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The Easy Kielbasa Skillet You’ll Make on Repeat

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.

top view of Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with seasonings
  • 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.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with a crusty baguette and a simple cucumber tomato salad, or with homemade pierogies!
sauerkraut , oil , kielbasa , onion , broth , oregano , butter with labels to make Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Simple Staples and Switch-Ups

  • 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

  1. Brown sliced kielbasa in oil. Transfer to a bowl.
  2. Cook the onion in butter, and add the remaining ingredients (full recipe below), including kielbasa.
  3. 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.
cooked Kielbasa and Sauerkraut in a pan

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.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

  • 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. 

Calories: 449 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1487mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Polish
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut in a pan with a title
smoky and robust Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with writing
close up of Kielbasa and Sauerkraut with a title
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut in a pan and close up photo with a title

Holly Nilsson

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