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!
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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:
- kielbasa sausage (we used beef)
- sauerkraut with juices
- onion
- garlic
- brown sugar
- black pepper
- apple juice
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for measurements and instructions!
Recipe tips:
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- 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.
More sauerkraut recipes you might like:
- Creamy Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup
- Reuben Sliders
- Creamy Ground Beef Sauerkraut Lasagna
- Porcupine Meatballs with Secret Ingredient Sauce
- Classic Reuben Sandwich
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
Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:
- Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
- Nextrend Garlic Twister
- OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set
- OXO Good Grips 6-Piece Plastic Measuring Spoons
- Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
- Amazon Basics 12-Piece Color-Coded Kitchen Knife Set
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did!

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
- 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
395.87Fat
28.09 gSat. Fat
12.02 gCarbs
21.25 gFiber
2.46 gNet carbs
18.79 gSugar
12.98 gProtein
12.36 gSodium
1590.45 mgCholesterol
60 mgHot 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.
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Yum! I love to throw this on a nice big bun with some mustard! And it's so easy to throw in the crockpot!
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/keeping-cozy-with-crock-pot-week/
This sounds like a great comfort food dish!
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in Wisconsin for 7 years, this reminds me of there so much!
ReplyDeleteI should make this for my aunt - she would LOVE it!!
ReplyDeleteMy husband would looooove if I made him this - great recipe!
ReplyDeleteyup, that's NE Ohio comfort food too! So good. I usually add a little brown sugar to the kraut.
ReplyDeleteI know my husband would love this dish! you are right, great comfort food!
ReplyDeleteMy 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!
ReplyDeleteLooks so good! I have some sauerkraut I need to use up, thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteOh yum - I'm a huge sauerkraut fan! This looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I would put this on a bun with mustard. Seriously drooling over here. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah. I would put it on a bun with mustard also. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI love kielbasa and sauerkraut....my mom makes it all the time! :)
ReplyDeleteI keep reading how great sauerkraut is for you. This is simple and looks tasty. Trying this recipe. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSounds 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.
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat a 2-ingredient recipe. This looks perfect for busy days, Sheena!
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy Sheena!! Hope you had a great lazy Saturday :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, everyone!! :)
ReplyDeleteCan you use any kind of kielbasa or is there one that is recommended.
ReplyDeleteAny kielbasa or sausage would work great! Enjoy! :)
DeleteThanks Sheena
DeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteStupid question am I using precooked kielbasa or fresh as I will be going to the polish store to purchase the kielbasa. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe used smoked kielbasa!
DeleteThanks Sheena. I'm making it on Sunday.
DeleteYou're welcome, Stacy! Enjoy! :)
Delete