This Abendessen Rezepte (German dinner recipe) is a one-pan wonder that brings the cozy flavors of a German tavern right to your kitchen. It's a hearty combination of savory sausage, golden potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and aromatic caraway seeds, all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
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Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and uses simple, affordable ingredients. Whether you're craving comfort food or want to try a new cuisine, this recipe delivers satisfying, robust flavors that the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Use any smoked sausage like kielbasa or Andouille. For a lighter option, try turkey kielbasa.
1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
Baby potatoes cook quickly and hold their shape. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.
1 cup (240ml) sauerkraut, drained
Choose sauerkraut with live cultures for probiotics. Rinse if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
Sweet onions like Vidalia can be used for a milder taste.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can substitute.
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
Caraway is classic in German cooking. If you don't have it, use fennel seeds or omit.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Adds a smoky depth. Regular paprika works if you don't have smoked.
1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Vegetable broth works too.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil or canola oil are fine.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Adjust according to the saltiness of your sausage and sauerkraut.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Adds a fresh color and flavor. Dill also pairs well.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcrowd the skillet
If you add too many potatoes at once, they'll steam instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed.
Watch the heat
Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the sausage and potatoes. If the pan gets too hot, the garlic may burn, so adjust as needed.
Drain the sauerkraut well
Excess liquid can make the dish watery. Squeeze out the liquid before adding.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Add sausage slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crisp on edges. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat (300°F/150°C) for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Cook the potatoes
Add halved baby potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and smoked paprika. Cook over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender (internal temperature reaches 205°F/96°C).
4. Add broth and sauerkraut
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add drained sauerkraut and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low (275°F/135°C).
5. Return sausage to skillet
Add the browned sausage back to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish and serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Delicious Variations
- Add diced apples for a sweet-tart contrast.
- Use bratwurst or German bockwurst for a more authentic flavor.
- Stir in a splash of beer instead of broth for extra depth.
How to Store Abendessen Rezepte
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat (300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can use any waxy potato. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: What can I substitute for sauerkraut?
You can use shredded cabbage sautéed with a little vinegar and salt, but the flavor will be milder.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free sausage and ensure your broth is gluten-free. Check labels.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently on the stove.
I hope you enjoy this hearty Abendessen Rezepte as much as my family does! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to share this recipe with someone who loves German food!
Abendessen Rezepte
Abendessen Rezepte: A quick, hearty German-inspired skillet dinner with sausage, potatoes, and sauerkraut, ready in 30 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup (240ml) sauerkraut, drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
📋 Instructions
- 1Brown the sausage — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Add sausage slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crisp on edges. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- 2Sauté onion and garlic — In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat (300°F/150°C) for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 3Cook the potatoes — Add halved baby potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and smoked paprika. Cook over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender (internal temperature reaches 205°F/96°C).
- 4Add broth and sauerkraut — Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add drained sauerkraut and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low (275°F/135°C).
- 5Return sausage to skillet — Add the browned sausage back to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6Garnish and serve — Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
