This kielbasa and sauerkraut skillet has quickly become a weeknight favorite, just one pan with smoky kielbasa sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and pure comfort in every bite.
Kielbasa Sauerkraut Skillet Is the Coziest Dinner You'll Make
This kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe is one of my favorite weeknight dinners, quick, affordable, and full of flavor. What makes this dish so good is how easily it pairs with anything, roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or just a simple marinated tomato salad.
This recipe is incredibly approachable. The sharpness of sauerkraut is softened by the sweet onion, and the mustard ties everything together without overwhelming it. This kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe requires a small handful of ingredients, but the result is big on comfort and always satisfying, my kind of one-pan dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick, Simple, and Satisfying: This is one of those meals I can throw together fast, but it still feels complete.
- It's a True One-Pan Meal: You build every layer of flavor in the same skillet with no extra mess.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it perfect for meal prep or a tasty leftover lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Kielbasa & Olive Oil: I like using smoked Polish kielbasa because it crisps up so well in a little extra virgin olive oil, giving the dish that savory, cozy base I love.
- Onion & Brown Sugar: Red onion is my go-to here; it caramelizes beautifully, and with a spoonful of brown sugar, it softens the sauerkraut's tang in the best way.
- Sauerkraut, Mustard & Pepper: I drain the sauerkraut but keep its briny bite, then stir in Dijon mustard for creaminess and a hint of black pepper to bring it all together.
- Fresh Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley at the end makes everything brighter and gives the skillet a fresh finish.
How to Cook Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Brown the Kielbasa: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, cook sliced red onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Sprinkle with brown sugar, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Warm the Sauerkraut: Add sauerkraut to the skillet, season with black pepper and Dijon mustard, and stir. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
4. Combine and Finish: Place the cooked kielbasa back in the skillet with the caramelized onions, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Slice the Kielbasa Sausage Evenly: For this recipe, I like to cut the kielbasa sausage into uniform rounds so they brown at the same rate and look great on the plate.
Warm up Your Sauerkraut First: If it's straight from the fridge, I let it sit out a few minutes. Cold sauerkraut can cool the skillet too fast and interrupt the cooking flow.
Storage: Store leftover kielbasa and sauerkraut in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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Recipe
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Skillet
Ingredients
- 400 g Kielbasa Sausage
- 450 g Sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Red Onion - Sliced
- 2 tablespoon Light Brown Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Parsley - or chive chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low-medium heat.
- Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, stirring occasionally, until browned. Transfer the kielbasa sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions, stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar melts and the onions deepen in color. Transfer the onions to a small bowl and set aside.
- Add the sauerkraut to the skillet, then stir in black pepper and Dijon mustard. Cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Return the cooked kielbasa sausage and caramelized onion to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chive before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This kielbasa and sauerkraut combo is a classic for a reason. The flavors are amazing!