German Sausage with Sauerkraut and Boiled Potatoes

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

Traditional German sausage served with tangy sauerkraut and perfectly boiled potatoes. This german-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs beef sausage, sauerkraut, potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 German cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 12 oz sliced beef sausage for 5 minutes until browned on both sides; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened; stir in 10 oz drained sauerkraut, 1 tsp caraway seeds, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Simmer for 10 minutes until sauerkraut is heated through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked sausage and 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 2 minutes more.
  5. Step 5: While the sausage and sauerkraut simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add 2 lbs peeled and quartered potatoes and cook for 15 minutes until tender, then drain and serve alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does German Sausage with Sauerkraut and Boiled Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 German Sausage with Sauerkraut and Boiled Potatoes?

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 beef sausage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in German Sausage with Sauerkraut and Boiled Potatoes?

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 German Sausage with Sauerkraut and Boiled Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 German Sausage with Sauerkraut and Boiled Potatoes?

German beef 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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