Sauerkraut And Spareribs

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Savory sauerkraut and tender spareribs come together in this hearty dish, offering a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it requires minimal prep and slow cooking to develop rich, comforting flavors that satisfy everyone at the table.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 (1 lb.) jars kraut
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 to 4 lb. ribs
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Rinse the kraut and place it in a roaster or large baking dish.
  2. Top the kraut with sliced onion and sprinkle with brown sugar.
  3. Add water so it is almost to the top of the kraut in the pan.
  4. Brown the ribs in a skillet and lay them on top of the kraut mixture.
  5. In a measuring cup, mix the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, then fill the cup with water until the total measures one cup.
  6. Pour the ketchup mixture over the ribs and kraut.
  7. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 2 1/2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the ribs in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce blend for a few hours before cooking. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought sauerkraut instead of homemade. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar to your taste. For a smoky touch, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sauerkraut and spareribs alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a hearty meal. A crisp salad, such as a Mandarin And Pineapple Salad, can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a side of Cucumber Pickle Relish to add a tangy crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover sauerkraut and spareribs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the mixture in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sauerkraut And Spareribs contains roughly 641 calories, with 1g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).

641 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.6g 3% DV
Carbs 158.6g 58% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 150.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 326.3mg 14% DV
Potassium 332.1mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.1mcg
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 148.1mg 11% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of spareribs?

Yes, you can substitute spareribs with pork chops or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner cuts will require less time in the oven.

What can I serve with sauerkraut and spareribs?

This dish pairs well with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or dumplings. You can also serve it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For something sweeter, try Nannie'S Apple-Cranberry Casserole as a dessert.

Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by layering the ingredients as described and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This method will yield tender ribs and flavorful kraut without needing to use the oven.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →