You know those nights when you need a dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and on the table before the whole family gets hangry? This Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet is your answer. It’s a one-pan wonder that my mama would’ve called “good, honest food.” The savory kielbasa gets a little crispy, the sauerkraut mellows out and gets kinda sweet, and the whole thing comes together with some tender potatoes and apples. It’s a flavor combo that just works. Honestly, it reminds me of the simple, crowd-pleasing dishes we’d share at big family gatherings. So, so comforting. And the best part? You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a win on so many levels for a busy home cook. First, it’s incredibly easy. We’re talking one skillet, simple ingredients, and minimal cleanup. That’s a victory right there on a hectic weeknight. Second, it’s packed with bold, tangy flavor that feels anything but basic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you really cooked, even though the process is straightforward. It’s also wonderfully forgiving. A little more of this, a little less of that—it’ll still turn out delicious. It’s a fantastic gateway recipe if you’re new to cooking with sauerkraut, showing you how it can be a star ingredient instead of just a hot dog topping. And it’s a budget-friendly meal that easily feeds a family without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy skillet to life. Don’t be intimidated by the sauerkraut; it becomes something special here.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and getting that good fond started in the pan.
- 1 (14-ounce) package Polska kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds: Provides the savory, smoky heart of the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered: They cook right in the skillet and soak up all the amazing flavors.
- 1 medium apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy sauerkraut perfectly.
- 1 (16-ounce) jar or bag sauerkraut, drained and rinsed: The star! Rinsing tames the sharpness for a more mellow taste.
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth: Deglazes the pan and creates a little sauce.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard: Adds a nice tang and depth.
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional): A classic pairing with sauerkraut for an authentic flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season everything just right.
Step by Step Method
Follow these simple steps for a no-fail dinner. It all happens in one pan!
- Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook the veggies: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the onion and potatoes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the potatoes start to get a golden brown crust.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the chopped apple, drained sauerkraut, broth, mustard, and caraway seeds (if using). Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s where the flavor is!
- Simmer to perfection: Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately right from the skillet. So good.
What Is Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet?
At its heart, this is a classic, humble dish with roots in Eastern European cuisine, especially Polish and German traditions. It’s the kind of meal that was born from practicality, using staple ingredients that could be stored for a long time—like smoked sausage and fermented cabbage. My version is a weeknight-friendly take that builds on those foundations. We’re not just heating up two ingredients; we’re creating a complete, balanced meal by adding potatoes for heartiness and apples for a touch of sweetness that cuts through the richness. It’s a comforting, all-in-one dinner that proves simple food, made with care, can be absolutely delicious.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
A few little tips can make this dish even better. Don’t skip browning the kielbasa well. That deep, smoky flavor and crispy edges are worth the extra few minutes. Use a good, heavy skillet. A cast-iron or stainless steel pan will give you the best sear on the sausage and potatoes. Remember to rinse your sauerkraut! This is my biggest tip if you’re wary of its strong flavor. Rinsing it under cold water in a colander washes away some of the intense brine, leaving you with a tangy, not sharp, flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the potatoes. Give them space so they can brown instead of steam. If you’re in a real hurry, you can par-cook the potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet to speed things up. And honestly, if you’re not a fan of caraway seeds, just leave ’em out. The dish will still be fantastic.
Creative Variations
This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own ideas. Feel free to play around! For a creamy twist, stir in a half-cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the very end of cooking. If you want to add more veggies, toss in a handful of chopped carrots with the onions or some chopped bell pepper for color and sweetness. For a different starch, try swapping the potatoes for cubed sweet potatoes—their sweetness is lovely with the sausage. If you can’t find kielbasa, any fully cooked smoked sausage like andouille or even smoked turkey sausage works beautifully. For a touch of extra richness, a splash of balsamic vinegar added with the broth adds a wonderful depth. The possibilities are endless for creating your own family favorite.
Storage & Reheating
This skillet meal is fantastic for leftovers—the flavors meld and get even better overnight. To store, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat in a covered skillet, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a tiny splash of broth or water if it seems dry. You can also use the microwave, heating in 60-second intervals and stirring in between until hot.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This dish is a complete meal all on its own, but a few simple sides can round it out nicely. A slice of hearty, dark rye bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up any juices. For a fresh contrast, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. A cool, creamy side like a quick cucumber salad or even some applesauce complements the flavors perfectly. If you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, this skillet pairs wonderfully with other simple sides like roasted green beans or steamed broccoli.
FAQs
- Can I make this Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead meal. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It’s one of my favorite healthy dinner recipes for meal prepping.
- Is this a healthy dinner idea? It can be! Using smoked turkey sausage instead of pork kielbasa lowers the fat content, and sauerkraut is a fermented food, which is great for gut health. Pairing it with potatoes and apples makes it a balanced meal. It’s definitely a satisfying and relatively healthy dinner option.
- What are some other quick dinner ideas using kielbasa? Kielbasa is so versatile! You can slice it and add it to pasta dishes, toss it with roasted vegetables on a sheet pan, or even add it to a quick bean soup. It’s a superstar for easy weeknight dinners.
- My family isn’t big on sauerkraut. Will they like this? I think they might be surprised! Rinsing the sauerkraut really tames its sharpness, and cooking it with the sweet apples and savory sausage transforms it into a mellow, flavorful ingredient. It’s worth a try for cheap dinners for a family that wants to try something new.
When you’re looking for dinner dishes that are both effortless and deeply satisfying, this Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.