This easy one-pan meal combines flavorful kielbasa sausage with tangy sauerkraut and sweet apple for a delicious and satisfying meal. Learn how to make this hearty dish with easily accessible ingredients and minimal effort and cleanup.
This one-pan kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With only 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
It is one of our favorite meals as the flavors complement each other well. If you like this recipe, try cabbage and sausage, skillet sausage and peppers, or haluski.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Onion: Sweet yellow or Vidalia.
- Kielbasa sausage: Or other smoked sausage.
- Sauerkraut: I like the refrigerated, bagged sauerkraut because it’s crispier and tastier.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the dish a little zip and tang.
- Apple: Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
- Red pepper flakes: These are optional, but they add a little zest to the dish.
How to Make Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the onion and sausage. Cook until the onion is soft and the sausage is browned.
- Add the drained sauerkraut, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes or until the apples soften.
- Season with salt and pepper, and if desired, crushed red pepper flakes.
Preparation Tips
- This dish is traditionally made with Polska Kielbasa, a spicy, smoked pork sausage, but you can use any smoked sausage.
- Season with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or dill.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetables: Honey-roasted carrots or roasted vegetables.
- Potatoes: German potato salad, Garlic mashed potatoes, or potato dumplings.
- Bread: No-Knead Bread or beer bread
More Recipes To Try
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage cut into ¾-1 inch chunks
- 2 lb package sauerkraut in liquid well drained
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 medium apple peeled and diced
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sausage, cooking until the onion is soft and the sausage is browned. Stir several times.
- Add the sauerkraut, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the apples soften.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
Yadira
I am a big fan of sauerkraut, so this combined with the sausage and the apple really was delicious. I love the flavours together and I will definitely be making this again!
Karen
omg I can imagine how delicious the combination is…I love Sauerkraut with almost anything…It is so so good!!! I can’t wait to make your recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Karen! Enjoy!
Sam Donnelly
Such a tasty recipe and so easy to make. I am so glad that I found this. I was looking for new and easy recipes.
Janey
I love kielbasa and it goes so well with sauerkraut! Thank you for sharing this recipe, it was a great midweek meal1
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Janey! I am glad that you liked it.
Janelle
This was so great. My kids devoured it and that’s really saying something, haha! Thanks!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Janelle!
Tisha
Its simplicity and quick preparation make it a go-to recipe for those hectic evenings when you need a tasty meal without the hassle
Beth Pierce
I agree, Tisa!
Jaishree
This Kielbasa and Sauerkraut recipe was fantastic! I loved the addition of apples for a hint of sweetness. So easy, delicious, and everyone loved it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jaishree! So glad that everyone liked it!
Sandra M
This was an easy meal for dinner last night! I love the red pepper flakes on mine! It was delicious!
Erin D
This recipe was simple to follow and turned out incredibly flavorful! The whole family was satisfied! This is perfect for busy families like mine! I’ll definitely add this on my repeat list!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Erin! So glad that you and your family enjoyed the Kielbasa and sauerkraut!
Krystle
This is one of our favorite family meals. I love the hint of sweetness from the apple.
Beth Pierce
Thank Krystle! We do too!