Name: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup cooked white rice; 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and lightly rinsed; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional); 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that balances tang, savoriness, and a melty cheese topping, Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish might just become your new favorite. This one-pan wonder takes classic Eastern European flavors and layers them with ground beef, earthy rice, creamy sauce, and, of course, the signature zing of sauerkraut. The result is a dish that’s nostalgic, belly-warming, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially on chilly nights when you need something truly satisfying.

Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish has a delicious role, from building a solid savory base to adding brightness and creamy comfort. Gather these simple kitchen staples—each one brings out flavors and textures that make every bite memorable.

1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein, setting the tone for a rich casserole base.
1 medium onion (chopped): Delivers sweetness and depth as it cooks and softens with the beef.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides that delicious aromatic punch and complexity.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other tastes, ensuring a well-seasoned bite.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle heat and an earthy note that rounds out the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: Lends warmth and a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with sauerkraut.
2 cups sauerkraut (drained and lightly rinsed): Brings tangy brightness and texture—truly the star!
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Binds everything together with rich, creamy goodness.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds extra creaminess and just the right amount of tang.
1 cup cooked white rice: Soaks up the sauces, offering soft texture and mild flavor.
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional): Classic with sauerkraut! Brings a hint of earthiness and crunch if you like.
1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese: Finishes the casserole with a melted, golden, bubbling top.

How to Make Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s perfectly hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish lifts out beautifully, and you’ll be thanking yourself later at cleanup time.

Step 2: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Place your largest skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook them together, breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft—about 7–8 minutes. At this stage, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build savory flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Incorporate the Rice

Remove your beef mixture from the heat and stir in the cooked white rice. This step lets the rice soak up all those flavorful juices and seasoning, ensuring it will nestle nicely between the creamy sauerkraut layers later on. The rice also bulks up the casserole, making it extra satisfying.

Step 4: Make the Sauerkraut Cream Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the drained (and lightly rinsed) sauerkraut with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and caraway seeds if you’re in the mood for that distinct rye-bread-like aroma. The combination is creamy, tangy, and aromatic all at once—just what this casserole needs.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

Spread half of your sauerkraut mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making a tangy foundation. Next, layer all of the beef and rice mixture on top, then cover everything with the remaining sauerkraut blend. This method creates distinct yet harmonious layers with plenty of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle your chosen shredded cheese (Swiss for classic, mozzarella for more melty goodness) over the top, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing everything to heat through evenly. After that, remove the foil and continue baking 10–15 minutes, just until the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve!

Once the Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish is done baking, let it stand for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set, so you can slice out beautiful squares and enjoy perfectly melded layers in each serving.

How to Serve Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish

Garnishes

This casserole is lovely as-is, but a handful of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of extra paprika right before serving adds color and a fresh burst of flavor. For those who adore crunch, try a handful of crispy fried onions on top for the final few minutes in the oven!

Side Dishes

Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish is rich and tangy, so a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing companion. Roasted carrots, green beans, or steamed broccoli also add balance and a nice pop of color to your plate. For an ultra-cozy meal, serve it with buttered rye bread or dinner rolls for sopping up every last creamy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun, you can scoop individual portions into small ramekins and bake them as mini casseroles. This is perfect for dinner parties or lunchboxes. If you’re serving to kids, try topping each portion with a smiley face made from sliced pickles or cherry tomatoes—it brings joy to the table and gets everyone excited for mealtime!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply spoon out the portions you need when hunger strikes, and they’ll reheat well without drying out or losing flavor.

Freezing

You can easily freeze the unbaked or fully baked casserole. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe baking dish. When freezing unbaked, just assemble, cover, and pop in the freezer. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking (or reheating if already baked).

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For quicker meals, individual servings can go in the microwave until steaming hot. Either way, the flavors meld even more after sitting, so leftovers might be even tastier!

FAQs

Can I make Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come close to room temperature first and continue as directed. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What’s the best way to reduce the tanginess if I prefer a milder flavor?

If you like your casserole a little less tangy, be sure to lightly rinse the sauerkraut before adding it. For an even milder flavor, you can mix in some extra sour cream or increase the amount of rice. This tames the signature bite while preserving the dish’s character.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes! Ground pork or turkey are fantastic alternatives to beef, each bringing a slightly different flavor. If you want a lighter taste or need to fit dietary needs, those swaps work perfectly and absorb the seasonings and sauce just as well.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Swiss cheese is classic here, lending a nutty taste that pairs beautifully with sauerkraut. If you’re after a gooier, stretchier texture, mozzarella is a great choice. You can blend both for the best of both worlds or try Monterey Jack or even Gruyère for a sophisticated twist.

Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?

Definitely! Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onions and beef or stirred into the sauce. These boost the casserole’s nutrition, color, and flavor—plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up veggie drawer odds and ends.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dish that feels like a cozy hug on any day, Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish is the answer. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet hearty and flavorful enough to impress at any gathering. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear from your table—one satisfying, cheesy forkful at a time!

Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef: Hearty Dish Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup cooked white rice

Sauerkraut Mixture:

2 cups sauerkraut, drained and lightly rinsed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in cooked rice.
Prepare Sauerkraut Mixture: In a bowl, mix sauerkraut, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and caraway seeds.
Layer Casserole: Spread half of sauerkraut mixture in baking dish, top with beef and rice mixture, then remaining sauerkraut mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest before serving.