Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers is a no-fuss dinner made with juicy bratwursts, sweet bell peppers, and savory onions simmered in broth and mustard. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker for an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches.

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

Bratwursts are classic German sausages that pack a lot of flavor, especially when paired with bell peppers and a bit of mustard for extra tang. It’s a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or even grilling on the weekend.
If you’re looking for 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: Beer adds a traditional touch, but chicken broth works well if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
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.**

Brown the bratwurst in a skillet on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Sliced onions and peppers in a slow cooker.

Transfer to the slow cooker and add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic on top.

In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Cooked Bratwursts, onions and peppers in a white Slow cooker.

Pour the mixture over the bratwursts and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the bratwursts are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

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.
Herbed Bratwurst: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the slow cooker for an aromatic 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 with creamy Mashed Potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal that’s always a hit.
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

FAQ

Can I use frozen bratwursts? Yes, you can use frozen bratwursts, but you’ll need to add an additional hour to the cooking time.
Can I cook this on high? Yes, cooking on high will reduce the time to 3-4 hours, but cooking on low for 6-7 hours is recommended for 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.