Description
Master smoked brisket sandwiches for Labor Day with 5 budget-friendly hacks. Tender, juicy, and family-tested—plus side dish ideas that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5–7 lbs Beef Chuck Roast
- 2 large Yellow Onions, sliced thin
- 1 head Garlic, halved
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Paprika (smoked if available)
- 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Salt
- Hamburger Buns (Potato or Brioche)
Instructions
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Mix all rub ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt) in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture generously all over the beef, covering every inch.
- Slice onions and place them in the bottom of a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Place halved garlic heads on top of the onions.
- Lay the brisket on top of the onions and garlic. Pour beef broth around the sides of the meat.
- Set slow cooker to LOW or place covered Dutch oven in a 275°F oven. Cook for 10-12 hours.
- After about 6 hours, check internal temperature. If around 160°F and dark colored, remove meat and wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil with a splash of broth (Texas Crutch). Return to cooker/oven.
- Cook until internal temperature hits 195°F-205°F and meat is probe-tender.
- Remove meat and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Shred meat with two forks or slice against the grain.
- Serve on hamburger buns with desired toppings.
Notes
Use a chuck roast instead of a packer brisket for a budget-friendly option. Always slice against the grain for tenderness. Let the meat rest for 30 minutes before shredding to retain juices. Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 4 oz meat +
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smoked brisket, labor day recipes, budget friendly brisket, chuck roast recipe, slow cooker brisket, american bbq, family dinner