One Pan Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

One Pan Kielbasa and Sauerkraut is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and savory seasonings. It’s an easy, comforting meal made entirely in one skillet, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family meal. Pair it with your favorite mustard or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Chef’s Tips

• Caramelized Flavor: Let the onions cook slowly to develop a sweet, caramelized flavor that enhances the dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely.
• Sauerkraut Choice: Use your favorite sauerkraut; raw or jarred varieties with minimal additives work best for a clean, tangy flavor.
• Cast Iron Bonus: A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a golden-brown crust on the kielbasa and evenly cooking the sauerkraut mixture.

Ingredients

• 14 oz smoked kielbasa
  Smoky and flavorful, kielbasa is the star of this dish. You can substitute with another type of smoked sausage if preferred.
• 3 tbsp butter
  Butter adds richness and helps caramelize the onions. For a different flavor, use bacon fat or olive oil.
• 1 large onion, diced
  Onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow onions are a great choice for their balance of flavor.
• 32 oz sauerkraut
  Tangy and briny, sauerkraut is the perfect companion to the smoky kielbasa. Drain it lightly, but leave a bit of liquid for flavor.
• 2 tsp packed brown sugar
  Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the sauerkraut.
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
  Caraway seeds provide a distinctive nutty, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauerkraut.
• Black pepper (to taste)
  Freshly ground black pepper enhances the savory elements of the dish.

Substitutions

• Kielbasa Alternatives: Use bratwurst, andouille, or your favorite sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Sauerkraut Substitute: If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, try shredded cabbage cooked with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Sweetness Alternatives: Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kielbasa
   Cut the kielbasa into 5 equal sections. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is bubbling, add the kielbasa and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning often, until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa and set aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Onions
   In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and scraping up any browned bits, for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the Sauerkraut
   Stir in the sauerkraut, ensuring it is well mixed with the onions. Add the brown sugar and caraway seeds, stirring to combine.
4. Combine with Kielbasa
   Return the kielbasa to the skillet, nestling the sections into the sauerkraut mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausage to heat through.
5. Season and Serve
   Season with black pepper to taste. Serve hot with stone ground mustard or your favorite condiments on the side.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

One Pan Kielbasa and Sauerkraut is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a go-to comfort meal. With its smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a hearty option for any time of the year.

One Pan Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Sea Salt Savorings

One Pan Kielbasa and Sauerkraut is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a go-to comfort meal. With its smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a hearty option for any time of the year.

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Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 444 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 14 oz smoked kielbasa
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion diced
• 32 oz sauerkraut
• 2 tsp packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cut the kielbasa into 5 sections. In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, add the butter and heat until bubbling.
• Add the kielbasa and cook, turning often, 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
• To the same skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion and cook, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits, 5 to 7 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
• Stir in the sauerkraut, brown sugar and caraway seeds, mixing well.
• Add the kielbasa to the sauerkraut mixture and nestle the kielbasa sections into the sauerkraut. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until the flavors are melded and the sausage is hot. Season to taste with pepper.
• Serve with condiments such as stone ground mustard on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 16gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 2436mgPotassium: 630mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 305IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 5mg

Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.

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