Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Kielbasa with Pineapple: A Flavorful Feast!

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple recipe! This dish is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy, and it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With minimal effort, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to enjoy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple is a winner for several reasons:

* **Effortless Preparation:** Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of smoky kielbasa, sweet pineapple, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is always a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and parties.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding or substituting vegetables, adjusting the level of sweetness or sourness, or using different types of kielbasa.
* **Make-Ahead Meal:** This is an ideal recipe for meal prepping. You can prepare the whole dish ahead of time and then simply reheat when you are ready to serve it.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Kielbasa:** 2 pounds, fully cooked, sliced into 1-inch pieces. You can use any type of kielbasa you prefer, such as Polish, smoked, or turkey kielbasa. Smoked kielbasa adds a robust, savory flavor to the dish.
* **Pineapple:** 1 (20-ounce) can of pineapple chunks, undrained. The pineapple provides sweetness and a tropical flavor that complements the kielbasa beautifully. Don’t drain the pineapple juice; it adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2, any color, cored and chopped. Bell peppers add color, sweetness, and a slightly crunchy texture to the dish. You can use a combination of different colored bell peppers for a more vibrant presentation.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish. You can use yellow, white, or red onion, depending on your preference.
* **Ketchup:** 1 cup. Ketchup forms the base of the sweet and sour sauce and adds a tangy sweetness.
* **Brown Sugar:** ½ cup, packed. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the sauce.
* **Soy Sauce:** ¼ cup. Soy sauce adds a salty, savory umami flavor to the sauce.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** ¼ cup. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Worcestershire sauce adds a complex, savory flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful coating for the kielbasa and vegetables.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. Water is mixed with the cornstarch to create a slurry.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes (to taste), for a touch of heat. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for serving.

## Equipment

* Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
* Knife
* Cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Small bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Slice the kielbasa into 1-inch pieces. This allows the kielbasa to absorb the flavors of the sauce and ensures that it cooks evenly.
* Chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Remove the core and seeds before chopping.
* Chop the onion.
* Mince the garlic.

**2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:**

* In a large bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well to ensure that the brown sugar is dissolved.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or sourness to your liking. You can add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce or more apple cider vinegar for a tangier sauce.

**3. Add the Kielbasa, Pineapple, and Vegetables:**

* Add the sliced kielbasa, pineapple chunks (with juice), chopped bell peppers, and chopped onion to the slow cooker.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the kielbasa and vegetables are coated in the sauce.

**4. Cook in the Slow Cooker:**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the kielbasa and vegetables for doneness.
* The kielbasa should be heated through, and the vegetables should be tender-crisp.

**5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**

* If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.
* During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Once the kielbasa and vegetables are cooked through, and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the slow cooker lid and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
* Serve the slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks.
* Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, broccoli florets, or green beans. Add them at the same time as the bell peppers and onion.
* **Use different types of kielbasa:** Experiment with different types of kielbasa, such as Polish kielbasa, smoked kielbasa, or turkey kielbasa. Each type will add a unique flavor to the dish.
* **Adjust the sweetness and sourness:** Customize the sauce to your liking by adjusting the amount of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tanginess.
* **Add a touch of heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Add Fresh Pineapple:** While canned pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple chunks can be used. About 2 cups of fresh pineapple will work. Be aware that fresh pineapple can sometimes affect the thickening of the sauce.
* **Use Different Vinegar:** Rice vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar for a slightly milder flavor.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** These can replace or supplement the brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.
* **Ginger:** A small amount of grated ginger can add depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice:** Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.
* **Over Noodles:** Toss the kielbasa and vegetables with egg noodles or rice noodles for a quick and easy dinner.
* **With Mashed Potatoes:** Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. The sweetness of the sauce complements the richness of the mashed potatoes.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut the kielbasa into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks. This is a great option for parties and gatherings.
* **In Sandwiches or Wraps:** Stuff it into sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful and portable lunch or dinner.
* **Stir-fry Addition:** Add it to a stir-fry with other vegetables for a quick and flavorful meal.
* **Over Quinoa or Couscous:** For a healthier alternative, serve over quinoa or couscous.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker. If reheating in the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating in the slow cooker, heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Kielbasa with Pineapple Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds kielbasa, fully cooked, sliced into 1-inch pieces
* 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
* 2 bell peppers, any color, cored and chopped
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 cup ketchup
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup soy sauce
* ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* Optional: Red pepper flakes (to taste), chopped green onions or sesame seeds for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the ingredients:** Slice the kielbasa, chop the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
2. **Combine the sauce ingredients:** In a large bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well.
3. **Add the kielbasa, pineapple, and vegetables:** Add the sliced kielbasa, pineapple chunks (with juice), chopped bell peppers, and chopped onion to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. **Cook in the slow cooker:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. **Thicken the sauce (optional):** During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the sauce.
6. **Serve and enjoy:** Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.

Enjoy this effortless and delicious slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa with pineapple! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a regular on your dinner rotation.