Beer Braised Pork and Sauerkraut

This German-style beer braised pork and sauerkraut is the perfect recipe to kick off the New Year. Mustard-rubbed pork shoulder braises low and slow with cabbage, onions, sauerkraut and amber ale until rich and tender. It’s best served over mashed potatoes, with the leftover braising liquid turned into a deeply flavorful bier gravy that ties everything together.

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Table of Contents

• The luckiest meal of the year
• Everything you need to make this recipe
• How to make this pork and sauerkraut
• Servings and pairings
• Storage recommendations
• Recipe FAQs
• Want more easy dinner recipes?
• Beer Braised Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe

Everything you need to make this recipe

This recipe has three simple components: First, there’s the pork, followed by the sauerkraut and vegetable base, and finally, a quick bier gravy made from the leftover braising liquid. It’s a budget-friendly, pantry-friendly situation, with ingredients that are easy to find and do a lot of the work for you.

• Pork shoulder (Boston butt) + s&p + German mustard: Pork shoulder gets slathered in German mustard for flavor and a little extra richness as it roasts. Because of its higher fat content, Boston butt works especially well here.

• Yellow onions + cabbage + sauerkraut + amber ale + apple cider + brown sugar: The onions, cabbage, and sauerkraut soften and melt as they braise, creating a savory, slightly sweet base. Apple cider and brown sugar add balance, while the amber ale brings acidity and malty depth. At the same time, it helps tenderize the pork as it braises.

• Butter + flour + chicken broth: Once the pork and vegetables are out of the pot, the remaining juices are all you need to turn into a quick, deeply flavorful bier gravy.

Kitchen equipment needed:

• chef’s knife + cutting board
• large Dutch oven pot with lid (at least 7 quarts or larger)
• stirring spoon
• tongs
• slotted spoon
• whisk
• large dish or platter for serving

How to make this pork and sauerkraut

This is a simple, low-effort recipe that mostly takes care of itself. The only real requirement is patience while everything slowly braises, and it’s absolutely worth the wait.

1. Season the pork

Season the pork generously with salt and pepper, then rub it all over with mustard, making sure it gets into every crevice.

2. Prepare the braising base

Combine the onions, cabbage, sauerkraut, brown sugar, apple cider, and beer in a large Dutch oven then create a shallow well in the center.

3. First braise

Next, nestle the pork into the vegetables, cover, and braise until tender and deeply flavorful.

4. Second braise

Uncover the pot, increase the oven temp then continue cooking until the pork is browned and the braising liquid has reduced slightly.

5. Rest the pork

Let the pork rest briefly, then spoon the sauerkraut and vegetable mixture over the mashed potatoes.

6. Make the bier gravy

Use the remaining braising liquid to quickly make a rich, savory bier gravy.

7. Serve and enjoy

Finally, slice the pork, arrange it on top of the potatoes and sauerkraut mixture, then finish with gravy and fresh thyme.

Servings and pairings

This is a perfect meal to share with family and friends and it’s perfect for those nights when you don’t want to put in a ton of effort.

• New years day – Traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity, this dish is hearty, comforting, and a great way to ease into the year ahead.
  
• Family dinner – It serves a crowd and presents beautifully layered over mashed potatoes, making it ideal for a relaxed family-style meal.
  
• Casual dinner party – This is a great option when you want something cozy and generous without juggling multiple dishes, since everything cooks in one pot and holds well.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: Riesling (dry) or Grüner Veltliner — These work especially well here, with enough acidity to cut through the richness while complementing the sauerkraut and mustard.
• Beer: Märzen or Dunkel — These will echo the beer used in the braise without overpowering the dish.
• NA option: Non-alcoholic pilsner-style beer — Pairs nicely with the savory, slightly sweet flavors.

Storage recommendations

Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave to bring everything back to temperature.

Want more easy dinner recipes?

Here are some of my latest dinner recipes perfect for any gathering:

If you make this, tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see it — few things bring me more joy than scrolling through and spotting what you’ve cooked.

Questions? Comments? Reviews? Leave them below. This is the best way to reach me, and yes, I actually read them.

Xoxo, Lee

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