Kielbasa and Sauerkraut (Crockpot, Stove Top, Instant Pot) (2024)

Easy Crockpot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut recipe plus stovetop instructions! This is the perfect easy family meal that can be made with a few simple ingredients.

Crock Pot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Easy Crockpot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut recipe, plus stovetop instructions! It’s the perfect easy family meal made with a few simple ingredients.

This recipe for Crock Pot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut wins rave reviews when I serve it to our loved ones. It is always nice to have extra taste testers in the house.

I love my husband, but some days he will eat just about anything. I like knowing that other people have tried the recipes before I share them with all of you 🙂

Plus, as a bonus, I can send home a ton of leftovers with our guests to make room for more things in the fridge.

We have been on a CrockPot recipe spree lately, and the fridge is a bit packed. I love stocking up the freezer with a ton of food that John can quickly heat in the microwave if I am not home.

This kielbasa recipe is so easy to make! It takes a few minutes of prep work. The hardest part is slicing the onion and Polish Kielbasa, but your job is complete afterward.

I love a super easy, amazingly yummy recipe!

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic CrockPot Kielbasa & Sauerkraut! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Bacon: Bacon adds so much flavor to this dish! While it can be left off, it ups the flavor big time.
• Medium Onion: We love the additional flavor the onion adds to this easy dinner recipe.
• Sauerkraut: You can use bagged or jarred sauerkraut, whichever is your favorite.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar helps cut down the tartness of the sauerkraut.
• Kielbasa: We use fully cooked kielbasa smoked sausage cut into small pieces. You can switch it up and try a jalapeño-flavored sausage, turkey sausage, Polish sausage, or pork sausage.

Equipment Needed

• CrockPot: We suggest using a Crockpot with a digital timer that automatically switches the slow cooker setting to warm after a set time. This feature ensures that your dinner cooks perfectly without stressing about cooking time.

How to make Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Slow Cooker - Cook bacon until crisp in a saucepan, remove and set to the side. Add onions and cook until transparent, remove and place on a paper towel. Cut kielbasa into 1-2 inch pieces. Brown in the saucepan.

Add sauerkraut, onion, bacon, and pork kielbasa sausage to the slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on low. Stir before serving.

Stove top - Cut kielbasa to desired length. Brown in a large skillet with olive oil or vegetable oil. Once brown remove and set to the side.

Add sauerkraut to the skillet and heat until warmed. Add kielbasa to the sauerkraut mixture and cook covered for 5-10 minutes over low heat.

Sheet Pan - Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Add sausage pieces and spread in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add drained sauerkraut to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Instant Pot - Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. One thing to know is this does change the consistency or the kielbasa and sauerkraut.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead: Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Sauerkraut takes about four to six hours to cook in your slow cooker, making it a dish you can prepare a few hours before you serve it.

Storage/Store Leftovers: Refrigerate your leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three to four days.

Freezing/How to Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely, then divide leftovers into portions.

Freeze any leftover sausage and sauerkraut portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months, making sure to label each with the date and recipe name so you know what’s inside the container and how long it’s been in your freezer.

One thing to know is that freezing sauerkraut damages some of the living probiotics in the kraut.

How to Reheat: Reheat any cooked or frozen leftovers using your stovetop or microwave.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

Smoked sausages or other sausages are interchangeable with kielbasa in this recipe. We use fully cooked kielbasa smoked sausage cut into small pieces. You can switch it up and try a turkey kielbasa, Polish, pork, or jalapeno-flavored sausage.

Drain the sauerkraut liquid and use apple juice, apple cider, chicken broth, or beer for a different flavor.

Additions:

Add bell peppers, garlic, potatoes, green beans, brown sugar, ground pepper, chopped sweet apples, caraway seeds, dill, or salt.

Vegetarian + Vegan Option:

Vegetarians and vegans should switch out the kielbasa for plant-based sausage and bacon.

Gluten-Free:

The ingredients used in this sausage and sauerkraut dish are typically gluten-free, but some bacon brands may contain additives unsafe for a gluten-free diet. Check the product labels on all your ingredients to confirm.

Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe yields six servings. Scale it up or down based on how many servings you want. Depending on the capacity of your CrockPot, you may need to work in batches if you scale up.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to make your CrockPot Kielbasa & Sauerkraut spicy.

Sugar-Free: This recipe contains 7 grams of sugar per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sauerkraut Gluten Free?

Yes! Sauerkraut is naturally gluten free since it is mostly fermented cabbage.

Is Sauerkraut Keto?

Yes, It is naturally low-carb.

Does Sauerkraut go bad?

Yes, but it should stay fresh for at least a few months in the refrigerator once it is opened.

Signs Sauerkraut has gone bad?

Smell is the 1st sign that kraut has taken a turn. If it smells weird or moldy or is emitting a strong odor throw it away!

If the color or texture has changed throw it away. If there is mold throw it away.

How to sweeten Sauerkraut?

If sauerkraut is a little to much you an add in white sugar, brown sugar, rinse and drain the kraut, or brown it with onions or apples.

Tips for the Best CrockPot Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

• Sauerkraut is naturally gluten-free since it consists primarily of fermented cabbage.
• Sauerkraut is safe for a keto diet because it is naturally low-carb.
• Sauerkraut doesn’t last forever, but it should stay fresh for at least a few months in the refrigerator upon opening. The smell is the first sign that Kraut has taken a turn. If it smells weird, appears moldy, or emits a strong odor, throw it away!
• If sauerkraut is too acidic for your taste, add white sugar or brown sugar, rinse and drain the kraut, or brown it with onions or apples to gain some sweetness.

What to Serve with CrockPot Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

Here are some of our favorite ideas if you wonder what goes with sauerkraut and sausage.

Sauces/Garnish: Mustard, Sour Cream

Bread: Beer Bread, 7-Up Biscuits, Sweet Bread Rolls, Knot Rolls

Side Dishes: Pierogies, Cracker Barrel Carrots, Green Bean Casserole, Air Fryer Mixed Vegetables, Broccoli, Potato Wedges, Asparagus, Broccoli Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Funeral Potatoes, Mashed Cauliflower

Desserts: Apple Cobbler, Ambrosia Salad, Apple Pie Dumplings, Apple Dump Cake, Fried Apples

When to Serve CrockPot Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

• New Year's Day: This dish is associated with good luck in the New Year.
• Family Dinner
• Oktoberfest

Great Recipes Everyone Will Love

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Dump Cake Recipes - Easy dump cakes for the oven and slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes - Epic meals and appetizers without meat.

Cake Mix Recipes - Grab a cake mix from the pantry and create something delicious!

Do you love recipes? Check out our copy cat recipes, dessert recipes, and our Crock Pot Recipes.

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Recipe originally shared on November 26, 2014. Updated September 2020, January 2023.