Are you craving a fake-away that is just as satisfying as the real thing? These slow cooker beef brisket tacos are exactly what you need! Picture this: you toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. Meanwhile, you can kick back, relax, and get ready for the ultimate taco feast. The beauty of this dish is in the ease as it takes almost no hands-on time at all, so you can focus on other things while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. And the best part? This recipe gives you all the flavour and comfort of a takeout meal, without the hefty price tag! Whether it is a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this meal is the perfect way to indulge without the guilt or the hassle of delivery.
What makes this recipe so irresistible is its simplicity and the quality of ingredients used. It starts with brisket – a tough, yet affordable cut of beef. Brisket may not have the reputation of other cuts, but it’s perfect for slow cooking, as it breaks down over time into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. By cooking low and slow, you are ensuring the meat becomes perfectly tender, juicy, and full of flavour.
The real magic happens when you add the right seasonings and ingredients. This recipe combines the richness of beef brisket with aromatic garlic, fresh tomatoes, and a handful of savoury herbs. The slow cooking process allows these flavours to meld together, creating a fragrant, deeply seasoned filling that is bursting with umami. After hours of slow cooking, the meat is so tender that it practically shreds itself, making it the perfect filling for warm tortillas.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 8 hours on low
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need a slow cooker.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
500g beef brisket
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
2 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of dried chilli flakes
1 teasspoon of ground coriander
A teaspoon of garlic puree
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 beef jelly stock cube
100 ml of cold water
To serve:
A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
The juice of a lime
Mini tortillas
Little gem lettuce
Sliced avocado
Fresh red chilli
4 tablespoons of sour cream
4 tablespoons of fresh salsa
Method
To begin making this delicious slow-cooked beef brisket, start by slicing your beef brisket into pieces of similar size. This ensures that all the pieces cook evenly and become tender in the slow cooker. Once sliced, place the beef into your slow cooker, creating a solid base for all the wonderful flavours to meld together.
Next, add in your spices to infuse the beef with warmth and depth. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, and chilli flakes for a smoky and slightly spicy kick. Add ground coriander for a hint of citrusy freshness, and then stir in some garlic paste to elevate the savoury flavours. For richness, mix in tomato paste, which will give the sauce a deep, savory undertone. Pour in beef stock and a little water to create a flavorful base, and then give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for around 8 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it absorbs all the spices and seasonings. After 8 hours, or when the beef is perfectly cooked and fork-tender, squeeze in a fresh lime for a burst of acidity to balance the richness of the dish.
I love serving my slow-cooked beef brisket in soft flour tortillas, where you can load it up with fresh little gem lettuce, creamy sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Top it off with some zesty salsa, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and sliced fresh chillies for an extra kick.
Alternatively, if you prefer a heartier meal, you can serve the beef brisket as a stew, paired with smooth mashed potatoes and a generous ladle of gravy. This versatile recipe is perfect for a dinner and can be adapted to suit any taste!
Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
1. Choose the right cut
Go for a flat cut brisket (with some fat on top) for even cooking and tender results. A marbled cut will stay moist and juicy throughout the long cook.
2. Season generously
Don’t be shy with your rub. Use a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or overnight) to enhance the flavour.
3. Sear it first (optional, but worth it!)
Browning the brisket in a hot pan before slow cooking adds deep, rich flavour. It also helps lock in juices and gives a caramelised outer crust.
4. Layer your base
Place onions, carrots, or celery under the brisket. This creates a flavourful bed, keeps the meat lifted off the bottom, and enhances the cooking liquid.
5. Add liquid, but not too much
Use beef stock, red wine, or BBQ sauce. But just enough to cover the bottom third of the meat. Brisket releases juices as it cooks, so don’t drown it.
6. Cook low and slow
Set your slow cooker to low for 8–10 hours. This gives the connective tissues time to break down, resulting in tender, fall-apart beef.
7. Rest before slicing
Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and prevents it from drying out.
8. Slice against the grain
Always cut brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness.
9. Reduce the sauce (optional)
Transfer the cooking liquid to a pan and simmer until thickened to make a delicious gravy or glaze for serving.
Similar recipes
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These recipes are perfect if you want the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting while you enjoy warm, satisfying meals with minimal effort. Great for batch cooking, family dinners, or cosy nights in.
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