Select Page

Instant Pot

Slow Cooker Beer Brats

This simple and delicious Instant Pot slow cooker beer bratwurst recipe uses only five ingredients and is cooked to crock-pot or Instant Pot perfection.

Servings

4

Ready In:

6-8hrs

Good For:

Dinner

Introduction

About this Recipe

One of our household staples, this easy and delicious meal is perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal, but even the thought of holding a pan is exhausting.

Don’t worry, babe. Trust me. I get it.

That’s why you need to make my Instant Pot slow cooker beer bratwurst recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 -2 lbs uncooked bratwurst 
  • 1 can beer of choice
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cabbage, chopped  (optional)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Our Tips For Extra Flavor:

  • Try different beers to change the flavor. In this recipe we used a dark lager.
  • Exchange normal bratwurst for seasoned or beer brats.
  • Add some by tossing in a few jalapenos, pickled peppers or red pepper flakes with the rest of your ingredients.
  • Make it creamy by adding sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process.
  • Love onions? Instead of one onion add two or more. Think of a German Sausage meets French Onion vibe. Delicious.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

First, in a pan, brown bratwurst on all sides.

Instant Pot Instructions:
Set Instant Pot to Saute Normal and brown bratwurst on all sides.

Step 2

Remove bratwurst from pan and add to slow cooker.

Instant Pot Instructions:
Turn off/cancel Saute on Instant Pot.

Step 3

Add beer to slow cooker.

Instant Pot Instructions:
Slowly and carefully add beer to Instant Pot to “delgaze” your pot.
Note: It will be hot and steamy.

Step 4

Both:
Next, add your onions, garlic, butter, salt, pepper and cabbage (if using) to the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Mix gently.

Step 5

After all your ingredients are mixed together, cook on low for 6-8 hours or until bratwurst are fully cooked.

Instant Pot Instructions:
Set Instant Pot to Slow Cook Normal and set the timer for 6-8 hours or until bratwurst are fully cooked. Remember to set the lid valve to “open.”

When the bratwurst have around an hour left, I like to remove them and cut them in half and then add them back to cook for the last hour. We prefer to eat them this way instead of in a hotdog bun. 🙂

Step 6

Serve hot and enjoy these slow cooker beer bratwurst!

We like to eat ours with german potato salad, sauerkraut and brussel sprouts. 🙂

More Recipes

Easy Carbonara Recipe

Easy Carbonara Recipe

Easy Carbonara RecipeOur version of the classic carbonara pasta.Servings 2-4Ready In: 20 minGood For: DinnerInroduction About this Recipe Carbonara is one of those pasta recipes that seems intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's one of the easiest...

Homemade Sausage Gravy

Homemade Sausage Gravy

Homemade Sausage GravyBiscuits and gravy, anyone?Servings - Ready In: 15 minGood For: BreakfastInroduction About this Recipe A southern favorite that brings all the comfort and good feelings. Our Homemade Sausage Gravy recipe is perfect for your classic biscuits and...

Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup

Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup

Mushroom and Wild Rice SoupHearty and delicious soup with lots and lots of mushrooms.Servings 4-6Ready In: 30+ minGood For: DinnerInroduction About this Recipe This recipe was inspired by the 50% off sticker on mushrooms at our local grocery store. There was no way I...