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This one-skillet kielbasa and sauerkraut is a warm, hearty meal perfect for busy evenings. After a quick simmer, the flavors blend into a cozy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Flavor: Savory, smoky, and buttery with tangy sauerkraut and sweet, caramelized onions.
Skill Level: Simple ingredients and simple steps get this easy dinner on the table quickly with minimal clean-up.
Time-Saving Tip: Buy pre-sliced kielbasa and onions to make prep quick.
Kielbasa: Choose fully cooked kielbasa sausage for the fastest cook time. Swap for any summer sausage, Polish sausage, meatballs, bacon, or diced ham.
Sauerkraut: Drain well so it simmers instead of steams. Replace the sauerkraut with a bag of coleslaw mix in a pinch.
Seasonings: Chicken broth with a little oregano adds depth of flavor to kielbasa and sauerkraut. For a classic flavor, add a pinch of caraway seeds. If you like it a little sweeter, stir in a splash of apple juice or apple cider, or a small spoonful of brown sugar.
Variations: Toss in a bag of frozen diced potatoes in Step 3 or some sliced apples for a traditional Polish flavor. Bump up the nutrition by adding some shredded zucchini or a bag of peas and carrots.
How to Make Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Brown sliced kielbasa in oil. Transfer to a bowl.
Cook the onion in butter, and add the remaining ingredients (full recipe below), including kielbasa.
Simmer until heated through.
Slice the kielbasa diagonally for more surface area and better browning.
Be sure to let the kielbasa sit undisturbed for a minute or two per side to truly sear and not steam.
For a milder tang, rinse the sauerkraut before adding it to the skillet. For a bolder flavor, leave it un-rinsed.
If doubling the recipe, sear the kielbasa in batches so the pan stays hot and they brown nicely.
Leftovers That Last!
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions in zippered bags for up to a month. Reheat on the stovetop, in a crock pot, or in a casserole dish covered with aluminum foil in the oven.
More Cozy & Comforting Dishes
Did you enjoy this Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and to the same pan, add butter and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in sauerkraut, broth, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Add kielbasa.
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors are blended.
Serve warm with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.
Rinse sauerkraut if you prefer a milder flavor. * Add sliced apples or a splash of apple cider for a touch of sweetness. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When I began my career in culinary nutrition, homemade sauerkraut was a dying art. Over the years while I was teaching in-person classes, I made it my mission to bring it back to my community and typically had a sauerkraut demo on the docket. Thankfully, fermented foods like sauerkraut are experiencing a popular resurgence and plenty of people are now trying it at home. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, and incredibly nutritious – so there’s really no reason not to do it.
What Is Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that is combined with a brine or massaged to create its own brine, and sometimes herbs and spices. It’s generally used as a condiment on things like burgers, tacos, salads and sandwiches.
What’s The Difference Between Fermented Sauerkraut and Vinegar Sauerkraut?
The only type of sauerkraut I eat is the kind that has gone through a lactic acid fermentation process – basically fermented in naturally derived salt brine. During the fermentation process, various bacteria work on the cabbage to produce lactic acid. No special cultures, preservatives or chemicals need to be added.
Non-fermented sauerkraut is usually coated in a heated vinegar-salt brine and then canned. Often, food producers will use extra preservatives to keep it more shelf-stable and to ensure that the colours stay bright and vibrant. Most of what you’ll find in your supermarket has been pasteurized, which means all of the good bacteria have been killed. We want the good bacteria!
Canned sauerkraut has a very different taste from naturally fermented sauerkraut – the former is quite vinegary, while the latter is tangy and delightfully sour.
Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
Fermented foods like homemade sauerkraut are rich in probiotics. The word ‘probiotic’ means ‘promoting life’. Probiotics are the good guys; the beneficial bacteria we need in our gut that help keep us healthy. They support healthy digestion, immunity and our brains.
Key Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
How to Incorporate Sauerkraut in Your Diet
I like to have a little bit of fermented foods, like sauerkraut, every single day. I also give it to my son Finn, as it’s one of his favourite foods. You don’t need a ton of it – a small amount, 1 or 2 tablespoons only, will do. If you eat too much (and aren’t used to eating kraut), you may end up with diarrhea.
Serve it over avocado toast, poached eggs or omelettes
Mash it into guacamole or salsa
Don’t forget about the brine – save it to use in salad dressings or any other recipe where you’d use vinegar
Sauerkraut Troubleshooting
The recipe I’ve included in this post is very easy to make. However, I know that fermenting can be scary if you haven’t done it before! Fermentation can sometimes be a science experiment, where you don’t always know the results.
Some things to keep in mind:
The sauerkraut must be submerged in brine to prevent mold. To keep it submerged, use a rolled cabbage leaf or a fermentation puck on top.
Depending on where you live and the season (summer vs winter), fermentation can take different amounts of time. In a cold climate, it can take several weeks to ferment.
Always taste test with a clean spoon.
Don’t double-dip into your kraut. I like to make a big jar (my ‘main jar’), and then transfer to a small jar as I use it. That way, the main jar has less exposure to air or other bacteria, so it lasts longer.
Sauerkraut will change colour as it ferments.
If you get tired of massaging your kraut, leave the salt on it for about an hour before you begin massaging or pounding it. This will help naturally release the juices, cutting down on massage time.
If I see mold, I throw my kraut out. Some people like to live on the edge and just scrape it off, but if there is mold on top, there is likely mold throughout that you can’t see.
Your nose will likely tell you if sauerkraut has gone off. But when it doubt, throw it out. You can always start a new batch tomorrow.
This homemade Reuben casserole is so easy to make!
A cozy casserole filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and buttery cubes of rye are baked with Swiss cheese sauce until golden.
Reuben Sandwich Meets Casserole
This Reuben casserole recipe has the classic ingredients found in a Reuben sandwich with easy assembly.
It’s a great way to repurpose homemade corned beef but is great with deli corned beef too.
Prep ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for an easy meal – and reheat leftovers for school and workday lunches!
Ingredients for Reuben Casserole
Corned Beef – This is the perfect way to enjoy leftover corned beef. If you don’t have leftovers, ask the deli to thickly slice corned beef for you.
Bread – Rye bread gives this casserole its classic sandwich flavor. Use pumpernickel or another hearty bread. Add a dash or two of caraway seeds for that classic rye bread flavor.
Sauerkraut – Sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor to this casserole. Be sure to drain the sauerkraut; otherwise, the casserole will become soggy.
Cheese – Swiss cheese is our favorite in this recipe, but you can use provolone, Monterey Jack, or any tangy cheese that’s extra gooey when it melts!
How to Make a Reuben Casserole
Whisk the butter sauce ingredients per recipe below and toss with the bread cubes.
Place half of the bread in a baking dish and top with corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese. Repeat the layers ending with cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
More Corned Beef Faves
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5 from 2 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Reuben Casserole
This dish has all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, baked into a cheesy casserole!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 55 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Preheat the oven to 375℉. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a small bowl, whisk butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and caraway seeds if using.
In a large bowl, drizzle the butter mixture over the bread cubes, tossing to combine.
Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish. Top with half of the corned beef, half of the sauerkraut, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese.
Cover the casserole and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until browned.
Drizzle with thousand island and top with chopped pickles.
Leftover casserole can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until heated through.
Reuben Pizza is an easy and delicious main course or appetizer that will satisfy any hungry family.
This family-friendly mashup combines all the meaty, cheesy, and tangy flavors of a Reuben sandwich along with the goodness of a pizza.
Reuben Pizza Ingredients
Pizza night just got a makeover! Serve Reuben pizza with some extra Thousand Island salad dressing for dipping.
Dough – Make this Reuben pizza with either store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
Sauce – I keep the sauce simple, using garlic and olive oil to let the Reuben flavors really shine through.
Toppings – This Reuben pizza recipe has the same toppings as our fave sandwich. Leftover corned beef (or deli corned beef) and sauerkraut are baked into the pizza, while pickles are added before serving. I like to add a little bit of caraway which mimics a little bit of rye bread flavor.
Cheese – I like combining Swiss and mozzarella cheeses in this recipe for the perfect texture and flavor.
How to Make Reuben Pizza
Spread dough with the garlic and butter/oil.
Top with meat, cheese, and sauerkraut (per the recipe below).
Bake until the dough is lightly brown at the edges and the cheese is melted.
Top with sliced dill pickles and serve with extra Thousand Island on the side for dipping!
Tips and Tricks
Leftovers can be wrapped in plastic or foil and stored in the fridge for up to four days.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore crispness to the dough.
The ingredients used in Reuben pizza are not freezer-friendly. It’s best when enjoyed fresh!
Tasty Reuben-Inspired Recipes
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5 from 3 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Reuben Pizza
This Reuben Pizza is a fun, creative twist on the classic sandwich!
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Brush garlic butter generously over the baked pizza crust.
Sprinkle half the cheese over the pizza crust. Top with corned beef and sauerkraut, followed by the remaining cheese and caraway seeds (optional).
Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.
Top with a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing and sliced pickles and serve.
If desired, Thousand Island dressing can be spread over the crust along with the garlic butter. To prebake a pizza crust, preheat the oven to 450°F. Roll ½lb of prepared pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper. Transfer the dough and parchment paper to a 12-inch pizza pan and poke the pizza dough all over with a fork. Brush the dough with olive oil and bake for 12-16 minutes or until golden brown.
Mac & cheese meets Reuben sandwich in this creamy casserole!
Tender pasta, corned beef, fresh cabbage, and zesty sauerkraut tossed in a quick and easy homemade Swiss cheese sauce.
A Favorite Twist on a Reuben
A Reuben casserole is pure comfort food with all of the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a warm, bubbly bake.
This casserole is easy to make from scratch.
Prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for ready-to-bake weeknight meal..
Top with chopped pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
Ingredients in Reuben Casserole
Corned Beef – If you happen to have leftover corned beef, it’s perfect for this recipe. If you don’t have leftovers, ask the deli counter to slice corned beef extra thick.
Cheese Sauce – The cheese sauce for this casserole sauce resembles mac and cheese with the flavors of a Reuben sandwich- Swiss cheese sauce, a bit of Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pasta & Cabbage – The base of this Reuben casserole consists of pasta and cabbage. If you have leftover cabbage from corned beef, use that in place of fresh cabbage.
Variation
You can replace the pasta in this Reuben casserole with 3 cups of leftover potatoes or diced boiled or fried potatoes. Add the potatoes to the casserole dish and layer the cooked cabbage, sauerkraut, and the onion/corned beef mixture on top. Pour the Swiss cheese sauce over top, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until hot and bubbly!
How To Make Reuben Casserole
Cook onions and leftover corned beef (or ham in a pinch) in butter per the full recipe below.
While the onions are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
Boil pasta and cabbage and place them in a casserole dish. Add sauerkraut, the corned beef mixture, and the creamy Swiss cheese sauce.
Top panko and parmesan to give it a crispy topping and bake until golden and bubbly.
TOPPING TIP: If you’d like to incorporate the flavor of rye bread, place a piece or two in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until it forms crumbs, and use them in place of the panko.
Once it comes out of the oven, garnish with chopped dill pickles!
Leftovers
Reuben casserole can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days & reheats well in the oven, stovetop, or microwave.
Add a splash of milk while reheating if you’d like it to be creamier.
More Corned Beef Faves
Did your family love this Reuben Casserole? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
5 from 26 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Reuben Casserole
Pasta, corned beef, sauerkraut, and fresh cabbage are all cooked in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 50 minutesminutes
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the rotini in salted water according to the package directions (about 9 minutes). Add the cabbage during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Drain well, do not rinse, and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add corned beef and onion and cook until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
For the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking after each addition.
Add the Dijon and Worcestershire sauce. Continue whisking over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Let boil for 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and stir in the swiss cheese until melted.
To Assemble
In a large bowl, combine the pasta/cabbage mixture, sauerkraut, and the corned beef mixture. Add the sauce and mix well.
Spread into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Combine all topping ingredients and sprinkle over pasta.
Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
For a milder Swiss flavor, replace half of the Swiss cheese with mozzarella cheese.
Corned beef can be replaced with ham.
Cabbage can be replaced with leftover cooked cabbage or
Pasta can be replaced with 3 cups of cooked potatoes. Place warm cooked potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Fry the cabbage with the corned beef and onions. Once tender layer the corned beef mixture over the potatoes, pour the cheese sauce overtop and sprinkle with crumbs. Bake as directed.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until heated through.
Mac & cheese meets Reuben sandwich in this creamy casserole!
Tender pasta, corned beef, fresh cabbage, and zesty sauerkraut tossed in a quick and easy homemade Swiss cheese sauce.
A Favorite Twist on a Reuben
A Reuben casserole is pure comfort food with all of the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a warm, bubbly bake.
This casserole is easy to make from scratch.
Prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for ready-to-bake weeknight meal..
Top with chopped pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
Ingredients in Reuben Casserole
Corned Beef – If you happen to have leftover corned beef, it’s perfect for this recipe. If you don’t have leftovers, ask the deli counter to slice corned beef extra thick.
Cheese Sauce – The cheese sauce for this casserole sauce resembles mac and cheese with the flavors of a Reuben sandwich- Swiss cheese sauce, a bit of Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pasta & Cabbage – The base of this Reuben casserole consists of pasta and cabbage. If you have leftover cabbage from corned beef, use that in place of fresh cabbage.
Variation
You can replace the pasta in this Reuben casserole with 3 cups of leftover potatoes or diced boiled or fried potatoes. Add the potatoes to the casserole dish and layer the cooked cabbage, sauerkraut, and the onion/corned beef mixture on top. Pour the Swiss cheese sauce over top, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until hot and bubbly!
How To Make Reuben Casserole
Cook onions and leftover corned beef (or ham in a pinch) in butter per the full recipe below.
While the onions are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
Boil pasta and cabbage and place them in a casserole dish. Add sauerkraut, the corned beef mixture, and the creamy Swiss cheese sauce.
Top panko and parmesan to give it a crispy topping and bake until golden and bubbly.
TOPPING TIP: If you’d like to incorporate the flavor of rye bread, place a piece or two in a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times until it forms crumbs, and use them in place of the panko.
Once it comes out of the oven, garnish with chopped dill pickles!
Leftovers
Reuben casserole can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days & reheats well in the oven, stovetop, or microwave.
Add a splash of milk while reheating if you’d like it to be creamier.
More Corned Beef Faves
Did your family love this Reuben Casserole? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
5 from 34 votes↑ Click stars to rate now! Or to leave a comment, click here!
Reuben Casserole
Pasta, corned beef, sauerkraut, and fresh cabbage are all cooked in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 50 minutesminutes
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the rotini in salted water according to the package directions (about 9 minutes). Add the cabbage during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Drain well, do not rinse, and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add corned beef and onion and cook until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
For the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking after each addition.
Add the Dijon and Worcestershire sauce. Continue whisking over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Let boil for 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and stir in the swiss cheese until melted.
To Assemble
In a large bowl, combine the pasta/cabbage mixture, sauerkraut, and the corned beef mixture. Add the sauce and mix well.
Spread into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Combine all topping ingredients and sprinkle over pasta.
Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
For a milder Swiss flavor, replace half of the Swiss cheese with mozzarella cheese.
Corned beef can be replaced with ham.
Cabbage can be replaced with leftover cooked cabbage or
Pasta can be replaced with 3 cups of cooked potatoes. Place warm cooked potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Fry the cabbage with the corned beef and onions. Once tender layer the corned beef mixture over the potatoes, pour the cheese sauce overtop and sprinkle with crumbs. Bake as directed.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until heated through.