
Food and flavor - those two F's go together so well. Some food naturally has loads of flavor. The way they taste makes us eat them time and time again. Beef is one for me. It goes beyond taste and flavor though. It's comfort too. I have many treasured memories of my family gathering around the table to enjoy a meal with beef. Sauerkraut Brisket was made with more than ingredients, it was made with a pinch of love and a dash of those cherished times. Well, maybe more than a pinch and dash.
German food is a big part of my family's meal history. It's also my favorite cuisine. I knew exactly what to do when the Beef Checkoff asked for recipes to make this year flavorful. The tang of sauerkraut wakes up taste buds for sure. There is nothing bland about it. Well, except for its color. That's why colorful vegetables to go with it is key.
Sauerkraut Brisket is both healthy and flavorful. It starts with a fresh beef brisket. It is seared and slowly braised with onions. Then sauerkraut, potato, and apple join in the pot for a little more braising. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage and its lactic acid bacteria is a natural probiotic. Both potato and apple have fiber and vital nutrients. Serving it with a simple green salad and whole grain bread makes for a complete meal and balanced plate.
The leftovers make an excellent sandwich. Be sure to get extra whole grain rolls. Slice a roll in half, pile on brisket slices, top with sauerkraut, and add a dab of mustard (German middle-sharp aka "mittlescharfer" if you can find it). Serve the sandwich with roasted, steamed, or sautéed green beans.
Beef is a nutritious, protein-rich food. It tastes great too. Want to know which cuts are lean? Visit the Beef Checkoff's Interactive Beef Counter and explore the cuts.
Click on each type and look for the green lean symbol. Guess what? Brisket is one of those lean cuts. Hooray!
There's more good news: Sunday Supper has partnered with the Beef Checkoff to share healthy beef recipes for a flavorful life. Scroll down to find the list of them and each one is a click away. Also look at Steak and Asparagus Stir-Fry and Slow Cooker Spiced Beef Stew for meals bursting with flavor.

Sauerkraut Brisket
Ingredients
- 2 pound fresh beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 medium sweet onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 pounds sauerkraut
- 1 medium russet potato peeled and grated
- ½ cooking apple Granny Smith recommended, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from brisket. Sprinkle salt and pepper on brisket.
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven (about 7-quart) over medium-high heat until almost smoking.
- Add brisket to the pan and sear to brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Add onions, water, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours.
- Drain sauerkraut and add it to the brisket. Add potato, apple, and caraway seeds.
- Toss to combine onions, sauerkraut, potato, apple, and caraway seeds.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
- Transfer brisket to a cutting board. Allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Thinly slice brisket across the grain.
- Serve brisket with sauerkraut.
Notes
Are you looking for flavorful meals? Take a look at these healthy recipes with beef by Sunday Supper tastemakers:
- Beef Bulgogi from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Beef Multigrain Pilaf from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Beef Tenderloin Tips with Brown Rice and Asparagus from Recipes Food and Cooking
- Beef with Broccoli from Palatable Pastime
- Bistro Steak Salad from Casa de Crews
- Cheesesteak Sandwich from Grumpy's Honeybunch
- Easy Cuban-Style Beef Picadillo from Renee's Kitchen Adventures
- Flavorful Asian Style Beef Curry Stir-Fry from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Hungarian Goulash {Slow Cooker} from Curious Cuisiniere
- Korean Beef Soondubu Jigae (Beef and Soft Tofu Stew) from kimchi MOM
- Korean BBQ Pepper Nachos from Flavor Mosaic
- Portuguese Style Beef Lettuce Wraps from Family Foodie
- Ropa Vieja from The Crumby Cupcake
- Sauerkraut Brisket from Magnolia Days
- Skinny Beef Stroganoff Stuffed Spaghetti Squash from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Slow Cooker Classic American Chili from Meal Planning Magic
- Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs Over Roasted Cauliflower Mash from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
- Steak and Cabbage Stir-Fry from Cooking Chat
- Sweet & Spicy Beef Tacos from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Thai Beef with Vegetable Ribbons from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Plus: Delicious Lean Beef Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It's easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Beef Checkoff in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.








It looks delicious! I love you get more than one meal out of this and the second one looks as yummy as the first!
My German dad would love this meal! And also the leftovers in a sandwich, smeared with mustard and topped with a slice of onion. Such a treat!
One of our great comfort foods during the cold winters.
What a great combo! I love beef, and I love sauerkraut, so this one is a no-brainer. YUM!!
You have two of my favorites together here! A sandwich with this beef and sauerkraut sounds so good right now!
Looks delicious!
I've forgotten how much I like sauerkraut, and with brisket -even better!
Yum! I love sauerkraut with my meat and this sounds delicious!
This is true comfort food!
You can bet this is going on the menu. I love that you cooked it with sauerkraut. So good.
I just swooned when I saw that sandwich. WOW!
My husband is a huge German food fan and I know he would adore this brisket!
I have never even thought about adding sauerkraut to a beef dish, but you can bet I will be doing it in the future!!
Unclear how much water should be added.
Enough to come approximately halfway to three-quarters up the side of the meat. The exact amount will vary depending on the shape and size of the pot.
I made this in a slow cooker and then served it over tortilla chips with cheese and sour cream (brisket nachos) and it was one of the best things I've ever eaten! Thanks!