Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos bring the perfect balance of tender, smoky beef with tangy BBQ sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family dinner or a game-day gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The brisket is slowly cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, ensuring that every bite is juicy and packed with flavor. Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, or diced red onions to personalize each taco. Let’s dive into this easy and mouthwatering recipe!

For more taco inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s Taco Recipes or Food Network’s Taco Ideas.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos | Easy & Flavorful Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 8-10 (in the slow cooker)
• Yield: 12 tacos 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos are the perfect fusion of tender, smoky beef and vibrant taco toppings. The brisket is slow-cooked with a smoky BBQ spice rub and finished with your favorite BBQ sauce for a rich, flavorful filling. Whether you use flour or corn tortillas, these tacos are easy to prepare and make a delicious, satisfying meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the BBQ Brisket:

• 2 ½ pounds brisket
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

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 the Tacos:

• 12 tortillas (flour or corn)
• Your favorite taco toppings:
  • Cilantro
  • Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • Diced red onion
  • Lime wedges (optional)
  • Jalapeños (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Rub:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the Smokey BBQ Spice Rub.

2. Season the Brisket:

   • Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, covering it evenly. This will give the beef a smoky, flavorful crust when cooked.

3. Cook the Brisket:

   • Place the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker.
   • Pour 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce over the brisket, making sure it’s well coated.
   • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

4. Shred the Brisket:

   • Once the brisket is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
   • Return the shredded brisket to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining juices and BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

5. Prepare the Tacos:

   • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave, about 30 seconds per tortilla, until they are soft and pliable.

6. Assemble the Tacos:

   • Spoon the shredded BBQ brisket onto each tortilla.
   • Top with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced red onion, and any other desired toppings.
   • Optionally, squeeze a bit of lime juice or add jalapeños for extra flavor.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat to these tacos.

Taco Variations: Try using different types of cheese like cheddar or queso fresco, or add a scoop of guacamole for a creamy touch.

Toppings: Experiment with fresh toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.

Make Ahead: The brisket can be shredded and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this a great make-ahead meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 (in the slow cooker)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco
• Calories: 250 kcal (varies with toppings)
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the BBQ spice rub.
2. Season the Brisket:
   • Rub the spice mix generously over the entire brisket, ensuring it’s well-coated. This will create a delicious crust during the slow cooking process.
3. Slow Cook the Brisket:
   • Place the seasoned brisket in your slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top, covering the brisket. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the brisket is fork-tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the Beef:
   • Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat with two forks, discarding any excess fat.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Spoon the shredded BBQ brisket onto each tortilla and top with your choice of cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced red onions, or any other toppings you like.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the tacos immediately, and enjoy your tender, smoky, and flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos!

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos

1. Choose the Right Brisket:

• Opt for a well-marbled brisket, as the fat helps to keep the meat juicy and tender. A full 2 ½-pound brisket will cook down to a perfect texture when done in the slow cooker.

2. Adding Depth of Flavor:

• For even more depth in flavor, consider adding a chopped onion, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker with the brisket. These ingredients will add layers of flavor to the BBQ sauce while the brisket cooks.

3. Searing Before Slow Cooking:

• If you have the time, you can sear the brisket on all sides in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step will help lock in the flavors and give the brisket a nice, caramelized crust.

4. Customize Your BBQ Sauce:

• While store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, making your own BBQ sauce from scratch can elevate the flavor of your brisket tacos. Experiment with different flavors, such as adding honey for sweetness or hot sauce for extra heat.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers:

• Leftover Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the brisket in a saucepan with a bit of the leftover BBQ sauce and heat on low until warmed through.

Freezing for Later:

• This BBQ brisket freezes wonderfully. After cooking and shredding the meat, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag along with some of the BBQ sauce. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Tortilla Storage:

• For leftover tortillas, store them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer, and reheat them in a dry skillet before serving.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Low-Carb or Gluten-Free:

• For a low-carb or gluten-free version, swap out regular flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps. This makes the dish keto-friendly while still keeping the delicious flavors of the BBQ beef.

2. Spicy Kick:

• Add a spicy twist to your tacos by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce along with your BBQ sauce. For an extra smoky flavor, you can also include some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

3. Vegan/Vegetarian:

• To make a vegan or vegetarian version, you can replace the beef brisket with a plant-based protein like jackfruit or tempeh. Slow cook the plant-based option with the same BBQ rub and sauce for a satisfying alternative.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

• While brisket is the traditional choice for slow-cooked BBQ, you can substitute it with other cuts of beef like chuck roast or short ribs. However, brisket provides the best flavor and texture for this dish.

2. How do I know when the brisket is done?

• The brisket is ready when it’s fork-tender, meaning you can shred the meat easily with two forks. If it’s tough or resistant, cook it for a little longer until it becomes tender.

3. Can I make the brisket ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the brisket in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a pan with a little extra BBQ sauce before serving.

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

• Yes, you can cook the brisket in the oven at 275°F for about 3-4 hours. Cover the brisket tightly with foil, and check it every hour to ensure it remains moist and tender.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos are the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. The low-and-slow cooking method ensures that the brisket becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, while the BBQ sauce adds the perfect smoky-sweet finish. With customizable toppings and the ability to serve them in soft tortillas, these tacos are a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a taco lover, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.