Farm-style 'Bangers & Mash'

A simple comfort dinner with just a handful of ingredients

Some of the best meals are the simplest ones. This cozy recipe was inspired by a traditional Irish slow-cooked sausage and onion dish where the flavors slowly melt together over several hours. The richness is in the slow cooking—sausages become incredibly tender while onions soften and turn into a full-bodied, savory gravy. 

Instead of traditional Irish bangers, we use our Krogman Homegrown Meats Classic Brats. Their seasoning and natural pork flavor create a hearty, farmhouse-style meal with almost no hands-on work.  While pork sausage is more traditional, the beef brats would work great as well.

Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes so every bit of that onion gravy gets soaked up. It’s the kind of meal that feels perfect for St. Patrick's Day if Corned Beef isn't your thing—or any time you want a simple, comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 package Krogman Homegrown Meats Classic Brats
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon butter

Optional for serving:

• Mashed potatoes
• Fresh parsley
• Crusty bread

Instructions

1. Layer the onions
   Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add the brats*
   Nestle the Krogman Classic Brats directly on top of the onions.  (Substitute one yellow onion with a red onion to add a hint of sweetness.)
3. Add broth and butter
   Pour the beef broth over everything and add the tablespoon of butter.  (You could use half broth & have dark beer as well for a more traditional flavor.)
4. Slow cook**
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the brats are tender and the onions have softened into a rich gravy.
5. Serve
   Spoon the brats and onions over mashed potatoes and ladle extra gravy on top.

Tips for the Best Flavor

* Brown the brats first (optional)
If you have a few extra minutes, sear the brats in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a deeper flavor to the finished dish.

**Let the onions caramelize
The longer the onions cook, the richer the flavor of the sauce becomes.  

Make it a full meal
Serve with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered cabbage or sautéed greens
• Thick slices of bread to soak up the gravy