This Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pork tenderloin with tangy sauerkraut and baby potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. It's a fuss-free meal that's great for any day of the week, especially during colder months. The leftovers make for an even tastier meal the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole pork tenderloin
- 1 (24 ounce) bag baby potatoes, unpeeled (optional)
- 1 (20 ounce) can sauerkraut, undrained
- 1 cup water, or more as needed
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Setup
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker:
- If you prefer a quicker cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
Cooking
- Add the Ingredients:
- Place the whole pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.
- Arrange the baby potatoes around the pork, if using.
- Pour the undrained sauerkraut and its juice over the pork and potatoes.
- Add 1 cup of water, the cubed butter, and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Cook:
- Set your slow cooker to Low.
- Cook the dish for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is tender and fully cooked. Check around the 8-hour mark, and add more water if the mixture seems dry.
To Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the pork and vegetables from the slow cooker.
- Slice the pork tenderloin.
- Serve hot, possibly with a side of mashed potatoes if you opted not to use baby potatoes in the dish.
Additional Tips
- Mashed Potatoes Alternative: If you prefer a different side, mashed potatoes make a great companion to this dish instead of baby potatoes.
- Doubling the Recipe: This recipe is ideal for doubling if you’re serving a larger group or want ample leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop and meld beautifully overnight.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 358
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 22g
This simple yet delicious Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut recipe offers a warming, satisfying meal with minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy days or relaxed weekend dining. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the ease of a slow cooker dish that practically cooks itself!
Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut recipe is a traditional favorite, offering a delicious combination of tender pork and tangy sauerkraut that simmers in the slow cooker to perfection. It's an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that's ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder (or pork roast)
- 2 pounds sauerkraut, drained
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, to balance the tartness)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, enhances flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
- In the slow cooker, layer the sliced onions and apples at the bottom.
-
Layer the Pork and Sauerkraut:
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and apples.
- Spread the drained sauerkraut over the pork. Sprinkle with brown sugar and caraway seeds if using.
-
Add Liquid:
- Pour the broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. The liquid will help keep the pork moist and tender as it cooks.
-
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
-
Serve:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and mix it back into the sauerkraut and juices.
- Serve hot, with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Apple cider or beer can be used instead of broth for additional flavor depth.
- This dish pairs well with dark rye bread or pretzels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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