Beef and Pork Stew with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful Polish stew slow-cooked with tender beef and pork, tangy sauerkraut, and earthy mushrooms for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This polish-inspired slow cooker ready in about 145 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Polish cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season beef chuck and pork shoulder cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Brown meat in batches for 5 minutes per batch, then set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the Dutch oven.
  3. Step 3: Cook 1 large diced onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return browned meat to Dutch oven, then add 1 cup drained sauerkraut, 2 cups shredded cabbage, 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp caraway seeds, and 1 bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until meat is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Pork Stew with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef and Pork Stew with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Pork Stew with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef and Pork Stew with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef and Pork Stew with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms?

Polish slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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