Slow Cooker Wisconsin Beer and Bratwurst Stew
Hearty slow-cooked stew combining savory bratwurst, Wisconsin craft beer, and root vegetables for a comforting meal inspired by regional flavors. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs Wisconsin lager beer, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 6 links, sliced into 1-inch pieces bratwurst sausages
- 12 oz Wisconsin lager beer
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 3 medium, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes potatoes
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 sliced bratwurst links and brown for 4-5 minutes until edges are golden. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced large onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker along with 3 peeled and diced carrots, 3 diced potatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Pour in 12 oz Wisconsin lager beer and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors melded. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Wisconsin Beer and Bratwurst Stew take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Wisconsin Beer and Bratwurst Stew?
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 wisconsin lager beer from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Wisconsin Beer and Bratwurst Stew?
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 Wisconsin Beer and Bratwurst Stew 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 Wisconsin Beer and Bratwurst Stew?
American slow cooker 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.
