Hearty Pork and Sauerkraut Crockpot Bowl
A comforting and easy slow-cooked meal featuring tender pork shoulder and tangy sauerkraut, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 3 cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning pork)
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into roughly 2-inch chunks. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown pork chunks on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer pork to the crockpot.
- Layer sliced onions, minced garlic, and diced apple over the pork in the crockpot.
- Spread drained sauerkraut evenly over the pork and aromatics. Pour chicken broth on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. If too watery, cook uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Shred pork chunks in the crockpot using two forks and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm over your favorite grain or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Browning the pork before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Drain sauerkraut lightly to avoid excess liquid but do not rinse. Keep the lid on as much as possible during cooking to preserve moisture. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving for extra tang if desired. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: pork shoulder, sauerkraut, crockpot, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meals, hearty bowl