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easy oktoberfest bratwurst skillet - featured image

Easy Oktoberfest Bratwurst Skillet: 20-Min One-Pan Dinner


  • Author: Liliana
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring seared bratwurst, caramelized onions, and tangy sauerkraut in a savory mustard-beer sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 links bratwurst (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 16 oz jar sauerkraut, drained and pressed dry
  • 3 tbsp spicy brown mustard (coarse-grain)
  • 1/2 cup beer (light lager or pilsner) or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Slice onions into thin half-moons. Drain sauerkraut thoroughly in a colander, pressing out excess liquid. Score bratwurst links with 2-3 shallow cuts on each side.
  2. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add bratwursts directly to the dry pan. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until browned and slightly charred. Remove sausages and set aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add sliced onions. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
  4. Add drained sauerkraut to the onions and stir to combine. Pour in beer (or broth) and spicy brown mustard. Stir, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return seared bratwursts to the skillet, nestling them into the mixture. Spoon sauce over the sausages. Heat through for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

Ensure sauerkraut is thoroughly drained to prevent a soupy sauce. Scoring the sausages helps them cook evenly and prevents bursting. If using raw brats, poach them in the beer/onion mixture for 10 minutes before searing. This recipe does not freeze well; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 2 sausages +
  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 900
  • Fat: 32
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: Oktoberfest, bratwurst, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meals, German sausage, skillet dinner, 20 minute recipes, comfort food