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Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes (Easy & Flavorful Comfort Food!)

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This Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal! It's a classic combination of smoky kielbasa sausage, tangy sauerkraut, tender potatoes, and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection. I love how this recipe requires minimal effort - just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Kielbasa

  • Easy to Make: This recipe is practically effortless - just layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook.
  • Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of kielbasa, sauerkraut, and potatoes is incredibly satisfying and delicious.
  • One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Comfort Food Classic: This dish is a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes, including kielbasa, sauerkraut, and potatoes.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes

Here's what you'll need to make this easy meal. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

  • Kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces (Meat)
  • Sauerkraut, drained and rinsed (Fermented Vegetable)
  • Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Vegetable)
  • Onion, thinly sliced (Vegetable)

Liquids and Seasoning

  • Chicken broth (Liquid)
  • Caraway seeds (optional) (Spice)
  • Salt (Seasoning)
  • Pepper (Spice)
  • Brown sugar (optional) (Sweetener)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

  • Different Sausage: Use a different type of smoked sausage, like andouille or Polish sausage.
  • Add Apples: Add some peeled and chopped apples to the slow cooker for a touch of sweetness.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Add Beer: Substitute some of the chicken broth with beer for a richer flavor.
  • Different Potatoes: Use red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
Layering the ingredients in the slow cooker for Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes.

How to Make Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes:

Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

  1. I place the potatoes and onion slices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. I add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut on top of the potatoes and onions.
  3. I layer the kielbasa slices over the sauerkraut.
  4. I pour the chicken broth over everything.

Season

  1. I sprinkle with caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. If I like a hint of sweetness, I also add the brown sugar.

Cook

  1. I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Serve

  1. Serve

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Here are my secrets for making this dish truly exceptional:

  • Rinse the Sauerkraut: Rinsing the sauerkraut removes some of the excess salt and acidity, resulting in a milder flavor.
  • Use Good Quality Kielbasa: The flavor of the kielbasa will really shine through in this dish, so use a good quality one that you enjoy.
  • Don't Overcook the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they're tender but not mushy.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

  • Mustard: Serve with a side of your favorite mustard, like Dijon or whole grain mustard.
  • Rye Bread: A slice of rye bread is a classic accompaniment.
  • Apple Sauce: A dollop of applesauce adds a touch of sweetness.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes served with mustard.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Cook as directed when ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?
    • Yes, you can use any type of smoked sausage you like.
  • Can I make this without the sauerkraut?
    • Yes, you can omit the sauerkraut, but it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
  • Can I freeze this dish?
    • Yes, you can.

Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and comforting Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes! It's a perfect meal for any night of the week.

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Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes served with mustard.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: German-Inspired, Polish-Inspired, American
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Description

This Slow Cooker Kielbasa with Sauerkraut and Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal. Kielbasa sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes are slow-cooked to perfection with a touch of caraway for a classic, comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 1 (32-ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
  • 4 medium potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or red), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

  • Layer Vegetables: Place the potato chunks and sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Add Sauerkraut: Spread the drained and rinsed sauerkraut evenly over the potatoes and onions.
  • Add Kielbasa: Layer the sliced kielbasa evenly over the sauerkraut.
  • Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Add Seasonings: Sprinkle caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper over the ingredients. If you like a hint of sweetness, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top as well.
  • Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the flavors have melded.
  • Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the contents of the slow cooker a gentle stir to combine. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Kielbasa: You can use any type of smoked sausage you prefer, such as Polish sausage or andouille.
  • Sauerkraut: Rinsing the sauerkraut removes some of the saltiness and sourness. If you prefer a stronger sauerkraut flavor, you can skip the rinsing step.
  • Potatoes: You can use any type of potatoes you like, but russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well.
  • Caraway Seeds: Caraway seeds are a traditional seasoning for sauerkraut, but they are optional. If you don't like caraway seeds, you can omit them.
  • Brown Sugar (Optional): The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the sauerkraut. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit it altogether.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of rye bread or mustard.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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