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Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe combining smoky kielbasa and tangy sauerkraut, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds kielbasa sausage (smoked, pre-sliced or whole)
  • 2 to 3 cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and sliced (optional)
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds if not pre-sliced. Thinly slice the onion and peel and slice the apple into thin wedges. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Scatter the sliced onion, apple, and minced garlic on top of the sauerkraut.
  4. Sprinkle the brown sugar, caraway seeds, and freshly ground black pepper over the top. Add the bay leaf if using.
  5. Arrange the kielbasa slices evenly over the sauerkraut mixture.
  6. Drizzle the chicken broth over everything.
  7. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if short on time.
  8. About halfway through cooking, gently stir to mix flavors and check moisture. Add more broth if it looks dry.
  9. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.

Notes

Use smoked kielbasa for best flavor. Rinse sauerkraut if you prefer milder tang. Turkey kielbasa can be substituted for a lighter option. Adding apple cider vinegar near the end adds sharper tang. For a spicy twist, add jalapeño or red pepper flakes. Leftovers store well in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, kielbasa, sauerkraut, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, crockpot, sausage, simple recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-slow-cooker-kielbasa-and-sauerkraut-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/