Description
This hearty Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy sour cream, it offers a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Topped with melted cheese and optionally bulked up with rice or egg noodles, this casserole is both satisfying and versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can or 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and lightly rinsed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice or egg noodles (optional, for added bulk)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and caraway seeds if using, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Incorporate Sauerkraut and Optional Starch: Add the drained sauerkraut to the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. If you choose to use rice or egg noodles, stir them in now to evenly distribute.
- Mix in Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and blend in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer texture and flavor, substitute half the sour cream with cream cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a more traditional and tangy flavor profile.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure that the rice or noodles used are gluten-free varieties.
