Slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut is an easy Polish inspired dinner that you can throw together in minutes, then set it and forget it! This slow cooker recipe features delicious kielbasa sausage, tangy and tender sauerkraut, some light beer, and you can also add a bit of mustard! Slow cooker kielbasa & sauerkraut is easy comfort food that you can whip up in your crockpot any night of the week!
Crockpot Kielbasa Sauerkraut Recipe
Any recipe where I can throw a few ingredients in a crockpot and call it a day is a winner in my book and this slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut is one of my favorites. When cooked in the slow cooker, kielbasa becomes so incredibly tender while sauerkraut has a slight tang - it's enough to make your mouth water!
This Polish-inspired slow cooker recipe is incredibly versatile as well! Eat it as-is, or enjoy it as a sausage dog, with some noodles, over rice, whatever sounds good to you!
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🥘 Ingredients
You can choose any kielbasa you like. For instance, for a smokier flavor use smoked kielbasa!
- Kielbasa - 1 pound.
- Sauerkraut - A 32-ounce jar or bag of sauerkraut.
- Light Beer - 12 ounces of light, not dark, beer.
- Water - ½ cup.
- Stone-Ground Mustard (optional) - 1 tablespoon, or German mustard.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
These steps are incredibly simple and if you choose not to brown your kielbasa, it will still turn out delicious and tender! All you need is your a knife, cutting board, your slow cooker or crockpot, and a skillet if browning the sausage.
- Prep. Slice 1 pound of kielbasa sausage into ½-inch rounds and drain the liquid from 32 ounces of sauerkraut.
- Brown kielbasa (optional). - If desired, you may brown the kielbasa by heating a skillet to medium-high heat and searing each side of the sliced kielbasa before adding it to your crockpot. *This step is optional, but I feel it adds more flavor.
- Combine. Add the drained sauerkraut, 1 pound of kielbasa, 12 ounces of light beer, ½ a cup of water, and the optional 1 tablespoon of mustard (if using) to your crockpot and mix to combine.
- Cook. Cook the kielbasa & sauerkraut for 4-6 hours or on the high heat setting, or for 8 hours on low heat.
Keep it low carb by enjoying kielbasa & sauerkraut on its own, or serve it over some tasty egg noodles. You could also eat it with some rice or boiled potatoes if you want a heartier meal. Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
- You may switch the crockpot to warm once done, and serve from the warm crockpot for up to 2 hours.
- If you choose not to use beer, you can easily swap it for more water, apple juice, or even chicken broth.
- Storing: Store leftover slow cooker kielbasa & sauerkraut in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
😋 More Slow Cooker Recipes!
- Slow Cooker Boneless Leg of Lamb
- Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- Crockpot Cabbage
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Eye of Round Roast
- Crockpot Butter Chicken
📋 Recipe
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa
- 32 oz sauerkraut (drained)
- 12 oz light beer (not dark)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard (optional, or German mustard)
Instructions
- Slice your kielbasa sausage into ½-inch rounds and drain the liquid from your sauerkraut.32 oz sauerkraut, 1 lb kielbasa
- (Optional) If desired, you may brown the kielbasa by heating a skillet to medium-high heat and searing both sides of the sliced kielbasa before adding to your crockpot. *This step is optional, but I feel it adds more flavor.
- Add sauerkraut, kielbasa, light beer, water, and the optional mustard (if using) to your crockpot and combine well.12 oz light beer, ½ cup water, 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
- Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on high or set to cook for 8 hours on the low setting.
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- You may switch the crockpot to warm once done, and serve from the warm crockpot for up to 2 hours.
- If you choose not to use beer, you can easily swap it for more water, apple juice, or even chicken broth.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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