Description
A stress-free meal prep recipe for Oktoberfest bratwurst cooked in a slow cooker with onions, beer, and mustard. This dish yields four perfectly portioned meals that improve in flavor over time and reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 links pork bratwurst (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 400g)
- 12 oz (355ml) German-style lager or pilsner
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 8–10 potato rolls or soft brioche buns
- Whole grain mustard (for serving)
- Pickled onions or sauerkraut (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the onions into half-moons. Place them in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Pour the beer over the onions. Add the yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
- Place the bratwurst links on top of the onions. Do not pierce the casings. Nestle curved sausages into the onions so they sit flat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until the internal temperature of the brats reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove brats and onions with tongs and let them cool completely on a plate or cutting board to prevent condensation in storage containers.
- Divide the cooled brats and onions into four equal portions in meal prep containers.
- Store buns separately and toast fresh when ready to eat. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Do not pierce the bratwurst casings to keep them juicy. Ensure food cools to room temperature before sealing containers to prevent sogginess. Toast buns fresh rather than storing them with the brats. If using an Instant Pot, sauté onions first, then pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 brats and onions (
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 36
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Oktoberfest, bratwurst, slow cooker, meal prep, German food, pork sausages, fall recipes, easy dinner