These Slow Cooker Beer Brats are juicy and flavorful. Just ten minutes prep and into the crockpot they go with peppers and onions. Such an easy weeknight dinner.
This slow cooker dinner was originally published in March 2016. I updated the recipe notes and photos in April 2026.
The Easiest Way to Make Juicy Beer Brats Without a Grill
Aimee’s Recipe Notes
There’s something about slow cooking dinners that feels like a win before the day even starts. Toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to dinner ready to eat.
I didn’t grow up eating beer brats at home, this was one of those recipes I learned later. The kind that shows up at cookouts, tailgates, and weekends with friends.
After some trial and error (and very fragrant kitchens) I landed on this method. A quick sear for flavor and texture, then low and slow in beer with peppers and onions. Simple and flavorful.
PRO TIP: Put the crockpot in your garage if you want to avoid your house smellting like a pub!
xo,
Ingredients for Beer Brats
Crockpot recipes are amazing for cooking all kinds of meat dishes. My Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket and today’s slow cooker beer brats and proof! Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the full list with measurements.
- Bratwurst sausages. Any type of brats will do. They should be fresh or frozen, and uncooked. Be sure to thaw the brats before using.
- Beer. I use 2 cans of a Pilsner style beer.
- Steak seasoning. Use a store bought spice blend or your favorite homemade steak seasoning mix.
How to Make Beer Brats
This recipe today works because it combines two cooking methods for maximum flavor, while still checking the “easy” box.
Grab an indoor grill pan or skillet and cook the brats for about 5 minutes per side. Sprinkle the brats with some garlic powder and steak seasoning while cooking.
While the brats sizzle, slice up some peppers and onions. When the brats are nicely charred, added them to the slow cooker with the sliced veggies.
Pour in two cans of beer (about 24 oz) and a cup of water. Cook on low heat for 6 hours (or high heat for 3-4 hours).
I love serving the brats on crusty french rolls, but any style hoagie or hot dog bun would work (even a pretzel bun, YUM). Add on ketchup or mustard (or other favorite toppings) and dig in!
If you like sauerkraut, it’s a great match for these brats too.
Looking for side dish inspiration? This Hash Brown Casserole recipe or a delicious potato salad pair beautifully with bratwurst.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a mild beer as IPA’s can be bitter, in my opinion. A dark German beer would be delicious if you love that caramel flavor!
- Feel free to mix up the colors of the bell peppers. Red, orange, green and yellow peppers are all delicious!
- The sausage doesn’t need to be cooked through when you add it to the slow cooker. It should be brown and charred on the outside. The inside will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- Storage- Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or freeze cook brats for up to 2 months in an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months.
More Dinner Recipes
- A Southern classic, like this Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe turns out perfect every time!
- These Oven Baked Pork Chops are exactly what your family needs for dinner! Soft, juicy, and flavorful!
- Need a classic and traditional Meatloaf Recipe? This one turns out juicy and tender every time!
- These Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are quick and easy and perfectly filling! Just like these other zesty Italian Chicken Sandwiches! Your family will love them!
- Try out this easy and flavorful Chicken Curry for dinner for the family this week!
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Slow Cooker Beer Brats Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 fresh bratwurst sausages, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt divided
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend divided
- 1 red pepper seeded and sliced
- 1 green pepper seeded and sliced
- 1 yellow pepper seeded and sliced
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 24 ounce beer
- 1 cup water
- 8 french rolls
Instructions
- Place the bratwurst in a grill pan, or skillet, on medium high heat. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic salt and 1 teaspoon of steak seasoning over the brats while cooking.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side.
- Add the vegetables and partially cooked bratwurst to your slow cooker. Top with beer, water, and remaining garlic salt and steak seasoning. Cover and heat on low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours).
- Serve on a french roll and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Beer brats aren’t just for summer grilling! With this Slow Cooker Beer Brats recipe, you can have delicious bratwurst for dinner all year long.
This is making me so hungry. Beer and brats sound tasty to me! Beer is almost always a great addition ..
I’m totally trying these on a pretzel bun! YUM! And to be taken back to the college days and fresh aroma of beer 🙂
Haha, oh college. It’s funny until I think about the fact that my daughter will be going in 2017 🙁