If you tend to pass on sauerkraut because of its potent flavor, this sauerkraut casserole just might change your mind. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese into a delightful meal. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together quickly.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of beef, sauerkraut, and cheese creates a rich taste that surprises many who are skeptical about sauerkraut.
- Versatile Dish: Great for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Comfort Food Classic: A hearty meal that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Feeds a Crowd: With eight generous servings, it’s ideal for families or when entertaining guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand can help. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking dish: This size is perfect for layering all the ingredients of your sauerkraut casserole.
- Skillet: Essential for browning the meat evenly with onions and spices before layering.
- Whisk: A must-have for mixing the tomato soup and water smoothly.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ground beef
– 1 onion (diced)
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz wide egg noodles (cooked per package)
– 2 14 oz cans sauerkraut, drained well
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 10.75 oz cans tomato soup
– 1 10.75 oz can water
– 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
How to Make Sauerkraut Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Season with garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Step 3: Layer the Sauerkraut
In your greased baking dish:
1. Spread an even layer of drained sauerkraut across the bottom.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar over the sauerkraut for added sweetness.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Beef
On top of the sauerkraut:
1. Layer cooked wide egg noodles evenly.
2. Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the noodles.
Step 5: Prepare Tomato Mixture
In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together tomato soup and water until well combined.
2. Pour this mixture over the layered casserole in the baking dish.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Evenly distribute shredded Swiss cheese over the top of your casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 30-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly with melted cheese.
Step 8: Serve
Let stand for about five minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together perfectly. Enjoy your delicious sauerkraut casserole!
How to Serve Sauerkraut Casserole
Serving sauerkraut casserole can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages, making it perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw complements the flavors of the casserole nicely.
Paired with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Offers a crunchy texture that balances the soft casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Accompanied by Beverages
- Light Beer: A refreshing light beer can enhance the hearty flavors.
- Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
As Leftovers
- Reheated for Lunch: This casserole tastes even better the next day; simply reheat it for a quick meal.
How to Perfect Sauerkraut Casserole
To ensure your sauerkraut casserole turns out delicious every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and high-quality sauerkraut will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Skip Draining Sauerkraut: Properly draining your sauerkraut prevents excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
- Layering Matters: Ensure even layering of ingredients for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; you may want more salt or pepper depending on personal preference.
- Cover While Baking: Covering with foil during baking helps cook evenly without burning the cheese initially.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to stand for five minutes before serving helps set the layers.
Best Side Dishes for Sauerkraut Casserole
Complement your sauerkraut casserole with delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrients.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide comfort and pair well with savory dishes.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned green beans add a crisp texture to your plate.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread contrasts beautifully with the tanginess of the casserole.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the warm dish.
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickles enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making sauerkraut casserole, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using unseasoned beef: If the ground beef isn’t well-seasoned, the dish can end up bland. Always season your meat with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Not draining sauerkraut properly: Leaving excess liquid in the sauerkraut can make the casserole watery. Ensure you drain it thoroughly before layering.
- Skipping the cheese topping: The Swiss cheese adds flavor and creaminess. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for a delicious casserole.
- Overcooking noodles: If you overcook the egg noodles, they may become mushy once baked. Cook them until just al dente for the best texture.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can lead to a messy serving. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving for better slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of baking.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best quality.
Freezing Sauerkraut Casserole
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sauerkraut Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: For smaller portions, heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about sauerkraut casserole that might help you out.
What is Sauerkraut Casserole?
Sauerkraut casserole is a hearty dish made with layers of ground beef, egg noodles, sauerkraut, tomato soup, and topped with Swiss cheese. It combines flavors for a satisfying meal.
Can I customize my Sauerkraut Casserole?
Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, substitute different meats, or use various cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
How do I make this casserole healthier?
Consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef and low-sodium soup options. You can also add more veggies to increase the nutrition value.
What sides pair well with Sauerkraut Casserole?
This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out its richness.
Final Thoughts
This sauerkraut casserole is not only delicious but also versatile! With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
Sauerkraut Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the delightful flavors of sauerkraut with this comforting Sauerkraut Casserole, a dish that transforms skeptics into fans. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, layered with egg noodles for a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Each bite offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Ideal for weeknight meals or potlucks, this casserole serves eight generous portions, making it a fantastic choice when entertaining guests. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of home cooking with this crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion (diced)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles (cooked)
- 2 cans (14 oz each) sauerkraut (drained)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) tomato soup
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned; season with garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Layer drained sauerkraut in the baking dish and sprinkle brown sugar on top.
- Add cooked noodles evenly over the sauerkraut followed by the beef mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together tomato soup and water; pour over casserole layers.
- Top with shredded Swiss cheese.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes until hot and bubbly; let stand for five minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 835mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
