little BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Reheating: Reheat the brisket in the microwave, on the stove with a splash of BBQ sauce, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast, though brisket is the classic choice for BBQ sandwiches due to its tenderness and rich flavor.

2. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the brisket on high for 4-5 hours instead of 7-8 hours on low. However, cooking on low gives the meat a more tender texture.

3. Can I make the BBQ brisket ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the brisket ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

4. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. The flavor of the sauce will significantly influence the overall taste, so pick one you love.

5. Can I add other toppings to these sandwiches?

Absolutely! You can add cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack), jalapeños for heat, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

6. Can I use store-bought spice rub instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use any store-bought BBQ rub if you’re short on time. Look for a rub with a good balance of sweetness and smokiness.

7. Can I make the sandwiches without buns?

For a gluten-free or low-carb option, serve the brisket on lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens instead of using buns.

8. How do I get the brisket to shred easily?

Make sure the brisket is cooked on low heat for long enough to break down the fibers, making it easy to shred. If it’s not shredding, it may need a bit more time in the slow cooker.

9. Can I cook this in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the brisket in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily shreds.

10. Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce is a great addition. You can find many recipes for homemade sauces that will complement this dish.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches are an easy, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With the smoky BBQ rub, tender brisket, and delicious toppings, these sandwiches will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply enjoying a comforting, homemade sandwich.