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Easy One-Pan Beer Brats with Peppers and Onions

one-pan beer brats - featured image

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring bratwurst simmered in beer with caramelized peppers and onions, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bratwurst sausages (about 1 lb / 450 g), fresh and uncooked
  • 12 fl oz (355 ml) beer, preferably pale lager or pilsner
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the green bell pepper into thin strips and peel and thinly slice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves if using (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add bratwurst links to the hot pan and cook about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
  4. Push the brats to one side of the pan. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the other side and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until they soften and brown slightly.
  5. Pour the beer evenly over the brats and veggies, about halfway up the sausages. Scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon (about 1 minute).
  6. Lower heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring veggies halfway through.
  7. Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and reduce liquid for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add minced garlic if using and cook for another minute.
  8. Check that brats reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or are firm and browned. Cook a few more minutes uncovered if needed.
  9. Let brats rest off heat for a couple of minutes. Serve with peppers and onions.

Notes

Use a lid during simmering to keep brats juicy; remove lid at the end to thicken sauce. Avoid bitter IPAs; pale lager or pilsner is best. For gluten-free, use gluten-free beer or substitute with chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Searing brats before simmering adds flavor and texture. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer brats, bratwurst, one-pan meal, peppers and onions, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, easy sausage recipe