These 5-ingredient slow cooker vintage pork brats are the kind of easy dinner that feels a little nostalgic and a lot practical, especially on a busy weeknight. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while the bratwursts simmer with simple pantry staples into a savory, comforting meal with old-school supper club vibes and almost no hands-on work.
Serve these brats on toasted buns with the onions spooned over the top, or plate them with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, roasted potatoes, or a crisp cabbage slaw. They also pair really well with baked beans, sauerkraut, dill pickles, and a simple green salad if you want to round things out for a casual family dinner or game-day spread.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Vintage Pork Brats
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 raw pork bratwursts
2 large yellow onions, sliced
12 ounces light beer
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
1. Place the raw pork bratwursts in the bottom of the slow cooker and scatter the sliced onions over the top.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the beer, ketchup, and brown sugar until combined, then pour the mixture evenly over the bratwursts and onions.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the bratwursts are fully cooked and the onions are very tender.
4. If you like, transfer the bratwursts to a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes to lightly brown the outside, then return them to the sauce or serve as is.
5. Serve the bratwursts warm on buns or on plates, spooning plenty of the soft onions and sauce over the top.
Variations & Tips
Make it sweeter: For a more old-fashioned sweet-and-tangy flavor, add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar. This is especially good if you're serving the brats on buns for a cookout-style meal.
Add sauerkraut: Stir in 1 to 2 cups of drained sauerkraut during the last hour of cooking for a classic brat flavor twist. It makes the dish feel a little heartier and pairs really well with mustard at the table.
Use a liner for easy cleanup: Since the sauce gets a little sticky around the edges, a slow cooker liner can make cleanup much faster, which is always a win on a busy weeknight.
Brown for extra color: The brats are fully delicious straight from the slow cooker, but a quick trip under the broiler gives them a more appetizing browned finish if you have a few extra minutes before dinner.