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Easy Kid-Approved Slow Cooker Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Stew

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A hearty, budget-friendly slow cooker stew with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potatoes that even picky eaters love. The slow cooker mellows the sauerkraut’s bite and blends the flavors into a comforting one-pot meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds bratwurst (about 5–6 links)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 (32-ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra Dijon mustard (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Sear the bratwurst: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook bratwurst links for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Spread drained sauerkraut evenly in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Top with diced potatoes, then sautéed onions and garlic.
  4. Add brats and liquid: Nestle seared bratwurst into the mixture. Whisk together chicken broth, Dijon mustard, caraway seeds (if using), black pepper, and salt. Pour over everything.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and bratwurst is cooked through.
  6. Rest and serve: Turn off slow cooker and let rest 10 minutes. Slice brats into 1-inch rounds or leave whole. Ladle stew into bowls, top with brats, and garnish with parsley. Serve with extra Dijon mustard.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the brats for best flavor. Cut potatoes evenly (1-inch cubes). Watch the salt—brats and sauerkraut are already salty. LOW setting is preferred for best texture. For weeknight prep, do steps 1-2 the night before and refrigerate. Leftovers improve overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, bratwurst, sauerkraut, stew, easy, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, one-pot, comfort food

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-kid-approved-slow-cooker-bratwurst-and-sauerkraut-stew/