Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

This Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut is such a hearty comfort food dinner. It's budget friendly, quick to prep and the crock pot does all the work for you!


Kielbasa and Sauerkraut in a black slow cooker with a blue napkin on the side.


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Kielbasa and Sauerkraut on a blue and gray floral plate with spinach on the side.


This recipe was photographed and updated 2/2023.


Today's recipe is a favorite from my childhood. I was visiting my sister in Mankato over Thanksgiving weekend and her husband made this for dinner one of the nights we were there visiting.

This stuff is so good, and such a hearty meal when served with some buttery mashed potatoes. When I photographed this recipe, we served it with a spinach salad, which was a perfect pair as well.

It's perfect for these cold winter days when you want to feel warm and full. 

This meal only takes 5 minutes to prep and is so easy to throw in the slow cooker. It's one of the most simple comfort food meals!


Keep scrolling for tips, additional sauerkraut recipes and more! 


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Shopping list:



Scroll down to the printable recipe card for measurements and instructions!


Recipe tips:

  • Our apple juice was not sweet, so we added 2 tablespoons brown sugar. If you have a sweet apple juice, you may want to reduce it to 1 tablespoon.


kielbasa and sauerkraut in a black slow cooker with a tongs grabbing some.


More sauerkraut recipes you might like:



You can add or substitute with these ingredients:


  • use beer instead of apple juice
  • use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic
  • use maple syrup instead of brown sugar
  • add thinly sliced apples
  • add diced bell pepper


Kielbasa and Sauerkraut on a plate with spinach on the side.


Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:



I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!


close up of kielbasa and sauerkraut with a blue background.
Yield 6 servings
Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Prep time
5 Min
Cook time
6 Hour
Total time
6 H & 5 M

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Ingredients

  • 2 - 12 ounce packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 2 inch pieces (we used beef)
  • 1 - 14.5 ounce can sauerkraut with juices
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup apple juice

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, stirring halfway through to combine.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.


Our apple juice was not very sweet, so we added 2 tablespoons brown sugar. If you have a sweet apple juice, you may want to reduce it to 1 tablespoon.


Nutrition Facts

Calories

395.87

Fat

28.09 g

Sat. Fat

12.02 g

Carbs

21.25 g

Fiber

2.46 g

Net carbs

18.79 g

Sugar

12.98 g

Protein

12.36 g

Sodium

1590.45 mg

Cholesterol

60 mg

Hot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results I do due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities. 


You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.



kielbasa and sauerkraut in a black slow cooker with recipe title text overlay.


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Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 10, 2015 at 9:05 PM

    Yum! I love to throw this on a nice big bun with some mustard! And it's so easy to throw in the crockpot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LitaJanuary 11, 2015 at 5:34 PM

    My mom used to make this all the time. I'd love it if you shared it with is at Keep It Cozy Crock Pot Week.

    Linda
    http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/keeping-cozy-with-crock-pot-week/

    ReplyDelete
  3. My Recent Favorite BooksJanuary 11, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    This sounds like a great comfort food dish!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MelanieJanuary 12, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    Having lived in Wisconsin for 7 years, this reminds me of there so much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Back for SecondsJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    I should make this for my aunt - she would LOVE it!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Erica S (EricasRecipes.com)January 12, 2015 at 3:05 PM

    My husband would looooove if I made him this - great recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Renee Paj January 12, 2015 at 7:05 PM

    yup, that's NE Ohio comfort food too! So good. I usually add a little brown sugar to the kraut.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Deb AJanuary 12, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    I know my husband would love this dish! you are right, great comfort food!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Valerie's KitchenJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:05 PM

    My husband has German heritage and he grew up eating sausage and sauerkraut. We've got a local German deli that has some really good, house made sauerkraut so now I'm inspired to give it a whirl. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJanuary 12, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    Looks so good! I have some sauerkraut I need to use up, thanks for the great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yvonne [Tried and Tasty]January 13, 2015 at 12:36 AM

    Oh yum - I'm a huge sauerkraut fan! This looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:41 AM

    What a great idea. I would put this on a bun with mustard. Seriously drooling over here. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Michele @ Flavor MosaicJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    I agree with Sarah. I would put it on a bun with mustard also. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Carrie RobinsonJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    I will have to show my mom this recipe. :) Growing up, she used to force me to eat this, so I am not a fan to this day. But she would love this slow cooker version!

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    I love kielbasa and sauerkraut....my mom makes it all the time! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sandra ShafferJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    I keep reading how great sauerkraut is for you. This is simple and looks tasty. Trying this recipe. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    Sounds simple. I don't usually eat sauerkraut, but had it in Poland this past year and really enjoyed it! I may have to try this.

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 12:56 PM

    You can't beat a 2-ingredient recipe. This looks perfect for busy days, Sheena!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Erin January 13, 2015 at 6:21 PM

    Looks yummy Sheena!! Hope you had a great lazy Saturday :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool ReadsJanuary 19, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    Thanks so much, everyone!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownJanuary 21, 2015 at 11:33 AM

    Can you use any kind of kielbasa or is there one that is recommended.

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownFebruary 28, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    Stupid question am I using precooked kielbasa or fresh as I will be going to the polish store to purchase the kielbasa. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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