Rustic Potato and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Sausage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty German-inspired stew combining tender potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and smoky sausage for a comforting dish. This german-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, drained sauerkraut for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 German cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp caraway seeds, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until edges start to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 diced medium potatoes and 2 cups drained sauerkraut, coating everything evenly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Potato and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Rustic Potato and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Sausage?

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 medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Potato and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Sausage?

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 Rustic Potato and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Sausage 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 Rustic Potato and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Sausage?

German pork 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.