Slow Cooker Beer Bratwurst with Onions & Peppers

 

🍺 Slow Cooker Beer Bratwurst with Onions & Peppers

Why You’ll Love It

Juicy bratwursts simmer slowly in beer with caramelized onions, peppers, and spices until they’re bursting with flavor. The beer not only tenderizes the sausage but also infuses everything with a rich, malty taste that’s hard to resist. Serve them in toasted buns with mustard, or pile them over mashed potatoes for comfort food bliss.

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🛒 Ingredients

6 bratwurst sausages – classic pork brats work best, but you can use chicken or turkey brats.

2 large onions, thinly sliced – they soften and soak up the beer flavor.

2 bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green) – add sweetness and color.

3 cloves garlic, minced – for savory depth.

1 bottle (12 oz) beer – a German-style lager, pilsner, or amber ale works beautifully.

2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing and extra richness.

1 tablespoon olive oil – helps with browning the brats.

1 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors.

½ teaspoon black pepper – adds a little kick.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a smoky undertone.

1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional) – traditional with bratwurst.

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional) – balances the bitterness of the beer.

Buns or rolls, for serving – hearty hoagie rolls or pretzel buns are ideal.

Mustard, sauerkraut, or cheese – for topping (optional).

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🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the Brats (Optional, but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the bratwursts on each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown (they don’t need to cook through—this just adds flavor).

2. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, melt the butter.

Add onions and peppers, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook another minute.

3. Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place half of the onions and peppers on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Arrange browned bratwursts on top.

Add the remaining onion and pepper mixture over the sausages.

4. Add Seasonings & Beer

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds.

Pour the beer evenly over everything.

Stir in brown sugar if using (balances the beer’s bitterness).

5. Cook Low & Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until sausages are fully cooked and infused with flavor.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Place bratwursts in buns, top with onions and peppers, and add mustard, sauerkraut, or melted cheese.

Or serve bratwursts with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a hearty meal.

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⭐ Pro Tips

Beer Choice: A light lager keeps it mellow, while an amber or darker beer adds more robust flavor. Avoid overly bitter IPAs.

For Crispy Brats: Pop the cooked sausages under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead: You can prep everything the night before and start the slow c

ooker in the morning.

Leftovers: Chop leftover brats and mix into pasta, breakfast hash, or fried rice.