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Hearty Slow Cooker Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Stew

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A comforting, hands-off slow cooker stew featuring tender bratwurst, mellow sauerkraut, and hearty vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cold weather and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 links (about 1.5 pounds) fresh bratwurst
  • 32 ounces sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup lager or pilsner beer (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Whole grain mustard, for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep your vegetables: dice onions, slice carrots, cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks, and mince garlic.
  2. Drain sauerkraut in a colander; do not rinse. Gently squeeze to remove excess liquid.
  3. Layer ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker: start with onions and carrots on the bottom, then sauerkraut, then bratwurst links in a single layer. Scatter potatoes around and between brats. Sprinkle garlic, caraway seeds, thyme, and pepper over everything. Tuck bay leaves in between.
  4. Pour chicken broth and beer (if using) around the edges of the slow cooker, avoiding pouring directly over the bratwurst.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and bratwurst is cooked through.
  6. Using tongs, remove bratwurst to a cutting board and let rest 2-3 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds.
  7. Return sliced bratwurst to the slow cooker and stir gently. Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Ladle stew into bowls, top with whole grain mustard and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, cook on low to allow flavors to meld. Do not lift the lid during cooking. The stew tastes even better the next day. If using frozen bratwurst, add directly to slow cooker and increase cooking time by 1 hour on low. To prevent watery stew, drain sauerkraut thoroughly and use only 1.5 cups broth if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, bratwurst, sauerkraut, stew, German, comfort food, hearty, winter, one pot

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/hearty-slow-cooker-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-stew/