Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers is the easy dinner you throw in the crock pot on a busy day and forget about. Juicy brats, sweet bell peppers and onions simmer with mustard and broth until everything is tender and full of flavor. No beer, no grill, and barely any hands-on time.

Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers by Tessie's table. — Photo Credit – Tessie’s Table.

Bratwursts are classic German sausages, and they taste even better slow cooked with peppers and a little mustard for tang. Serve them on buns, over mashed potatoes, or straight from the pot. If you want more easy dinners, my Sloppy Joe Casserole and Sweet and Sour Meatballs are both great weeknight options with minimal prep.

Why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers

Effortless Preparation:
With just a few minutes of browning and slicing, the slow cooker takes over, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time.
Flavorful and Hearty:
The combination of bratwursts, onions, and peppers cooked slowly in a rich, seasoned broth creates a robust, satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Serving Options:
This dish is perfect on its own, served with Crusty Bread, or as a filling for sandwiches or subs, offering endless meal possibilities.

The Difference Between Irish, American, and German Sausages

In Ireland, sausages are a staple, but they’re quite different from the bratwursts you find here in the U.S. Irish sausages are usually milder, with a smoother texture while American and German sausages like bratwursts are bolder, more seasoned and have a meatier bite to them. This recipe brings out those robust flavors, and what’s even better is that the slow cooker does all the work for me. It’s an easy way to get those deep, rich flavors without standing over the stove all day

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers

Bratwursts: Choose high-quality bratwursts for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can use Italian sausage or another type of sausage.
Olive oil: For browning the bratwursts, adding extra flavor and color.
Onions: Yellow onions work best for their sweetness, but white or red onions can also be used.
Bell peppers : The variety of colors adds visual appeal and a balance of sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor that complements the bratwursts.
Chicken broth: Keeps this version alcohol-free and family-friendly. You can swap in beer for a more traditional beer brat flavor if you like.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the dish. Regular yellow mustard can be used as a substitute.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavors, making the dish even more savory.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness, but sweet paprika works well too.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning to taste.

How to make Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the bratwursts on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the browned bratwursts to the slow cooker and pile the sliced onions, bell peppers and minced garlic on top.

Four step photos showing bratwursts browned in a skillet, sliced peppers and onions in a slow cooker, the broth, mustard and seasonings in a glass bowl, and the browned brats laid on top of the peppers and onions for slow cooker bratwurst by Tessie's Table.

Whisk the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper and salt together in a small bowl.
Pour the broth mixture over the bratwursts and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the brats are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, then serve on rolls with the peppers and onions.

Variations

Spicy Bratwurst: Add sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Bratwurst: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a rich, cheesy twist.
Beer Brats: For the classic version, swap the chicken broth for a cup of mild lager or pilsner. It gives the brats that traditional beer-garden flavor.
Apple Bratwurst: Substitute one of the bell peppers with a sliced apple for a sweet and savory combination.
Sauerkraut Bratwurst: Add a layer of sauerkraut on top of the bratwursts before cooking for a tangy, traditional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Bratwurst Hoagies: Toast hoagie rolls, add mustard, and pile on the bratwursts and veggies. Perfect for a quick and tasty sandwich!
With Mashed Potatoes: Serve over creamy Mashed Potatoes for a hearty meal that soaks up all the savory broth.
Over Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with the bratwursts and peppers for a filling, flavorful dinner.
With an Easy Salad: Pair with a fresh Pasta Salad for a lighter, balanced meal. A tangy vinaigrette works great here!
Serve with Beer: Enjoy with a cold beer for the ultimate combo, or your favorite drink for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers?

Freeze the cooked bratwursts and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Bratwurst with peppers and onions on hotdog buns on a red plate.

Tips & Tricks

Brown the Bratwursts: Browning the bratwursts before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor and helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Layering: Place the bratwursts on the bottom of the slow cooker, so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the onions and peppers.
Beer vs. Broth: You can use beer instead of broth but, choose a mild-flavored beer like a lager. A stronger beer can overpower the dish.
Customize the Peppers: Use a mix of your favorite peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for all sweet bell peppers.
No Slow Cooker?: This recipe can also be made in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours until the bratwursts are cooked through.

More Meaty Mains

Looking for More Slow Cooker Dinners?

My Easy Slow Cooker Dinners roundup has 15 crockpot recipes for busy nights, so you can fill the rest of the week without much effort.

FAQ

Can I make slow cooker bratwurst without beer? Yes, this recipe is made without beer. It uses chicken broth instead, so it’s alcohol-free and family-friendly while still giving you a rich, savory flavor. If you’d rather make traditional beer brats, swap the broth for a cup of mild lager.
Can I use frozen bratwursts? Yes, you can use frozen bratwursts, but you’ll need to add an additional hour to the cooking time.
How long do you cook brats in a crock pot? Cook them on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the bratwursts are cooked through and the peppers and onions are tender. Low gives you the best flavor.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe? Yes, you can add cubed potatoes to the slow cooker along with the onions and peppers for an all-in-one meal.
Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely! Italian sausage, kielbasa, or any other sausage can be substituted for bratwursts in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare everything in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the slow cooker insert back into the base and start cooking.
Can I turn the broth into a sauce? Yes, you can! To thicken the broth into a sauce, stir in a slurry made with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will help thicken the liquid and give you a nice, rich sauce. You can leave the lif off for the last 30 minutes to help thicken it up.
Can I add more vegetables? Of course! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots to the slow cooker for extra veggies and flavor.
How do I prevent the bratwursts from splitting? Browning the bratwursts before slow cooking helps seal them, preventing them from splitting during the cooking process. Also, avoid overcooking.
Can I use a different mustard? Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.

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