Making brisket in a roaster is a simple way to feed a lot of people and make your holiday or graduation party more fun.
Brisket is a flavorful cut of beef that’s perfect for feeding a crowd However, brisket needs to be cooked low and slow to break down its tough connective tissues Using an electric roaster oven is an easy, hands-off way to cook brisket until it’s fall-apart tender.
This easy guide will show you how to cook a juicy, tasty beef brisket in a roaster oven. You can make fork-tender brisket that tastes just as good as BBQ-smoked brisket with just a few tips and tricks.
Benefits of Cooking Brisket in a Roaster Oven
Cooking brisket in a roaster oven has several advantages
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Roaster ovens provide consistent low heat ideal for slow cooking meats. They can maintain temperatures as low as 200°F for hours.
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The insulated walls allow the meat to gently cook in its own juices without drying out
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No need for monitoring or adjusting temperature like with an oven. Just set it and let it cook unattended.
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Roaster ovens are portable so cooked brisket can be easily transported for potlucks or parties.
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They accommodate very large cuts of meat that may not fit in a regular oven.
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Clean up is easier since the meat juices are contained in the removable pan.
Tips for Cooking Brisket in a Roaster Oven
Follow these tips to ensure brisket turns out moist and tender using a roaster oven:
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Cook at 225-250°F to break down collagen over 4-8 hours depending on size.
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Place brisket fat-side up so melting fat bastes the meat.
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Trim excess hard fat but leave at least 1⁄4 inch to keep it moist.
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Choose a well-marbled brisket for best texture and flavor.
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Rub the meat with spices and let sit overnight before cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than time.
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Allow the brisket to rest 30 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Choose a well-marbled brisket – Look for good marbling throughout the flat and point. About 4-6 lbs serves 6-8 people.
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Trim off excess hard fat – Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat cap to melt and baste the meat.
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Apply a spice rub – Coat both sides with spices like paprika, garlic, salt and pepper.
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Refrigerate overnight – Letting it rest 12-24 hours allows the rub to penetrate deep into the meat.
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Preheat roaster oven to 250°F – Low temperature for slow cooking is key. Do not exceed 275°F.
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Place brisket fat-side up – The melting fat will drip down and keep the meat juicy.
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Cook 4-6 hours – Cook time depends on size. Check for doneness after 4 hours.
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Check temperature – Meat should reach 195-205°F before removing. Use a meat thermometer to test.
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Let brisket rest – Tent with foil and let rest 30 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb.
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Slice against the grain – Cutting against the muscle fibers makes brisket easier to chew.
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Serve and enjoy! – Dig into delicious, melt-in-your-mouth brisket straight out of the roaster!
Roaster Oven Tips and Tricks
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For extra moisture, add broth, beer or water to the bottom of the pan.
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Spray the inside of the roaster with oil before cooking for easy cleanup.
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Keep the lid on as much as possible to hold in heat and moisture.
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Place brisket on a raised rack if available so air can circulate underneath.
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An aluminum foil tent reflects heat during the rest period.
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Let the insert pan cool before removing to avoid sloshing hot juices.
Expert Tips for Making Tender Brisket
Cooking brisket properly to get it fall-apart tender takes some technique. Follow these pro tips:
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Don’t rush it – Brisket needs to cook low and slow. At high heat it will be tough.
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Wrap in foil – The “Texas Crutch” method of wrapping in foil midway through traps moisture.
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Keep it moist – Mop or spritz with broth if it appears dry during cooking.
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Allow ample rest time – Resting finishes the cooking process and redistributes juices.
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Slice correctly – Slicing against the grain makes chewing easier.
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Make leftovers – Brisket reheats wonderfully for sliders, tacos, soup and more.
Common Roaster Oven Capacities
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Small roasters around 18 quarts can fit a 3-4 lb brisket
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Standard 22 quart roasters accommodate 4-6 lb briskets
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Large roasters 26+ quarts handle extra big 8-12 lb packer briskets
Make sure you choose a roaster oven big enough for the size brisket you plan to cook. Cutting large briskets in half can lead to uneven cooking.
Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Brisket
Leftover brisket keeps for up to a week refrigerated and freezes well too. Try these tasty ways to use up leftovers:
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Chopped brisket sandwiches with BBQ sauce
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Brisket hash with eggs for breakfast
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Brisket tacos topped with salsa and slaw
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Brisket chili or stew with beans and veggies
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Brisket pizza with caramelized onions and cheese
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Brisket rice bowls topped with avocado
With an electric roaster oven, you can easily achieve fall-off-the-bone tender brisket right at home. Follow these helpful tips for brisket success!
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How to Cook Brisket in a Roaster
Shredded brisket that cooks in a rich, dark marinade is tender and delicious. This beef tastes great on its own, but it’s even better on a sandwich. When you add BBQ sauce and a scoop of creamy coleslaw, it can taste sweet or sour.
It’s easy to make a lot of this meat at once and feed a lot of people with this recipe.
For an even better meal, serve with a simple fruit salad, cheesy potatoes, or mac and cheese that were all made in large baking dishes.
Make a simple marinade and put the brisket in it for 24 to 48 hours.
If the beef roast is big, cook the brisket in the roaster for 5 to 7 hours with the fat side up.
When the meat EASILY shreds with two forks it is ready to serve!
Another similar recipe that is slightly more budget friendly is our Shredded Beef in a Roaster.
We enjoy this recipe to cook brisket in a roaster oven because there is very little effort required. For catering events, roasted brisket is great because it can be made ahead of time and tastes great when heated up again.
- Brisket: We suggest that you get the best beef that fits your budget. We usually buy brisket when it’s on sale and plan ahead.
- Beef consomme is more concentrated and has more flavor than beef broth. I found it in a Campbell’s soup can in the grocery store’s soup bar.
- It’s been tough to find Liquid Smoke in stores, so I bought it on Amazon. If you really can’t find it, just leave it out of the recipe.
- Garlic minced: fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can also work.
- Soy sauce with less salt makes the flavor stronger and is one of the main reasons not to throw away any of the juice. Use the juices to dip brisket in before serving.
When you mix Beef Consomme, French Onion Soup, and Butter Stick Rice, you get a great side dish for leftover brisket.
How To Know Brisket is Done?
The brisket is done cooking when you can take two forks and easily shred the meat.
The thinner portion of the meat will be done first. It will take longer to cook the large, thicker section. So make sure the entire piece of meat is tender before turning off the roaster.
Best Brisket Ever!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a brisket in a roaster?
Do you put brisket fat side up or down in roaster?
Should you cover brisket when roasting?
What is the best temperature to roast a brisket?
How do you cook a brisket in a Roaster Oven?
Preheat the roaster oven: Set your roaster oven to the desired temperature, typically around 275°F (135°C), and preheat it for about 15-20 minutes. Place the brisket in the roaster oven: Lay the seasoned brisket fat side up on a roasting rack inside the roaster oven. This will allow the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks.
How long do you cook a 5 pound brisket?
Cover the roaster tightly with foil or the roaster lid, ensuring no steam can escape during the cooking process. This will help create a moist and tender brisket. Place the roaster in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 1 hour per pound of brisket. For example, if you have a 5-pound brisket, cook it for 5 hours.
How do you cook a beef brisket?
To cook a beef brisket, roast it in the oven on low heat for 3-4 hours or until tender. I use a mixture of carrots, celery, and onion for flavor, along with beef broth, red wine, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. The roasting process takes place in the oven.
How do you cook brisket in a crock pot?
Place brisket fat side down in a tin foil pan or roaster insert. Pour marinade over brisket, cover with foil and refrigerate for 48 hours. Cook brisket in an electric roaster with fat side up at 275°F for 5 to 7 hours until meat shreds easily with forks. “Plowing Through Life” is not a dietitian or nutrition professional.