When the school year gets busy, a simple slow cooker dinner can feel like a little gift at the end of the day. This 4-ingredient bratwurst dinner uses uncooked pork bratwursts and a few pantry staples to create a hearty, flavorful meal with hardly any prep, making it perfect for weeknights when everyone is coming and going on different schedules.
Serve these tender bratwursts over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the savory sauce. I also like to add a simple side of green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cabbage slaw, and a basket of warm rolls on the table makes it feel extra cozy.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Back to School Dinner
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 uncooked pork bratwursts
Directions
1. Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker, then lay the uncooked pork bratwursts on top.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until smooth.
3. Pour the soup mixture over the bratwursts and onions, making sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the bratwursts are fully cooked and the onions are tender.
5. Serve the bratwursts hot with plenty of the onion gravy spooned over your favorite side dish.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a milder flavor, use sweet onions and serve the bratwursts sliced into bite-size pieces over mashed potatoes so every forkful gets a little sauce.
Add more flavor: A spoonful of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of black pepper stirred into the sauce gives this dish a deeper savory taste without adding much extra work.
Make it a fuller meal: Add baby potatoes or sliced carrots to the slow cooker under the bratwursts so the whole dinner cooks together in one pot.
Watch the cooking time: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so check that the bratwursts are cooked through and tender by the end of the suggested time. If the sauce seems thin, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
