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Get It NowI often make fried cabbage and sausage for a quick 30-minute meal, but some days, I barely have a moment to spare even for that. That’s when my trusty kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe swoops in to save the day. With just 5 minutes of prep time, I can simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work ahead of time. Get ready for the best savory aromas to fill your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love My Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Recipe
- Classic flavor combo – There’s a reason you see kielbasa and sauerkraut paired together. The blend of savory, juicy sausage with tangy pickled cabbage hits all the senses.
- Satisfying texture – While some slow cooker recipes can give every ingredient the same soft texture, this one keeps the kielbasa tender and juicy, while the veggies take on just the right amount of softness.
- Effortless prep – When I don’t have time for anything, my kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe wins every time. Like many of my other Crock Pot meals, this one is completely hands-off (so while it cooks, you can get something else done). You don’t need to pre-cook anything.
- 5 simple ingredients – I included just the key ones you need most. They also all store quite well, so you can keep them on hand easily.
- Cozy and comforting – After a long day, it’s nice to sit down to a simple and satisfying meal like this. And for me, the taste reminds me of the flavors of childhood… even though I liked them less back then.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for my kielbasa and sauerkraut, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Kielbasa – This is a type of Polish sausage made from pork (or sometimes pork and beef), though you can get turkey kielbasa for a lighter option. Since my family is Eastern European, we had it in the fridge often growing up. I always buy the (more common) smoked sausage version, but my recipe would work with raw as well, since it cooks for a while. Either way, you’ll need to slice it.
- Sauerkraut – Use a canned or jarred variety, refrigerated or shelf-stable… they’re all good! Be sure to drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the dish to keep everything from getting too watery.
- Onion – I have white onions on hand most often, but you can also use yellow, Vidalia, or red onions for a different flavor. Slice them thinly, so they’ll blend nicely with the sauerkraut. Sometimes I add some sliced bell peppers for extra color and a hint of natural sweetness, reminiscent of my sausage and peppers recipe.
- Diced Tomatoes – Makes the dish juicy and ties everything together. You could also use whole peeled tomatoes and chop them a bit. Stick with these two varieties, since you can drain the extra liquid from them. Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce will make the final dish too watery.
- Chicken Broth – I make my own homemade chicken broth when I can, but let’s be real, this is an I-don’t-have-time kind of meal. Just regular store-bought works just fine!
- Brown Sweetener (optional) – Most of you know I don’t eat refined sugar, so while many versions of this dish call for brown sugar, I use natural Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend in my kielbasa and sauerkraut instead. It adds a touch of sweetness and rich flavor without any aftertaste, but you can easily substitute with traditional brown sugar. Honestly, though, the sweetener is not required — this meal still tasted amazing when I omitted it.
How To Make Kielbasa And Sauerkraut
This section shows step-by-step photos together with the instructions, to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Layer the kielbasa. Place the sliced kielbasa sausage into your slow cooker in an even layer.
- Add the onions & brown sweetener. Place the onions on top of the kielbasa. If you’re using it, sprinkle Besti Brown (or brown sugar) over the onions.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Layer on the drained sauerkraut and diced tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth.
- Cook. Slow cook the kielbasa and sauerkraut until the sausage is very tender. I didn’t need to add any salt to this recipe, because almost every ingredient here is already salty, but you can season to your taste at the end if you like. I always garnish with fresh parsley to give it some color.
Recipe Variations
- Apples – This is a great way to add some sweetness if you don’t want to use a sweetener. And I think the sweet and tangy flavor of apples pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and sauerkraut. Just dice 2 to 3 of them (or slice thinly), and toss them in before cooking. I prefer sweet apples when I make this variation, but you can use granny smith apples for even more tang.
- Dijon Mustard – Stir a tablespoon into the sauerkraut mixture before cooking for a deeper flavor.
- Butter – Want extra richness? Add a few pats of butter on top before cooking.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes just as good as fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Since we’re using a slow cooker, you can prep anywhere from 2-6 hours ahead (depending on if you cook on high or low). You can also use the warm function if you need it to stay warm for longer.
- Reheat: You can gently warm leftover sauerkraut and kielbasa in a hot skillet, but I usually just pop it in the microwave, as it doesn’t change the texture much for this meal. Sometimes I chop up leftovers and saute with diced potatoes and onions for a hearty breakfast hash, or combine with broth and vegetables to create a flavorful soup (similar to cabbage soup, except with tangy sauerkraut).
- Freeze: This dish freezes well for quite a long time, up to 6 months. You can store it all together, or make individual portions for quick lunches you can reheat from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
This is a one-pot meal, so you don’t really need anything extra! But if you would like to include a side dish with your kielbasa and sauerkraut, there are two main things I serve it with:
- Potatoes – For a comforting meal, make a side of my roasted cubed potatoes seasoned with herbs and garlic, or my baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives. If you need a lighter option, try my mashed cauliflower.
- Salad – For a refreshing side, I often pair this dish with my creamy cucumber salad, Israeli salad, or just a simple cucumber tomato salad like my mom makes. These all go nicely with the flavors here.
More One-Pot Meals
I love complete meals that don’t need any sides — okay, other than maybe a simple salad. And if you do too, here are more of my one-pot (or one-pan) dinners to try:
My Favorite Crock Pot For This Recipe
This slow cooker is the one I have, and I love it because it switches to warm when it’s done cooking… a.k.a. dinner is always ready when I am!
Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Recipe
This kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe combines smoked sausage, tangy sauerkraut, onions & tomatoes, all slow cooked for an easy, one-pot dinner.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Place kielbasa at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the onions over the kielbasa. Sprinkle brown monk fruit sweetener over the onions, if using.
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Dump the drained cans of sauerkraut and diced tomatoes evenly into the slow cooker. Add chicken broth.
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Cook for 4-6 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High.
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers, or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂
34 Comments
jess
0This kielbasa dish was everything I wanted it to be and more! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
Mel
0This was something different for my family but everyone loved it! And it was so simple to make!
Toni
0Such a perfectly easy meal! It was a huge hit at my house! Thanks for the recipe!
Suzie
0Why is sodium not shown on the nutritional panel?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Suzie, Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. If you have questions, please see my nutrition policy.
DOLORES REYNOLDS,
0EXCELLENT RECEIPT LOVED IT SO DID THE WHOLE FAMILY THANKS!
Veronica Popo Molele
0Are your recipes diabetes friendly?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Veronica, Not all the recipes on my site are low carb.
Lynniepooh2 Berchtold
0Been making something similar for years but decided to try it with the brown sugar sub and tomatoes. Only been cooking for 5 minutes so no opinion yet on the taste. Will update that part later. The colors look amazing together. Also added mushrooms because I like mushrooms and have plenty leftover from a different meal. Cant wait to try it and have the aromas fill my home
Any
0I put it in my Insta pot for about 30 minutes and it turned out. I substitute coconut sugar for the dusty brown.
Paula
0Delicious! Easy to freeze and reheat in microwave. I usually add sour cream and spicy brown mustard as garnish. Works on my Keto diet. I use brown sugar substitute (Swerve). Easy to double!
Paula
0This was wonderful! Simple, economical, easy and delicious. Great for our freezing temperatures. I made a few mods, added some cut up carrots because I had some and added a couple of bay leaves in the last hour. Finished the dish with a little spicy brown mustard. I will try it next time with some sour cream. Highly recommended!
Teri
0How to make without a crock pot (for only 2 people)?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Teri, You can make this in a pot on the stove if you wish.
Marketa
0We haven’t a slow cooker, how could I cook it in the normal way?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Marketa, I have never tried it but I believe you could cook this in a pot on the stovetop.
Tammy
0Could you use cabbage instead of the sauerkraut?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Tammy, I have never done that but it would probably work.
Natasha
0Can you put the brown sugar afterwards?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Natasha, Yes, that would work.
Amy
0How would omitting the brown sugar sub affect the flavor? Trying to lower my sweetener use.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Amy, The dish will be more sour than sweet but you can omit the sweetener.
Mina
0Do you think spinach will be good added ?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Mina, This is really up to you, but I think spinach would add bitter flavors to the dish.
Matt
0How often do you have to stir it?
Pretty new to crockpot recipes
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Matt, Crockpot recipes are usually low maintenance. There isn’t any need for you to stir this dish.
Joan
0I loved this recipe, but then again, I grew up eating my German grandmother’s cooking. My husband looked at it and fixed himself something else to eat. Oh well. I loved the ease in preparation and the nutritious value of this dish.
Natalie
0I can’t believe how easy this is to throw together!! And, it’s packed with tons of flavor!! Totally making this again!
Annemarie Laco
0Hi, i cant wait to try this recipe . Can you use the sauerkraut in the class jars, just drained really well?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Annemarie, Yes, any kind of sauerkraut will work great!
Jo
0Can you use granulated sugar substitute instead of brown?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jo, I have never tried that so I am not exactly sure how it would taste.
Valentina
0Such a hearty and simple dinner idea! Love the meat with the sauerkraut!!
Beth
0Yummy! This looks so delicious and full of flavor! I’m so excited to try this recipe! Can’t wait!