Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet
A hearty, one-pan comfort meal with smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes!
This Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and satisfying flavors. It’s an easy recipe that comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even festive family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pan Wonder: Easy to make and easy to clean up.
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Comforting Flavors: Smoky sausage meets tangy sauerkraut for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Customizable: Works great with any sausage variety or additional veggies.
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Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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4–5 smoked sausages or kielbasa, sliced
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2 cups sauerkraut, drained
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4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
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1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for traditional flavor)
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1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the sausages into bite-sized rounds and peeling and cubing the potatoes. Chop the onion and drain the sauerkraut well to remove excess liquid.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the potato cubes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Sausage
Add the remaining oil or butter to the same skillet.
Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Next, add the sliced sausages and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until they’re browned and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet.
Add the sauerkraut, caraway seeds (optional), and broth.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes over low heat, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the skillet contents to a serving dish or serve directly from the pan.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy it hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
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Different Sausages: Try bratwurst, spicy Italian sausage, or turkey sausage for a leaner twist.
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Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or shredded cabbage add color and nutrition.
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Add Mustard: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon or whole grain mustard for extra tang.
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Make It Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
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Beer Lover’s Version: Replace the broth with a light beer for a richer, deeper flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
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Drain Sauerkraut Well: This keeps the dish from becoming too wet.
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Brown the Sausages: Browning adds a smoky depth of flavor.
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Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving — this helps the flavors meld together.
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Perfect Pairing: Serve with rye bread, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Storage and Reheating
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Cool Down: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing.
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Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months.
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Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave until hot throughout.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~350 kcal
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Protein: 18 g
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Fat: 22 g
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Carbohydrates: 20 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: ~790 mg
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Sauerkraut Skillet is the definition of simple, hearty comfort food. With its smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and golden potatoes, every bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan dish delivers both taste and convenience in every serving.