Introduction
Transform humble sauerkraut and ground beef into a comforting, flavorful casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! This recipe is a family favorite, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of heartwarming goodness!
Why This Works
This sauerkraut casserole is a winner because it’s a delicious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the crispy topping provides a delightful textural contrast. It’s also incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover sauerkraut!
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🥓 1 pound ground beef
- 🥬 1 (26 ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained
- 🥔 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 🥣 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🍞 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, drained sauerkraut, sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well to combine.
4️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the cheese.
7️⃣ Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the potatoes are tender. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of caraway seeds or Dijon mustard to the casserole mixture.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of celery soup or make your own creamy sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the casserole cooks through evenly without burning. Make sure to keep an eye on it during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent the topping from becoming overly browned.
Crunch Factor
The breadcrumb topping adds a wonderful crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes and sauerkraut. For an even crispier topping, you can toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling them on top.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- To add depth of flavor, sauté the sauerkraut with a little bacon or ham before adding it to the casserole.
- If you want a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, especially during the colder months. You can package individual portions in disposable aluminum pans and tie them with a festive ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sauerkraut: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.
🌟 Apple Sauerkraut: Incorporate 1/2 cup of diced apples into the casserole for a sweet and tart twist.
🌟 Caraway Seed Sauerkraut: Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds to enhance the savory flavors of the dish.
🌟 Bacon Sauerkraut: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the meat mixture for extra smoky flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Casserole is too dry: Add a little more milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
- Potatoes are not cooked through: Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Topping is burning too quickly: Loosely cover the casserole with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cabbage? While sauerkraut is best, you could experiment with finely shredded green cabbage, but the flavor will be significantly different.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead of time and bake it when ready. Just keep it refrigerated until baking time.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Famous Sauerkraut Casserole is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your delicious creations with us on RateMyRecipes! Enjoy!
Crowd-Pleasing Sauerkraut Beef Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole that combines tender beef, tangy sauerkraut, and cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sautu00e9 until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add the drained sauerkraut and cooked rice. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of caraway seeds to the beef mixture.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.