This Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut comes together in about five minutes of prep and cooks in your trusty slow cooker for a quick and comforting dinner that your family will love!. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Breakdown
You’re going to love how simple and accessible the ingredients are for this Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 – 12 ounce packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 2 inch pieces (I usually opt for beef kielbasa, but you can go with turkey or pork if you prefer!)
- 1 – 14.5 ounce can sauerkraut with juices (make sure you get the kind that has that salty, vinegary kick!)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (the sweeter the onion, the better!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (this balances out the acidity from the sauerkraut)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (a couple pinches for some warmth)
- 1 cup apple juice (this adds a lovely sweetness, trust me!)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now, let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish! It really is the definition of a “set it and forget it” recipe, which is perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep the Ingredients:
- Start by slicing your kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches works great! (Not too small, because we want them to stay juicy.)
- Next, thinly slice your onion and mince the garlic.
Combine in the Slow Cooker:
- In your slow cooker, add the sliced kielbasa, sauerkraut, onion, and garlic.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar and black pepper.
Pour in the Apple Juice:
- Now, here’s the magic part: pour in the apple juice. This will blend beautifully with the sauerkraut and give a delightful sweet-savory flavor.
Stir to Combine:
- Gently stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed, and the yummy bits are fully combined!
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally to combine all those delicious flavors. After about 30 minutes, you’ll start to smell that amazing aroma wafting through your home. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Check for Flavor:
- Before serving, taste and feel free to add a couple more pinches of salt and pepper if needed. (You know your family’s taste buds better than anyone!)
If you loved this easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut, be sure to check out my easy Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup, or my Madison’s Favorite Slow Cooker Beef Tacos.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
The secret to this delicious kielbasa and sauerkraut dish is that it comes together in just five minutes of prep! With minimal effort, you’ll have a fantastic meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights!
One Pot Wonder
There’s nothing better than one pot cooking! This slow cooker meal means easy cleanup. Just toss it all in and let your slow cooker work its magic. Less time scrubbing pots means more time enjoying your meal, and maybe even a glass of wine!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable and everyday ingredients means this meal won’t break the bank. Kielbasa can be found at most grocery stores, the other items are pantry staples. You can even snag a great deal on sauerkraut.
Comfort Food
Oh, this dish is loaded with tons of flavor! The combination of the salty, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apple juice, and savory sausage creates a delicious symphony of taste, each bite feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.
Customizable
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preference! Want to add some veggies? Go ahead and toss in some sliced carrots or even kale! You can swap out the kielbasa for another protein if you have it on hand, too, nothing’s stopping you from making this dish your own!
Serving and Storage
How to Serve This Easy Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
This dish is best served warm and can be paired with rustic bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for that extra comfort. You could also serve it with a side of coleslaw for some crunch, or even pickles for an added tang!
Storage
Leftovers are real life’s treasure! This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
Reheating
When it’s time for round two, simply reheat in the microwave for a quick meal or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy, right?
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat!
This easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut is not only delicious, but it’s also a fantastic recipe that screams comfort food! It’s all about comforting flavors, minimal fuss, and major crowd appeal. The next time you’re scrounging for something to throw together for dinner, this is it!
Whip this up and enjoy the delightful comments from your family as they dig in, because this dish is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. And hey, don’t be surprised if there’s nothing left!
Happy cooking, y’all! And follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches long.
- Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic.
- In your slow cooker, add the sliced kielbasa, sauerkraut, onion, and garlic.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar and black pepper.
- Pour in the apple juice to blend beautifully with the sauerkraut.
- Gently stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.