How to Make Kate's Easy German Sauerbraten - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sauerbraten is a traditional German pot roast that is marinated in a combination of vinegar, wine, and spices, then slow-cooked to tender perfection. This flavorful and hearty dish is a favorite in many German households, and it’s a great way to bring the flavors of Germany to your own kitchen. This recipe for Kate’s Easy German Sauerbraten is a simplified version of the classic dish, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horiz...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • ½ large onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, diced
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon juniper berries, crushed (Optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 (4 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 8 gingersnap cookies, crushed

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 days
  • Total Time: 2 days 8 hrs 50 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Heat water, red wine, cider vinegar, lemon, 1/2 onion, garlic, cloves, bay leaves, white sugar, salt, juniper berries, and peppercorns in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Allow marinade to cool and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add beef roast, coat with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 2 to 3 days, turning the roast twice a day.
  • Place onions, carrots, and celery in a slow cooker. Remove roast from marinade and place atop vegetables. Strain marinade and pour 2 1/2 cups over roast; reserve remaining marinade.
  • Cover and cook roast on Low for 8 hours. Turn slow cooker off. Transfer roast to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil. Strain cooking liquid into a large bowl and return vegetables to slow cooker to rest.
  • Heat about 3 cups cooking liquid and gingersnaps in a saucepan over medium-high heat, adding reserved marinade as needed, until gravy is thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Slice roast and serve with vegetables and gravy.
  • Nutrition

    460 cal.

    • Total Fat: 27g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 103mg
    • Sodium: 1875mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 28g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 59mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 512mg