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An overhead close-up shot of savory Kielbasa and Sauerkraut simmering in a cast-iron skillet with apples and onions.

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe

This Kielbasa and Sauerkraut recipe is the ultimate one-pan comfort food! A perfect blend of savory smoked sausage, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and onions, all simmered together for a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, German, Polish
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Butter Unsalted
  • 1 large Onion thinly sliced
  • 1.5 lbs Kielbasa smoked Polish sausage, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 32 oz Sauerkraut drained
  • 1 medium Apple cored and thinly sliced (like Gala or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 tsp Caraway Seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth low-sodium

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Knife

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the sliced kielbasa to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the drained sauerkraut, sliced apple, brown sugar, caraway seeds, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir one last time and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Rinsing Sauerkraut: If you prefer a less tangy flavor, rinse the sauerkraut under cold water before adding it to the skillet.
Beer Variation: For a richer, deeper flavor, replace 1/2 cup of the chicken broth with a lager or pilsner beer.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.