Sink your fork into this ultra-tender Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket, where savory meets sweet in a holiday-worthy, weeknight-friendly masterpiece. Slow-cooked to perfection, the brisket soaks up a tangy cranberry glaze that bubbles into a rich, sticky sauce. It’s comfort food elevated with a festive twist.

This brisket is the kind of dish that earns recipe requests at potlucks and becomes tradition at holiday dinners. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you’ll have a hearty main that pairs effortlessly with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. Let the aroma fill your kitchen as it simmers all day.

What Kind of Brisket Should I Use?

Go for a flat-cut beef brisket, ideally 3 to 4 pounds. It has a nice balance of meat and fat that melts down during slow cooking, creating buttery soft slices. If your brisket has a thick fat cap, you can trim some but leave enough to lock in moisture during the long cook.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket

Beef Brisket: The star of the show. Choose a well-marbled cut for that fall-apart tenderness.

Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry cranberry sauce for that punch of tart-sweet flavor and texture.

Beef Broth: Adds depth and enhances the beefy richness of the brisket.

Onion Soup Mix: A simple way to add savory notes with no fuss.

Garlic: Because brisket without garlic just isn’t complete.

Brown Sugar: To balance the tartness of the cranberries and boost that caramelized finish.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and ties everything together.

Fresh Herbs (optional): Rosemary or thyme makes a beautiful aromatic finish.

How To Make the Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket

Step 1: Sear the Brisket

Pat the brisket dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear it in a hot skillet with oil until browned on both sides. This builds flavor and seals in juices.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a bowl, combine cranberry sauce, beef broth, onion soup mix, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until blended.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the seared brisket into the slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top, making sure it’s coated well.

Step 4: Let It Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. It should be fork-tender when done.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove brisket and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Drizzle with the sauce left in the cooker.

Serving and Storing This Brisket

Slice thick or thin, this brisket is incredibly versatile. Serve it fresh and hot with your favorite sides, or refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens overnight, making it ideal for next-day sandwiches or hash. Freeze in portions with sauce for a cozy future dinner.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A must-have side that catches every drop of the tangy glaze.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

The earthy sweetness complements the tart cranberry glaze beautifully. Try this Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

For a richer, indulgent pairing, these au gratin potatoes bring the ultimate comfort.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Another crowd-pleasing potato dish with gooey, creamy layers. Find it here.

Creamy Cranberry Salad

Play up the cranberry element even more with a side of Creamy Cranberry Salad.

Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread

To soak up every delicious drop.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If this sweet-and-savory brisket hit the spot, try these other meaty favorites:

Easy Beef Stroganoff for creamy weeknight indulgence.
Crock-Pot Cube Steak and Gravy when you’re craving Southern-style comfort.
Amish Country Poor Man’s Hamburger Steaks for a budget-friendly dinner classic.
French Onion Beef Rice Casserole for a cozy one-dish meal.
Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta when you’re in the mood for pasta meets beefy decadence.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added chipotle peppers or fresh orange zest to the glaze? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Warm up your table with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket—tender beef cooked low and slow in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect for special dinners or easy weeknight meals, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a winning choice for holiday feasts, Sunday suppers, or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, comfort food ideas, or a hearty main dish, this brisket checks all the boxes for fall-apart tenderness and bold flavor. Great served with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or crusty bread.