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Slow Cooker Dr Pepper BBQ Brisket

This Slow Cooker Dr Pepper BBQ Brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with sweet smoky barbecue flavor. Slow cooked until fall apart tender, it is perfect for sandwiches, family dinners, parties, and easy comforting meals any night of the week.
Print Recipe
Delicious baked mac and cheese topped with tender chicken and herbs, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3–4 pound beef brisket
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (12 oz) Dr. Pepper
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Step 1: Season the Brisket - Start by patting the brisket dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a nicer sear later on. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over all sides of the brisket. Do not rush this part because good seasoning is what gives the meat flavor all the way through. I like pressing the spices gently into the meat with my hands so nothing falls off during cooking.
  • Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the brisket into the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. That crust is pure flavor and makes a huge difference in the finished dish. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible at this point, so prepare yourself for hungry family members wandering in early.
  • Step 3: Move the Brisket to the Slow Cooker - Transfer the seared brisket into the slow cooker. Try to keep all those flavorful browned bits on the meat because they help season the sauce as everything cooks together. If your brisket is a tight fit, do not worry. It will shrink a little as it cooks.
  • Step 4: Mix the Sweet Smoky Sauce - In a medium bowl whisk together the Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder until smooth. Pour the sauce all over the brisket in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to coat the top of the meat well. This sauce may seem thin at first but after hours of cooking it turns rich and full of flavor.
  • Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. I personally prefer the low setting because the brisket turns unbelievably tender that way. By the end of cooking the meat should pull apart easily with a fork. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so check near the end of cooking time if needed.
  • Step 6: Shred and Soak Up the Sauce - Carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it onto a cutting board. Slice against the grain or shred the meat using two forks. Return the meat back to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until every piece is coated. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the brisket can soak up all that smoky sweet flavor.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Coca Cola instead of Dr Pepper: Coca Cola works beautifully if that is what you already have on hand.
  • Chuck roast instead of brisket: Chuck roast becomes tender and flavorful in the slow cooker too.
  • Different barbecue sauces: Sweet, smoky, spicy, or honey barbecue sauces all work great in this recipe.
  • Fresh garlic instead of garlic powder: Minced garlic adds a stronger more savory flavor to the brisket.

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Smoky flavor boost: A splash of liquid smoke gives this brisket a backyard barbecue taste.
  • Extra garlic style: Stir fresh minced garlic into the sauce mixture for even more flavor.
  • Sweet and tangy twist: Add a little apple cider vinegar for a brighter finish.

Tips and Tricks

  • Do not skip the sear: Browning the brisket first adds incredible flavor and texture to the finished dish.
  • Slice against the grain: Cutting across the grain keeps the brisket tender instead of chewy.
  • Let the meat rest in the sauce: Giving the brisket a few extra minutes in the sauce helps every bite stay juicy and flavorful.
  • Use a thick barbecue sauce: A thicker sauce creates a richer coating for the brisket.
  • Thicken the sauce if needed: A quick cornstarch slurry can make the sauce even heartier.

Serving Ideas

  • Pile onto sandwich buns: Toasted buns with extra sauce make amazing brisket sandwiches.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes: The rich sauce tastes incredible spooned over creamy potatoes.
  • Pair with classic barbecue sides: Coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread all work perfectly here.
  • Make loaded baked potatoes: Top baked potatoes with shredded brisket and plenty of sauce.
  • Use for tacos: Warm tortillas and brisket make a fun easy dinner twist.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Store in the refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with extra sauce to keep the meat juicy.
  • Freeze for later: Freeze cooled brisket in portions for easy future meals.
  • Make ahead for parties: Prepare the brisket a day early and reheat it in the slow cooker before guests arrive.
Servings: 6 servings