Slow Cooker Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Sausage and Sauerkraut recipe featuring smoked kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apple, and aromatic caraway seeds. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 – 2 pounds smoked kielbasa or sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 28–32 ounces sauerkraut (with juice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 large apple, diced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons caraway or dill seeds
- Salt & pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients (For Instant Pot Method)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the smoked kielbasa or sausage into 1-inch pieces, dice the onion and the apple to have everything ready for cooking.
- Slow Cooker Method – Combine Ingredients: Add the sausage, sauerkraut (including its juice), diced onion, apple, Dijon mustard, caraway or dill seeds, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to mix all the flavors together.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours until the sausage is cooked through and the flavors meld.
- Instant Pot Method – Brown Sausage: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the oil. Add the sausage pieces in batches and brown them for 5-7 minutes until nicely seared on all sides. Remove and set aside after browning.
- Add Liquid to Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth or water into the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent burning and create steam for pressure cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Instant Pot: Place the sauerkraut, diced apple, and Dijon mustard in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Then top evenly with the browned sausage chunks.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid properly and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow natural pressure release before opening.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the flavors and serve hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes or rye bread.
Notes
- Using smoked kielbasa adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the tangy sauerkraut perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of mustard to your taste preference for added tanginess.
- You can substitute caraway seeds with dill seeds depending on your flavor preference.
- The slow cooker method requires longer cooking time but develops richer flavors and tender sausage.
- For an Instant Pot, browning the sausage first adds texture and flavor before pressure cooking.
- Serve with hearty sides such as boiled potatoes, rye bread, or sauerkraut salad for a complete meal.
