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Best Easy Slow Cooker German Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Stew

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A hearty, hands-off slow cooker stew with juicy bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes. Perfect for Oktoberfest, potlucks, or any cozy gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 links bratwurst (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 pound sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thin half-rings
  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 4–5 medium)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup light lager or pilsner beer (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Rinse sauerkraut in a colander under cold water and drain well. Slice onion into thin half-rings. Cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Mince garlic.
  2. Layer the slow cooker: Place sliced onions in an even layer at the bottom. Add drained sauerkraut, spreading evenly. Scatter potato chunks on top. Nestle bratwurst links into the mixture.
  3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour chicken broth and beer (if using) over everything. Sprinkle caraway seeds, brown sugar, and minced garlic evenly. Tuck bay leaves into liquid. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and bratwurst are cooked through.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove bratwurst with tongs, let rest 2-3 minutes, then slice into 1-inch rounds. Return to slow cooker and stir gently. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. For thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir in, and cook on high 15 minutes.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or sour cream if desired. Serve with crusty bread or pretzel rolls.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear bratwurst in a hot skillet before adding to slow cooker. Deglaze pan with a splash of beer and add to pot. Stew tastes even better the next day. Store in refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, bratwurst, sauerkraut, stew, German, Oktoberfest, comfort food, easy

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/best-easy-slow-cooker-german-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-stew/