Go Back
–+ servings
sauerkraut with kielbasa in slow cooker
Lily Brooks

Sauerkraut with Kielbasa in Slow Cooker

Did you know that 78% of home cooks find slow cooker meals to be the most stress-free dinner option on busy weeknights? If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, you've found it with sauerkraut with kielbasa in slow cooker. This classic comfort dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of kielbasa with tangy sauerkraut, creating a perfect balance that has made it a favorite across generations. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep time, and your slow cooker does all the hard work!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds kielbasa sausage sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 32 ounces sauerkraut drained (reserve 1/4 cup liquid)
  • 2 medium apples cored and diced
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 bay leaves

Method
 

  1. Drain sauerkraut, reserving 1/4 cup liquid. Place sauerkraut in bottom of slow cooker.
  2. Top with sliced onions and apples. Add caraway seeds, paprika, and black pepper.
  3. Arrange sliced kielbasa on top of the mixture.
  4. Sprinkle brown sugar over everything. Add reserved sauerkraut liquid and apple cider. Tuck in bay leaves.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Stir halfway through.
  6. Remove bay leaves. If needed, cook uncovered last 30 minutes to reduce liquid. Adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 19gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 1290mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8g

Notes

Use turkey kielbasa for a lighter version. Rinse sauerkraut for milder flavor. Avoid overcooking the sausage. Add garlic, cranberries, or carrots for a nutritional boost. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!