Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Sauerkraut Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese in a flavorful baked meal. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it offers a delicious twist on traditional casseroles with its unique balance of tangy and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) tomato soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) warm water
• 1 package wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (14 oz each) sauerkraut, drained well
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the brown sugar over it.
5. Step 5: Layer the cooked egg noodles over the sauerkraut, then spread the browned beef mixture evenly on top of the noodles.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix the tomato soup with the warm water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer.
7. Step 7: Top the casserole with the shredded Swiss cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding mushrooms or tofu for texture.
• Try cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss for a different flavor.
• Replace egg noodles with rice, quinoa, barley, or even mashed potatoes for variety.
• If you prefer less tang, substitute sauerkraut with sautéed cabbage or pickled vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when you are ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Is it necessary to drain the sauerkraut?

Draining the sauerkraut well is important to prevent the casserole from becoming too wet. Excess liquid can affect the texture, so be sure to squeeze or drain it thoroughly before layering.

Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Sauerkraut Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and tender egg noodles all baked under a bubbly layer of melted Swiss cheese. Perfectly balanced with brown sugar to soften the tang and tomato soup adding rich moisture, this casserole makes an easy and hearty meal ideal for family dinners.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 medium white onion, chopped

Seasonings

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

• 2 cans (10.75 oz each) tomato soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) warm water
• 1 package wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (14 oz each) sauerkraut, drained well
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Cook Egg Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Layer Sauerkraut and Brown Sugar: Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle 3/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the sauerkraut to balance its tanginess.
5. Add Noodles and Beef: Layer the cooked egg noodles on top of the sauerkraut, then evenly spread the browned beef and onion mixture over the noodles.
6. Mix and Pour Tomato Soup Mixture: In a bowl, combine the two cans of tomato soup with the warm water until smooth. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the beef layer to add moisture and flavor.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a melty, golden finish.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.

Notes

• Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole watery.
• Adjust salt carefully because sauerkraut and cheese already contain salt.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian option: omit meat and add mushrooms or tofu for texture.
• Substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or mozzarella if desired for different flavor profiles.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Keywords: sauerkraut casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, Swiss cheese casserole, easy dinner recipes