There are some suppers that earn a regular place at the table simply because they are easy, hearty, and dependable, and these slow cooker pork bratwursts are just that kind of meal. Around here in the Midwest, bratwursts have long been a favorite for feeding a family without a lot of fuss, and this version leans on the pantry the way home cooks have done for generations. With just four ingredients and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you get tender brats in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that tastes like you worked much harder than you did.
Serve these bratwursts on soft buns with plenty of the onions and sauce spooned over the top, or plate them alongside mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a scoop of potato salad. A dish of sauerkraut, green beans, or simple roasted carrots makes a fine partner, and if you want the full supper-table feeling, set out some mustard, pickles, and a basket of warm rolls for folks to help themselves.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pork Bratwursts
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 raw whole pork bratwursts
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup beer or apple juice
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker if desired for easier cleanup, then spread the sliced onion across the bottom and lay the raw whole bratwursts on top in a single layer as much as possible.
2. Pour the barbecue sauce and beer or apple juice evenly over the bratwursts, making sure the onions are tucked down around the sides so they can soften into the sauce as everything cooks.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the bratwursts are fully cooked and the onions are very tender.
4. If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking on high, or transfer the bratwursts to a platter and simmer the sauce briefly on the stove. Serve hot on buns or on plates with the onions spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
Use apple juice for a sweeter finish: If you are cooking for children or simply prefer not to use beer, apple juice makes a lovely substitute. It gives the sauce a gentle sweetness that goes especially well with pork and onions.
Brown them first if you want deeper flavor: The recipe works just fine by putting the raw bratwursts straight into the slow cooker, but if you have a few extra minutes, a quick sear in a skillet before slow cooking adds color and a richer sausage flavor.
Make it sandwich-style: Pile each brat into a bun and top with extra onions, a spoonful of the sauce, and a swipe of mustard for an easy weeknight sandwich supper. It is the sort of meal that disappears fast when everybody comes in hungry.
Watch the cooking time: Slow cookers can run a little differently from one kitchen to the next, so check that the bratwursts are cooked through and juicy but not overdone. Once they are ready, switching the cooker to warm helps hold supper until everyone is at the table.