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Sauerkraut Casserole

Sauerkraut Casserole

A comforting and tangy Sauerkraut Casserole that combines sauerkraut, hearty ingredients like ground meat or vegetables, and creamy sour cream, baked with melted cheese for a satisfying family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups sauerkraut, well drained
  • 1 cup ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) – optional
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella)
  • 2 cups cooked pasta or 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil for sautéing

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Optional Variations and Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup mushrooms or cooked lentils (for vegetarian version)
  • Cayenne pepper or chili flakes, to taste (for a spicy kick)
  • Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary, chopped (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain excess liquid from the sauerkraut to prevent sogginess. Chop the onion finely. If using meat, have it ready to brown. Pre-cook your pasta or peel and thinly slice potatoes based on your choice.
  2. Cook the Meat and Onion: In a large skillet, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
  3. Combine Sauerkraut and Cream: Stir the well-drained sauerkraut into the pan with the meat and onions. Let them cook together for a few minutes to meld flavors. Then gently mix in the sour cream to bring creaminess to the filling.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer the cooked pasta or sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spoon the sauerkraut mixture over the base, spreading it to cover evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the entire casserole to form a golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let it cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.

Notes

  • Drain Well: Always drain sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Choose the Right Cheese: Use cheeses with good melting qualities, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella, for a perfect bubbly top.
  • Balance Flavors: Taste the filling before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to harmonize the tanginess.
  • Layer Thoughtfully: Distribute layers evenly to ensure every bite has a balanced flavor mix.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and facilitate slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: sauerkraut casserole, tangy casserole, comfort food, baked sauerkraut, easy casserole, family dinner, gluten free casserole