Slow Cooker Cranberry Brisket Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Brisket is a perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors that makes for an easy and impressive meal. Tender brisket slowly cooked with cranberry sauce and ginger ale creates a deliciously rich glaze. It’s a fantastic option for holiday dinners or cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb.) beef brisket
- 2 (14 oz.) cans whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (12 oz.) can ginger ale
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the brisket in a lightly greased slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 can of cranberry sauce, ginger ale, dried cranberries, onion soup mix, cornstarch, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Pour the sauce over the brisket, cover, and cook on low for about 8 hours or until the brisket is tender.
- Step 3: Remove the brisket to a platter and cover it. Let it stand for 10 minutes to rest.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining can of cranberry sauce with some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker to create a glaze.
- Step 5: Slice the brisket and serve it with the cranberry glaze for a flavorful finish.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the brisket overnight in the cranberry sauce mixture before cooking.
- Substitute ginger ale with apple cider for a slightly different sweetness.
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an herbal twist.
Storage
Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cooking juices or broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze the cooked brisket for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of brisket?
Yes, you can use other slow-cooking cuts like chuck roast. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat becomes tender.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to a nice glaze consistency, but if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can omit it or use a small amount of flour instead.
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Brisket Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Brisket is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for festive occasions or comforting family dinners. The beef brisket is slowly cooked in a deliciously tangy cranberry and ginger ale sauce, enhanced with dried cranberries and onion soup mix for a subtle savory sweetness. The slow cooking method ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the cranberry glaze adds a beautiful, rich finishing touch.
Ingredients
Brisket
- 1 3-4 lb. beef brisket
Sauce & Glaze
- 2 14 oz. cans whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 12 oz. can ginger ale
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker and sauce: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert to prevent sticking. Place the whole beef brisket inside the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together one can of whole berry cranberry sauce, the ginger ale, dried cranberries, onion soup mix, cornstarch, and salt and pepper to your taste.
- Cook the brisket: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the brisket. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded or sliced.
- Rest the brisket: Once cooked, carefully remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up for slicing.
- Make the glaze and serve: While the brisket rests, transfer the remaining cranberry sauce to a medium bowl. Add a desired amount of the cooking juices from the slow cooker and whisk together to make a flavorful glaze. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve topped with the cranberry glaze.
Notes
- For best results, select a brisket that is well marbled for tenderness and flavor.
- You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by varying the amount of cooking juices added.
- Leftover brisket can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Make sure to taste the sauce before cooking to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Slow Cooker, Cranberry Brisket, Beef Brisket, Holiday Recipe, Slow Cooker Beef, Cranberry Sauce

