One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes Recipe You’ll Love

Have you ever stood in your kitchen at 5:30 PM, hungry and tired, wondering what dinner solution won’t take forever? I found myself in this exact situation last winter when my daughter’s basketball practice ran late and my son needed help with homework. That’s when this One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes recipe became my weeknight hero. This hearty dish combines smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy potatoes in a single pot, creating a soul-warming meal that feels like it should take hours but doesn’t. My Polish grandmother would make something similar on cold Michigan evenings, though her version simmered all day. This streamlined recipe captures those same comforting flavors in a fraction of the time.

What makes this dish special isn’t just its simplicity—it’s how these humble ingredients transform into something so satisfying. Whether you’re craving easy comfort food or searching for quick dinner ideas, this one-pot meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes starts with simple, accessible ingredients that create magic together. You’ll need:

• 1 pound kielbasa or Polish sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 medium), cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 (16-ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t have kielbasa? Any smoked sausage works beautifully here. For a lighter version, turkey or chicken sausage makes a great substitute. Vegetarians can swap in plant-based sausage and vegetable broth—I’ve made it this way for my sister-in-law, and she requests it whenever she visits!

Timing for This Polish Sausage Recipe

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

This one-pot meal comes together 30% faster than traditional Polish sausage and sauerkraut recipes that often require separate cooking vessels and longer simmering times. The streamlined approach means you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour while still getting that slow-cooked flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

1. Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced Polish sausage and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Don’t fully cook the sausage—it’ll finish cooking with the other ingredients.

2. Build the Flavor Foundation

Add sliced onions to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step creates the flavor base for your one-pot meal.

3. Add Aromatics

Sprinkle in the caraway seeds and paprika, stirring to coat the sausage and onions. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step releases essential oils in the spices, dramatically improving your dish’s flavor profile.

4. Layer the Potatoes and Sauerkraut

Add potato chunks to the pot, followed by the drained sauerkraut. Gently stir to combine everything, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. For an authentic touch, a dollop of sour cream on top works wonders!

Pro tip: Don’t stir too frequently while the potatoes cook—this can break them apart and make the dish mushy rather than hearty.

Nutritional Information for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Vitamin C: 35% of daily value (thanks to the sauerkraut!)
• Iron: 15% of daily value

Sauerkraut isn’t just tangy and delicious—it’s packed with probiotics that support gut health. When paired with the protein from the Polish sausage and the complex carbs from potatoes, you’ve got a balanced meal in one pot.

Equipment Needed for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

The beauty of this hearty one-pot dinner is its simplicity, even when it comes to kitchen tools:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (4-6 quart capacity)
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

That’s it! The minimal equipment needed makes this potato recipe perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to deal with cleaning a sink full of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes Recipe

This Polish sausage recipe has become a reader favorite on Stack Sip Snack for good reasons:

• Budget-friendly ingredients that often cost under $15 total
• Minimal hands-on time—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities
• Naturally gluten-free if you check your sausage labels
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld overnight
• Works for meal prep—make on Sunday for easy lunches throughout the week

The combination of smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and earthy potatoes creates a harmony of flavors that feels much more complex than the simple ingredient list suggests. My husband, who typically avoids “sour” foods, requests this easy comfort food regularly—proof that even sauerkraut skeptics can be converted!

Healthier Alternatives for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

Looking to adapt this one-pot meal to fit different dietary needs? Here are some smart swaps:

• Lower carb: Replace half or all potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips (cook for less time—about 15 minutes)
• Higher protein: Add a can of drained white beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking
• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth and rinse the sauerkraut before adding
• Vegetarian: Substitute plant-based sausage and vegetable broth

My neighbor follows a keto diet and makes this with turnips instead of potatoes. She adds a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors, which I’ve started doing too—it’s a game-changer!

Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

This hearty one-pot dinner stands beautifully on its own, but there are plenty of ways to round out the meal:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness
• Crusty rye bread for sopping up the flavorful broth
• A dollop of whole grain mustard or sour cream on top
• Chilled Polish beer or a crisp white wine (try a Riesling!)

For a family-style presentation, I transfer everything to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with additional fresh herbs. During Oktoberfest, we add a side of homemade soft pretzels for a festive twist on this sauerkraut recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

Even the simplest recipes have pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Don’t rinse the sauerkraut unless reducing sodium—it washes away flavor and beneficial probiotics
• Don’t cut potatoes too small, or they’ll disintegrate during cooking (aim for 1-inch chunks)
• Avoid frequent stirring while simmering, which can break down the potatoes
• Don’t rush the browning of the sausage—those caramelized bits add major depth to your one-pot meal

When I first made this quick dinner idea, I rinsed the sauerkraut thoroughly and ended up with a bland dish. The tangy sauerkraut juices are essential for the dish’s signature flavor profile.

Storing Tips for One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

This Polish sausage recipe makes excellent leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!
• Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for easy lunches.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through.

For meal prep, I often make a double batch of this one-pot meal on Sunday. We enjoy it for dinner, then pack the rest in glass containers for workday lunches. My husband swears it tastes even better on day two!

Conclusion: Why This One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes Recipe Works

This One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By combining these humble ingredients in a single pot, you create a meal greater than the sum of its parts—hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

What I love most about this dish is how it connects me to my Polish heritage while fitting perfectly into my busy modern life. The fact that it costs pennies per serving is just a bonus!

Have you tried this one-pot meal yet? Let me know in the comments how it turned out or if you made any tasty modifications! For more easy weeknight recipes, check out our collection of 30-minute dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.

FAQs About One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes

Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of jarred for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh sauerkraut from the refrigerated section works beautifully in this one-pot meal. It typically has a crunchier texture and more probiotic benefits. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

How can I make this One-Pot Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut & Potatoes recipe in a slow cooker?
This Polish sausage recipe adapts well to a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and onions first, then transfer to your slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This hearty one-pot dinner actually improves with time as flavors meld. Make it on Sunday and portion into containers for lunches throughout the week. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cabbage make excellent additions to this one-pot meal. Add firmer vegetables like carrots with the potatoes, and quicker-cooking ones like bell peppers in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best type of Polish sausage to use?
Traditional kielbasa works best, but any smoked sausage will work well. For an authentic flavor, look for Polish kielbasa that contains garlic and marjoram. Turkey or chicken kielbasa can be substituted for a lighter version of this easy comfort food.

Print

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind-the-scenes & community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration & meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips & trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!