Okay, friends, let me tell you about this absolute gem of a recipe – Crock-Pot sausage Sauerkraut potatoes. It’s one of those dishes that just *screams* comfort food. Think of it like a dressed-up potato casserole meets a hearty German feast. The best part? It requires minimal effort, thanks to our trusty slow cooker. If you love the simplicity of a classic pot roast but crave something with a bit more zing and character, this is your new go-to. Trust me, the flavors are incredible, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is pure magic. This Crock-Pot Sausage Sauerkraut Potatoes recipe is honestly a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
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What is crock-pot sauerkraut potatoes?
So, what exactly *is* Crock-Pot Sausage Sauerkraut Potatoes? Well, it’s essentially a one-pot wonder where you combine savory sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes in your Slow Cooker. Think of it as a deconstructed kielbasa and sauerkraut dish, but with the added heartiness of potatoes to make it a complete meal. The magic happens as everything slow-cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The sauerkraut becomes wonderfully mellow, the sausage infuses everything with smoky goodness, and the potatoes become unbelievably creamy. It’s essentially a comforting stew, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying. It’s also surprisingly adaptable, so you can easily customize it to your liking.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh boy, where do I even begin? This Crock-Pot Sausage Sauerkraut Potatoes recipe has so many things going for it. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. The tangy sauerkraut perfectly complements the rich sausage, and the potatoes act as a wonderful blank canvas, soaking up all those delicious juices. It’s a symphony of savory, slightly sour, and utterly comforting tastes. Then there’s the simplicity factor. Honestly, it doesn’t get much easier than this. You basically dump everything into your Slow Cooker, set it, and forget it. What I love most about this is how hands-off it is! As for Cost-, the ingredients are all relatively inexpensive. Sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes are pantry staples that won’t break the bank. Plus, it makes a large batch, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers. And let’s not forget about the toppings!versatility. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. You can even add other veggies like carrots and celery for extra nutrition and flavor. It’s seriously a culinary chameleon. This recipe reminds me a lot of my grandmother’s goulash, but with a totally different twist. What I love most is how the sauerkraut mellows out as it cooks, losing its harshness and becoming almost sweet. My kids actually *love* the sauerkraut in this dish, and they usually turn up their noses at it!
How do I make sauerkraut potatoes in a crock pot?
Quick Overview
Making this Crock-Pot Sausage Sauerkraut Potatoes is ridiculously easy. You basically chop up some potatoes and sausage, rinse the sauerkraut (or don’t, if you like it extra tangy!), and toss everything into your Slow Cooker with some seasonings. Then, you just let it cook on low for several hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to stand over a hot stove. The beauty of this recipe is that the slow cooker does all the work for you. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish: What is the best way
* 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed (I prefer Yukon Gold or red potatoes – they hold their shape).
* 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Kielbasa or Polish sausage works great)
* 1 (32 ounce) jar sauerkraut, rinsed and drained (Rinsing is optional – I like to rinse it to a soft sour). How do I mellow out the sourness? If you like it extra tangy, skip the rinsing!
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (This is a must! It adds that classic German flavor)
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (Taste and adjust – sausage and sauerkraut can be salty)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First, peel and cube your potatoes. I like to cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Then, slice your sausage into about 1/2-inch thick rounds. Chop your onion and mince your garlic. It’s important to prep everything before you start assembling the dish – it just makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Rinse the Sauerkraut (Optional)
This is where you decide how tangy you want your dish. If you like a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut under cold water for a few minutes, then drain it well. If you prefer a more pronounced sour taste, skip the rinsing altogether.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crock-Pot
What is the best way to assemble a slow cooker? Start with a layer of potatoes, then add the sausage, sauerkraut, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle the caraway seeds, salt, and pepper over the top. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork when it’s done. I always cook it on low – it really allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve
Once the potatoes are tender, give everything a good stir and serve hot. What are some good side dishes to serve with sour cream?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good crock-pot sauerkraut potato dish? What are some good side dishes to serve?What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. What are some good ways to serve green salads?
For a More Festive Occasion:Pair it with a German potato salad, red cabbage, or spaetzle. What are the best pairings for a cold beer or riesling?
For a Cozy Sunday Supper: What are some suggestions?Serve it alongside some roasted vegetables, like carrots and parsnips. What makes a great dessert?
My family loves this served with rye bread and a generous dollop of sour cream. What is comfort food? I sometimes add chopped bacon for extra crunch and flavor. Is it optional, but definitely kicks things up a notch?
How do I make sauerkraut potatoes in a crock pot?
What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years? Crock-Pot Sausage SauerkrautWhy does potato choice matter?Yukon Gold or red potatoes are my go-to because they hold their shape well during slow cooking. Russet potatoes can become mushy.
Don’t skip the caraway seeds: Do not skip them!What makes this dish special? Isn’t it essential to have a
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: 1.Can sausage and sauerkraut be salty? What are the advantages of You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes.
Use High-Quality Sausage: The quality of the sausage will definitely impact the flavor of the dish. I prefer a good-quality smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can result in mushy potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
Rinse or Don’t Rinse: As I mentioned before, rinsing the sauerkraut is optional. It depends on how tangy you like your dish. I usually rinse it to mellow out the sourness a bit.
I learned the hard way that using too much salt can ruin the entire dish. Always taste and adjust! Also, be sure to use a good-quality sauerkraut. The cheap stuff can be overly sour and not very flavorful.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Crock-Pot Sausage Sauerkraut Potatoes stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from burning.
I always make a big batch so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s just as delicious reheated!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Crock-Pot Sausage Sauerkraut Potatoes recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, this is it! I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my slow cooker pot roast or my creamy potato soup. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Crock-Pot Herbed Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Arrange the sweet potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the sweet potatoes. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients. Sprinkle with dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir gently before serving to mix all flavors well. Serve hot.
