Sizzling Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Hearty Polish kielbasa and sauerkraut skillet brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Sizzling sausage links dance alongside tangy sauerkraut in this rustic one-pan meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.

The combination of smoky kielbasa and fermented cabbage creates a rich, robust profile that speaks to traditional Eastern European cuisine.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and zesty kraut, promising a meal that’s both simple and deeply satisfying.

This classic dish requires just a few ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Home cooks love how quickly this meal can be assembled, making it an ideal weeknight solution for hungry families.

Get ready to enjoy a hearty skillet that celebrates bold, comforting flavors with every delicious forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 423 kcal

Servings: 5

Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet Ingredient Essentials

• Kielbasa: Rich, smoky Polish sausage that adds deep flavor and hearty texture to the dish, choose a high-quality brand with robust spice profile.

• Sauerkraut, Red Onion: Fermented cabbage provides zingy acidity while onions contribute sweet undertones, select fresh crisp onions and well-drained sauerkraut for best results.

• Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Black Pepper, Butter, Olive Oil: Brown sugar balances sauerkraut's tartness, mustard adds complexity, pepper brings subtle heat, butter and oil create smooth cooking base and prevent sticking, choose fresh ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

• Fresh Thyme, Fresh Parsley: Herbs brighten the dish with fresh green notes, select vibrant green leaves without wilting for maximum visual and flavor impact.

Tools You’ll Need for Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet

• Large skillet: essential for cooking and combining all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: perfect for thinly slicing red onion.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: provides a clean surface for chopping onions.
• Measuring spoons: helpful for adding precise amounts of brown sugar and mustard.

Cooking Instructions for Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet

• Skillet Preparation

Gather a large skillet and start heating butter and oil over medium temperature. The pan should have a gentle shimmer before adding ingredients.

• Kielbasa Browning

Place sliced kielbasa into the warm skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden color. This process takes roughly 3 minutes per side, creating delicious caramelized edges.

• Sauerkraut Foundation

Add sauerkraut to the same skillet along with finely sliced red onions. Introduce brown sugar and mustard to create a tangy and sweet flavor profile. Stir ingredients gently, allowing everything to warm and blend together.

• Final Combination

Return browned kielbasa to the skillet with sauerkraut mixture. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating and complete integration of flavors. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick. Optional herb garnish like thyme or parsley adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Tasty Twists on Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet

• Mix different types of kielbasa like beef, pork, or turkey for unique flavor profiles and reduced fat options.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to introduce a zesty kick that complements the sauerkraut's tangy notes.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and create a complete meal.
• Prepare the entire skillet ahead of time and refrigerate; the flavors will intensify, making this dish taste even better when reheated gently the next day.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the kielbasa and sauerkraut maintain their robust taste and texture.

Serving Ideas for a Hearty Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic baguette or hearty sourdough to soak up the delicious skillet juices and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Complement with Creamy Sides: Serve alongside tangy potato salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the rich, savory flavors of the kielbasa and sauerkraut.
• Create a Complete Meal: Round out the dish with roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to add color, nutrition, and a touch of sweetness that enhances the skillet's robust profile.
• Boost with Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top to brighten the dish and add a fresh, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.

Storage Guide for Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet Meals

• Store Strategically: Transfer leftover kielbasa and sauerkraut to an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze with Ease: Pack cooled skillet contents in freezer-safe containers, maintaining quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's moisture.
• Prep Ahead: Slice kielbasa and chop onions in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. This cuts down cooking time and makes weeknight meals a breeze.

Hearty Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Polish Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet combines savory sausage with tangy fermented cabbage in a hearty one-pan meal. Comfort flavors from Eastern European cuisine promise satisfying dinner that comes together quickly for hungry families.

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Ingredients

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• 14 oz (397 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• ½ large red onion
• 1 lb (454 g) sauerkraut, drained
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
• freshly ground black pepper
• fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice red onion into delicate semicircles, ensuring uniform cuts for consistent cooking and presentation.
2. Searing: Heat butter and olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium flame. Carefully brown kielbasa sausage, developing a golden exterior by cooking 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. Flavor Building: Utilize the same skillet to sauté sauerkraut, red onions, brown sugar, and whole grain mustard. Cook for 5-8 minutes, allowing ingredients to caramelize and blend, creating a rich flavor profile.
4. Combining: Return kielbasa to the skillet, gently tossing to integrate all components and ensure thorough heating throughout the dish.
5. Finishing: Enhance the skillet with freshly ground black pepper and optional herb garnish of thyme or parsley, adding a vibrant aromatic dimension to the final presentation.

Notes

• Knife Technique: Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Fat Combination: Blend butter and olive oil creates a superior searing surface with enhanced flavor depth.
• Caramelization Tip: Brown kielbasa precisely 3 minutes per side to develop rich, golden exterior without burning.
• Flavor Building: Do not clean skillet between steps to preserve accumulated browned bits, which intensify overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 423
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1092 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg