Hearty Homestyle Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe – A Cozy Delight

My grandmother’s hearty sauerkraut casserole sparked countless dinner conversations around our rustic kitchen table.

Memories of her culinary magic still dance through my mind whenever I smell fermented cabbage.

Tangy and rich, this dish combines layers of comfort with unexpected depth.

German immigrants brought these incredible recipes across oceans, preserving traditions through simple ingredients.

Humble cabbage transforms into something magical when slow-cooked with savory meats and aromatic spices.

Crisp edges and tender centers make this casserole irresistible for weekend gatherings.

Store and Heat Sauerkraut Casserole Safely

• Seal leftover sauerkraut casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months without losing taste or texture.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.
• Transfer single serving to microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

What Goes Well with Sauerkraut Casserole

• Savor German Beer Pairing: Complement the hearty sauerkraut casserole with a crisp German pilsner or a malty Oktoberfest beer, which cuts through the richness and enhances the tangy sauerkraut flavors.
• Refresh with Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the casserole's savory profile, providing a bright, acidic counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Accompany the dish with warm, crusty rye bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious tomato soup sauce and add textural contrast.
• Match with Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing side of thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in a dill and vinegar mixture to provide a cool, crisp complement to the warm, rich casserole.

Tasty Variations on Sauerkraut Casserole

• Vegetarian Sauerkraut Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains the rich, savory profile of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or quinoa, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic dish without compromising taste.
• Low-Sodium Sauerkraut Bake: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium tomato soup, omitting added salt, and selecting low-sodium sauerkraut to create a heart-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Swiss cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, making the casserole suitable for those avoiding dairy while preserving its creamy texture.

FAQs

• What is sauerkraut and why is it used in this casserole?

Sauerkraut is finely cut fermented cabbage with a tangy, sour flavor. It adds unique taste and provides beneficial probiotics to the dish, creating a rich and interesting flavor profile.

• Is this recipe considered a comfort food?

Yes, this casserole is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and cheese into a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a home-cooked classic.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it directly from the refrigerator.

• What makes the flavor profile of this casserole unique?

The combination of tangy sauerkraut, sweet brown sugar, savory beef, and creamy Swiss cheese creates a complex and balanced flavor that’s both comforting and interesting.

Why Sauerkraut Casserole Deserves a Spot on the Table

• Elevate Comfort Cooking: Transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward layering technique that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Zero Complicated Techniques: Combines basic ingredients like ground beef, sauerkraut, and noodles into a hearty dish that appeals to home cooks seeking uncomplicated meals.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want something filling and crowd-pleasing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Sauerkraut Casserole Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that forms the main protein of the casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that provides a satisfying base layer.

• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that adds a zesty and sharp flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredient that balances the sauerkraut's tanginess.

• Onion: Fresh vegetable that adds depth and aroma.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient seasoning that provides a mild garlic taste.
• Parsley: Herb that brings a fresh green note.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for overall taste balance.

• Tomato Soup: Creamy sauce that adds moisture and rich tomato flavor.
• Water: Helps thin the soup and distribute moisture.

• Swiss Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, creamy top layer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sauerkraut Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown The Beef Blend

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Garlic powder
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Drain off any extra fat after cooking.

Step 3: Create Sauerkraut Base

Spread drained sauerkraut across the bottom of your greased dish.

Sprinkle brown sugar over the top to add a sweet twist.

Step 4: Layer Noodle Foundation

Spread cooked egg noodles evenly over the sauerkraut layer.

Top these noodles with your seasoned beef mixture.

Step 5: Craft Liquid Magic

Whisk tomato soup with water until smooth.

Pour this sauce evenly across the casserole layers to create moisture and depth.

Step 6: Crown With Cheese

Generously scatter Swiss cheese over the entire casserole surface for a melty, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place casserole in the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes.

Watch for bubbly edges and golden cheese top.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps flavors settle and makes cutting easier.

Pro Tips for Balanced Flavor and Texture

• Remove excess liquid completely to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
• Brown sugar helps mellow the sauerkraut's sharp taste, creating a more harmonious flavor profile.
• Select wide egg noodles that hold their shape and absorb flavors without becoming mushy during baking.
• Swap Swiss cheese with cheddar or provolone for a personalized flavor twist that suits your taste preferences.
• Drain beef fat and sauerkraut carefully to maintain the right consistency and prevent a greasy dish.

Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

German comfort meets hearty “Sauerkraut Casserole” with layers of tangy kraut, savory meats, and melted cheese. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each comforting forkful of this classic European dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) wide egg noodles, cooked per package instructions
• 2 (14 ounces/397 grams) cans sauerkraut, drained well
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 (10.75 ounces/305 grams) cans tomato soup
• 1 (10.75 ounces/305 grams) can water

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a protective layer of grease to prevent adherence.
2. Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet, introducing diced onions, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Render the meat golden and onions translucent, approximately 7-10 minutes. Eliminate excess lipids through careful drainage.
3. Distribute drained sauerkraut across the prepared baking surface, creating a tangy foundation. Dust the fermented cabbage with a whisper of brown sugar to temper its sharp profile.
4. Cascade cooked egg noodles atop the sauerkraut landscape, ensuring uniform coverage. Crown the noodles with the seasoned meat mixture, spreading it into an even blanket.
5. Craft a liquid binding by whisking tomato soup with an equivalent volume of water until harmoniously blended. Cascade this sauce across the layered ingredients, guaranteeing comprehensive moisture distribution.
6. Shower the casserole with shredded Swiss cheese, creating a molten, golden canopy that will transform during baking.
7. Slide the assembled masterpiece into the heated oven, allowing it to transform for 30-45 minutes. Monitor until the surface bubbles enthusiastically and the cheese achieves a burnished, melted perfection.
8. Extract from the oven and permit a brief restful interlude of 5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and structural integrity to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent excess moisture and maintain the casserole’s ideal texture and consistency.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or provolone to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s core character.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium tomato soup and selecting reduced-salt sauerkraut for a healthier version of this comforting casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg