Five ingredients, one skillet and about 30 minutes. A Cleveland weeknight classic.
4
5 minutes
25 minutes
In Cleveland, kielbasa and sauerkraut isn't a recipe so much as a way of life. It shows up at Sunday dinners, church festivals, Browns tailgates and every New Year's Day table on the east side. This skillet version takes everything we love about the slow-simmered classic and gets it on the table in half an hour.
Because there are only a handful of ingredients, the sausage does most of the work. A good hardwood-smoked kielbasa gives the whole pan its smoky, garlicky backbone, so this is where it pays to use the real thing.
Why This Recipe Works
- Browning the sausage first builds a flavorful crust and leaves behind smoky drippings that season the kraut.
- Rinsing the sauerkraut lightly keeps it tangy without being harsh. Skip the rinse if you like it extra sour.
- A spoonful of brown sugar rounds out the acidity and helps the onions caramelize.
- Finishing everything together lets the sausage soak up the kraut's flavor in the last few minutes.
Ingredient Tips
Kielbasa: One 14-ounce ring of Raddell's Smoked Polish Sausage or a 4 pack of Our Smoked Slovenian Sausage is perfect for four people.
Sauerkraut: Look for refrigerated sauerkraut in a bag or jar. It's crisper and fresher-tasting than canned.
Mustard (optional): A spoonful of spicy brown mustard stirred in at the end adds a nice kick. Clevelanders swear by Bertman Ball Park Mustard.
What to Serve With It
Mashed or boiled potatoes, pierogi, rye bread with butter, or a simple cucumber salad. For a crowd, double or triple the recipe in a large Dutch oven.
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet
5 minutes
25 minutes
4
Ingredients
- 1 ring (14 ounces) Raddell's Smoked Polish Sausage, or Smoked Slovenian Sausage sliced into 1/2-inch coins
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pound refrigerated sauerkraut, lightly rinsed and squeezed dry
- 1 to 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, freshly ground black pepper, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa in a single layer and brown 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the sauerkraut, brown sugar and caraway (if using). Cook, stirring often, until the kraut is hot and lightly browned in spots, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add a little bit of water if the kraut starts to stick or dry out. * If you like your kraut softer; add a half cup of water or broth and simmer for an additional 10-20 minutes until the moisture cooks off, stirring every few minutes.
- Return the kielbasa to the pan, stir in the mustard (if using) and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, until the sausage is heated through to 165°F. Season with pepper, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Recipe Notes
Make it ahead: This tastes even better the next day. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat in a skillet or the microwave.
Add potatoes: Brown 1 pound of halved baby potatoes (parboiled for 8 minutes) with the onions for a complete one-pan meal.
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut FAQs
Should you rinse sauerkraut before cooking?
A quick rinse mellows the sourness. If you love tang, just drain it well instead, or cook in its juices until the liquid simmers off.
Can I make kielbasa and sauerkraut in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker with 1/2 cup of broth or beer and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
What kind of kielbasa is best with sauerkraut?
A hardwood-smoked, garlic pork kielbasa like Raddell's Smoked Polish or Slovenian Sausage. The smoke and garlic stand up to the tangy kraut.
Why do people eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's?
It's a Central and Eastern European tradition for good luck and prosperity, and it's still huge in Cleveland. Read more in our Slovenian Sausage and Sauerkraut for New Year post.
Hardwood-smoked in Cleveland. Shipped to your door.
Order Smoked Polish SausageSave with the 5-pack Special. New to kielbasa? Read How to Cook Kielbasa: 4 Easy Ways.