Pork and sauerkraut is one of those recipes that doesn’t need much explanation—it’s humble, comforting, and rooted in tradition. This version is inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, where simple ingredients and patience do most of the work. Instead of a pressure cooker, everything gently simmers in the slow cooker until the pork is tender and the sauerkraut mellows into something rich and savory.
The small addition of beer adds depth without overpowering the dish, while a tucked-in apple quietly balances the acidity as it cooks. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with a familiar, comforting aroma and feels especially right on cold days.
I always serve this with mashed potatoes and applesauce to soak up the juices. If you’re building a full comfort-food spread, these recipes pair especially well:
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – creamy, classic, and perfect for soaking up sauerkraut juices
- Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Turkey – another slow, cozy dinner that leans on simple ingredients
- Meatloaf for Two – weeknight comfort with old-school roots
This is a recipe that rewards patience. Let it cook low and slow, keep the sides simple, and enjoy a dish that’s been doing exactly what it does best for generations.
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Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut (Pennsylvania Dutch–Style)
Ingredients
- 1 32 ounce jar sauerkraut with juice
- 1 pound pork roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ 12 fluid ounce can of bottled beer
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh dill weed
- ½ medium apple, peeled and cored
Instructions
- Add the sauerkraut (with its juice), pork cubes, beer, garlic, onion salt, dry mustard, and dill to a slow cooker. Stir everything together so the pork is evenly coated. Tuck the apple half down into the mixture so it’s fully submerged.
- Cover and cook on High for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to Low and continue cooking for about 5 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.
- Remove and discard the apple. Give everything a gentle stir and serve warm.
This is pure comfort food done right. The pork turns out tender and juicy, and the sauerkraut softens into a rich, savory base with just the right balance of tang and sweetness. It’s simple to prep, easy to cook, and fills the house with an incredible aroma while it simmers. Served with mashed potatoes and applesauce, it’s a classic, cozy meal that never disappoints.