Slow Cooker German-Style Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, slow-cooked pot roast marinated in tangy spices, served with sweet and sour braised red cabbage for a comforting German-inspired meal. This german-inspired beef ready in about 495 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, apple cider vinegar, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 German cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 cups beef broth, 1 sliced large onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 bay leaves, 5 whole cloves, and 10 black peppercorns. Place 3 lbs beef chuck roast in a large resealable bag and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Remove the roast from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the roast and marinade liquid into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: While the roast cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 shredded medium head of red cabbage, 1 chopped peeled apple, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté and stir for 15 minutes until the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices of sauerbraten with the sweet and sour red cabbage on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker German-Style Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker German-Style Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker German-Style Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker German-Style Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker German-Style Sauerbraten with Red Cabbage?

German beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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