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by Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen.com · October 26, 2017 · Updated: September 20, 2020

BBQ Slow Cooker Sauerkraut & Sausage

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This slow cooker sauerkraut sausage dish has all the deliciousness of the classic kraut and sausage...BUT it's bumped up a notch with the yumminess of barbecue! AND with only 5 ingredients, you can't beat it.

Oh! AND there's an oven version too! It's not been made in a skillet around here yet. So I can't recommend that method yet. BUT the oven method melds the flavors pretty well. The slow cooker method does better BUT one doesn't always remember (if "one" is me anyway).

BUT if you aren't looking for a "different" option...you can always check out our Traditional Kraut & Kielbasa recipe page. I say page 'cause I cooked one but gave LOTS more recipe options too!

slow cooker sauerkraut sausage complete

NOW...the pic above shows carrots too. That actually makes six ingredients. BUT those are necessary. I didn't think they added enough extra taste to warrant them as an ingredient.

You CAN add them if you want to of course, but they don't add any additional flavor really. Vitamin content, sure. Taste, no.


In This Article (click headings to jump)

  • 1 Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Sausage Ingredient Options
  • 2 Printable for Slow Cooker 'Kraut & Sausage
  • 3 Recipe
  • 4 BBQ Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Sausage
  • 5 Ingredients  1x2x3x
  • 6 Instructions 
  • 7 Oven Method:
  • 8 Freezer Meal Prep
  • 9 Notes
  • 10 Pin Me for Later Slow Cooker Sausages & Sauerkraut

Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Sausage Ingredient Options

I didn't happen to have any barbecue sauce on hand when I was asked to make this recipe. I know! ME. Insanity. So, instead of tossing in a cup or two of bottled barbecue sauce I used tomato juice and brown sugar.

You can use bottled barbecue sauce with just about the same results. Either one is really good!

Also, another quick note on the tomato juice and sugar...you can use the minimum quantity recommended IF you want it less soupy. BUT it will cook much faster and possibly burn if you aren't around to watch it a bit. Just FYI there.


Printable for Slow Cooker 'Kraut & Sausage

Recipe

BBQ Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Sausage

Gwen
This slow cooker sauerkraut & sausage dish bumps up the traditional dish with a dash of barbecue flavors. YUM!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 hours hrs
Total Time 5 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
Servings 4 to 5 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14- ounce package Little Smokies or other sausages cut into links
  • 1 1/2 pounds sauerkraut
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups tomato or vegetable juice
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots optional

Instructions
 

  • Lightly oil, butter or spray the slow cooker insert.
  • Toss the sausages in the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Sprinkle the diced onions over the top.
  • Layer in the sauerkraut.
  • Mix the juice and brown sugar, stir until well combined; pour over the sausages and sauerkraut.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. At least 3 on high. Check onions for doneness.
  • Stir well before serving.

Oven Method:

  • Follow the same steps as above but increase the juice to 2 cups.
  • Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 60 minutes.

Freezer Meal Prep

  • Pour all ingredients into a large, pre-labeled freezer bag. Please see notes about sauerkraut.
  • Lay flat, squeeze out excess air and freeze.
  • Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Notes

Freezing your sauerkraut is up to you. Honestly, I think it depends on the kind of 'kraut you're using.
If you get the pre-canned stuff off the shelf, freeze away. Or just wait and add it on cooking day (just make a note on the bag). For this option, just weigh out the difference between making sure you remember to add the 'kraut the day of cooking vs the amount of freezer space you have available.
If you purchase the refrigerated kind and IF it is fermented instead of canned AND if you want the natural probiotics in the sauerkraut to remain active...well, don't freeze it. Make a note on the freezer meal and add it the day you cook.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pin Me for Later Slow Cooker Sausages & Sauerkraut

5 ingredient slow cooker sauerkraut & sausage pinterest image


Other Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

If you liked this 5-ingredient dish...here's a few more we think you might wanna check out too!

  • 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Swiss Steak
  • 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini
  • 3-Ingredient Crockpot Buffalo Chicken
  • 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Mexican Chicken & Homemade Taco Seasoning
« 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
5-Ingredient Honey Maple Cider Slow Cooker Ham »

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Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen
Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen.com

Hi! I'm Gwen. And I have a confession to make. I now own 11 slow cookers & 4 pressure cookers. What started out as a necessity, turned into a mild obsession. And then into Slow Cooker Kitchen.
The goal for this site started out as quick & easy cooking. Then healthier and from-scratch options got added. And now it's evolved into freezer meal cooking too. Who knows what's next. Come join me on this slightly crazed crockpot-pressure cooker journey.

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Hi! I'm Gwen. And I have a confession to make. I now own 11 slow cookers & 4 pressure cookers. What started out as a necessity, turned into a mild obsession. And then into Slow Cooker Kitchen.
The goal for this site started out as quick & easy cooking. Then healthier and from-scratch options got added. And now it's evolved into freezer meal cooking too. Who knows what's next. Come join me on this slightly crazed crockpot-pressure cooker journey. Read More…

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Cheap and easy, quick and tasty scalloped potatoes and ham in slow cooker! With slow cooker, oven-baked, pressure cooker, & freezer friendly directions!
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