Sauerkraut and Smoked Beef Sausage Skillet – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, hearty, and comforting dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes, you’re in the right place. This sauerkraut and smoked beef sausage skillet is one of those simple meals that tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen.

The combination of tangy sauerkraut with smoky, savory beef sausage is the ultimate comfort food—especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of recipe that warms you up on a chilly evening, fills your home with delicious smells, and gets dinner on the table with hardly any effort.

In this post, I’ll share step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and all the reasons why this classic dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just a few simple ingredients and a skillet are all you need.
• Budget-Friendly: Smoked sausage and sauerkraut are affordable pantry staples.
• Flavor-Packed: The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut.
• Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish once they try it!

This recipe is also a great way to introduce more fermented foods like sauerkraut into your diet—it’s loaded with probiotics that support gut health, but when cooked with sausage, it transforms into pure comfort food.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this easy smoked sausage and sauerkraut skillet, you only need a handful of ingredients:

• 1 pound beef smoked sausage – sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil – for frying
• 1 jar (32 ounces) sauerkraut – drained (but not rinsed, unless you prefer less tang)
• 1 medium onion – thinly sliced (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash of salt
• Mashed potatoes – for serving

That’s it! Simple ingredients, but huge flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Slice and Sear the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter or oil, then toss in your sliced smoked sausage. Fry until the edges get golden brown and caramelized. This step adds so much flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add the Onion (Optional)

If using onion, add it to the skillet and sauté until softened and lightly browned. This creates a sweet base that balances the sauerkraut’s tang.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauerkraut

Drain the sauerkraut well, then add it straight into the skillet. Stir it around to coat it in all that smoky sausage flavor. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer and Cover

Turn the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let everything cook together for about 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon the hot sausage and sauerkraut mixture over a pile of buttery homemade mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes soak up the juices, making every bite comforting and satisfying.

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Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Add Apples: Stir in thinly sliced apples for a sweet contrast to the tangy kraut.
• Use Kielbasa: Swap beef sausage for pork kielbasa or chicken sausage.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy smoked sausage.
• Add Caraway Seeds: A sprinkle of caraway seeds gives it a traditional German flavor.
• Serve with Bread: Instead of mashed potatoes, serve with rye bread, toasted sourdough bread, or soft dinner rolls.

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Tips for the Best Sauerkraut and Sausage

1. Don’t Skip Browning: Caramelizing the sausage gives this dish rich flavor.
2. Control the Tang: If sauerkraut is too sour for your taste, rinse it lightly before cooking.
3. Low and Slow: Letting it simmer gently helps the flavors meld without drying out.
4. Pair with Creamy Sides: Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are the perfect partners.

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Serving Suggestions

• Over buttery mashed potatoes (classic!)
• On top of egg noodles with a pat of butter
• Alongside rye bread and mustard for a German-style dinner
• With roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans

This dish is perfect for weeknights, but it’s also hearty enough to serve at family gatherings, Oktoberfest celebrations, or potluck dinners.

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Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Reheat Tip: Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to keep it moist.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Serves 6, without mashed potatoes)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg

This is a naturally low-carb, high-protein recipe that’s filling and nutrient-rich. Pair it with potatoes or keep it keto by serving with roasted veggies.

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Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best meals are the simplest. This sauerkraut and smoked sausage skillet is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to make something delicious. With its smoky, tangy flavor and hearty feel, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.

If you’ve been looking for a quick comfort food recipe with sauerkraut, give this one a try—you’ll be surprised how much flavor comes from such a humble dish.

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And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

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