Sauerkraut and Sausage in the Crock Pot

Transform your dinner into a hearty, flavorful feast with this comforting Sauerkraut and Sausage in the Crock Pot recipe. Combining smoky kielbasa or bratwurst with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and aromatic onions, this dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Enhanced by the subtle warmth of garlic, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and optional caraway seeds for earthy depth, this slow-cooked meal becomes irresistibly tender and flavorful in just four hours. A splash of broth keeps everything moist, while a touch of butter adds a rich finish. Ideal for busy evenings or cozy family dinners, this easy crock pot dinner pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Bursting with classic German-inspired flavors, it’s a quick-prep dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:250 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or bratwurst)
• 32 ounces sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Directions

Step 1

Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the sauerkraut to reduce excess tanginess. Set aside.

Step 3

In a crock pot, layer the drained sauerkraut at the bottom.

Step 4

Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the sauerkraut.

Step 5

Sprinkle the brown sugar and optional caraway seeds over the onion-garlic mixture.

Step 6

Pour the chicken or beef broth evenly over the ingredients in the crock pot.

Step 7

Scatter the chopped apple over the mixture for a hint of sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.

Step 8

Add the sliced smoked sausage on top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 9

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Dot the top with small pieces of butter for a rich finish.

Step 11

Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours or until the sauerkraut is tender and the sausage is fully heated through.

Step 12

After cooking, stir everything together gently before serving.

Step 13

Serve hot as a standalone dish or alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1954.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1896.0

Total Fat 137.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 329.7mg	0%
Sodium 9682.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.2g	0%
Total Sugars 61.3g
Protein 58.6g	0%

Vitamin D 18.3IU	0%
Calcium 389.2mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 2438.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.3%

Protein: 12.3%

Carbs: 22.4%