Slow Cooker German-Style Pork Roast with Sauerkraut and Potatoes: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal
This slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender pork, tangy sauerkraut, and hearty potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a German beer garden. This recipe is a one-pot wonder, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while you go about your day. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth pork roast infused with the savory goodness of sauerkraut and perfectly cooked potatoes.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Effortless:** The slow cooker does most of the work. Simply toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it.
* **Flavorful:** The sauerkraut adds a tangy and savory depth to the pork roast, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.
* **Complete Meal:** This recipe includes the main course (pork roast), vegetables (potatoes and sauerkraut), making it a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Leftovers are even more delicious the next day, making this recipe ideal for meal prepping.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pork Roast:** A 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal. It has a good amount of marbling, which keeps the roast moist and tender during the long cooking process. You can also use a pork loin roast, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
* **Sauerkraut:** 32 ounces of sauerkraut, drained. I recommend using a good-quality sauerkraut that is not overly sour. If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut before adding it to the slow cooker.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds of Yukon gold or red potatoes, quartered. These potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a creamy texture.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Apple:** 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped. The apple adds a touch of sweetness and helps to tenderize the pork.
* **Caraway Seeds:** 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Caraway seeds are a classic German spice that adds a distinctive flavor to the dish.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Thyme adds an earthy and savory flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. The bay leaf adds a subtle aroma and flavor to the roast.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth. The chicken broth helps to keep the roast moist and prevents it from drying out.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used to sear the pork roast, which helps to develop a flavorful crust.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the pork roast and other ingredients.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** For searing the pork roast.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables and trimming the pork roast.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making your delicious slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pork Roast**
* Remove the pork roast from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help it to sear properly.
* Trim any excess fat from the pork roast. While some fat is desirable for flavor, too much can make the roast greasy.
* Season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
**Step 2: Sear the Pork Roast**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork roast in the skillet and sear it on all sides until it is nicely browned. This will take about 3-4 minutes per side. Searing the pork roast helps to develop a flavorful crust and locks in the juices.
* Remove the pork roast from the skillet and set it aside.
**Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Other Ingredients**
* Chop the onion and garlic.
* Peel, core, and chop the apple.
* Quarter the potatoes.
* Drain the sauerkraut.
**Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
* Place the chopped onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
* Add the quartered potatoes on top of the onion and garlic.
* Sprinkle the caraway seeds and dried thyme over the potatoes.
* Pour the drained sauerkraut over the potatoes.
* Place the seared pork roast on top of the sauerkraut.
* Add the chopped apple and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
* Pour the chicken broth over the pork roast and vegetables.
**Step 5: Cook the Pork Roast**
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork roast is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 190-200°F (88-93°C).
**Step 6: Shred the Pork and Serve**
* Once the pork roast is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
* Shred the pork roast with two forks.
* Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauerkraut and potatoes.
* Let the pork roast simmer in the slow cooker for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Remove the bay leaf before serving.
* Serve the slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Roast
* **Don’t skip the searing:** Searing the pork roast is an important step that adds a lot of flavor. It creates a delicious crust and helps to lock in the juices.
* **Use good-quality sauerkraut:** The quality of the sauerkraut will affect the overall flavor of the dish. Choose a sauerkraut that is not overly sour and has a good flavor.
* **Don’t overcook the pork:** Overcooking the pork roast can make it dry and tough. Cook it until it is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
* **Add other vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, parsnips, or turnips. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
* **Use apple cider vinegar:** For an extra tangy flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker before cooking.
* **Thicken the sauce:** If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Let it rest:** After shredding the pork, let it rest in the sauerkraut and potato mixture for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the pork even more flavorful.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Different Meat:** You can substitute the pork roast with other cuts of pork, such as pork ribs or pork chops. You can also use beef chuck roast.
* **Different Vegetables:** You can add or substitute other vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, or cabbage.
* **Different Spices:** You can experiment with different spices, such as juniper berries, mustard seeds, or smoked paprika.
* **Beer:** Instead of chicken broth, you can use beer to add a unique flavor to the dish. Use a dark beer, such as a porter or stout.
* **Apple Cider:** You can use apple cider instead of apple for a slightly different flavor.
* **Sweetener:** For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the slow cooker.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper for a spicy kick.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve the slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes as a main course.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
* Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Pair with a German beer or a crisp white wine.
* Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
* Serve with a side of mustard or horseradish for dipping.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent the pork from drying out.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze leftover slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving
* Fiber: 5-7 grams per serving
## Conclusion
This slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes is a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and comforting dish that will impress your family and friends. The tangy sauerkraut, tender pork, and hearty potatoes make this a truly unforgettable meal. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Germany!
## Recipe Card
**Slow Cooker German-Style Pork Roast with Sauerkraut and Potatoes**
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (pork butt)
* 32 ounces sauerkraut, drained
* 2 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, quartered
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
* 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the Pork Roast: Pat the pork roast dry and trim any excess fat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Pork Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned (3-4 minutes per side).
3. Prepare Vegetables: Chop onion, garlic, and apple. Quarter the potatoes and drain the sauerkraut.
4. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add potatoes, caraway seeds, and thyme. Pour sauerkraut over the potatoes. Place the seared pork roast on top. Add apple and bay leaf. Pour chicken broth over everything.
5. Cook the Pork Roast: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until pork is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C).
6. Shred and Serve: Remove the pork roast and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir into the sauerkraut and potatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
**Notes:**
* For a milder sauerkraut flavor, rinse it before adding to the slow cooker.
* Adjust seasonings to your liking.
* Serve with crusty bread or rolls and a German beer.
Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker German-style pork roast with sauerkraut and potatoes!