Sauerkraut Casserole

Sauerkraut Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that blends savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Swiss cheese, all baked together in a satisfying one-pan meal.

This casserole features layers of egg noodles, seasoned beef, and a sweet and tangy tomato soup mixture, topped with melty cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this dish brings together bold flavors in a unique and delicious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Sauerkraut Casserole because it combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

The savory ground beef and Swiss cheese create a rich, comforting base, while the tangy sauerkraut adds a unique, zesty twist.

The hint of sweetness from the brown sugar balances the acidity of the sauerkraut, making it surprisingly addictive.

The layers of egg noodles and a creamy tomato soup sauce tie everything together, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

It’s an easy-to-make, one-dish dinner that’s both filling and full of flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a blend of savory, sweet, and tangy all in one bite.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce sauerkraut into a family-friendly meal!

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole, providing rich flavor and protein.

Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy, slightly sour note that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.

Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving the dish a creamy, savory finish.

Egg Noodles: Provide a comforting, soft texture and serve as the perfect base for layering.

Tomato Soup: Creates a smooth, slightly sweet sauce that ties all the ingredients together.

Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the sauerkraut and enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.

Onion and Garlic Powder: Infuse the casserole with aromatic flavor and depth.

Sauerkraut Casserole

Ingredients

2 lb ground beef

1 medium white onion, chopped

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp dried parsley

2 cans (10.75 ounces each) tomato soup

1 can (10.75 ounces) warm water

1 package wide egg noodles

2 cans (14 ounces each) sauerkraut, drained very well

3/4 c brown sugar

2 c Swiss cheese, shredded

Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches.

In a skillet cook the ground beef along, with the chopped onion powder, parsley, salt and pepper until it turns brown.

Follow the instructions on the package to cook the egg noodles.

Place the drained sauerkraut in layers within the baking dish. Sprinkle some sugar over it.

Add the noodles on top of the sauerkraut.

Layer the browned beef mixture over the noodles.

In a bowl combine water with tomato soup until it becomes smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef.

Finish by topping everything with shredded cheese.

Bake, for 30 to 45 minutes. Until you notice that the cheese has turned golden brown and is bubbling.

Allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For a delightful gluten-free twist on our beloved Sauerkraut Casserole, a few simple adjustments can make all the difference.

Swap the regular egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety – there are many excellent choices out there, like rice or corn-based noodles, that maintain a lovely texture and absorb flavors just as well.

When selecting your tomato soup, ensure it’s a gluten-free variety, as some canned soups contain gluten as a thickener.

For the beef seasoning, double-check that your garlic powder and dried parsley are free from gluten cross-contamination, a common issue with spices.

Recipe’s Notes:

Drain the Sauerkraut Well: Be sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly before layering it in the casserole. This will prevent the dish from becoming too soggy and ensure the tangy flavor of the sauerkraut is balanced with the other ingredients.

Customize the Sweetness: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter casserole, add a little more sugar. For a more savory version, you can reduce the sugar slightly.

Use Quality Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version of the casserole.

Egg Noodles: Be sure to cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them by a minute or two since they will continue cooking in the oven.

Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is traditional in this recipe, you can mix it up with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a combination of your favorites for a unique twist.

Baking Time: Depending on your oven and the depth of your baking dish, the casserole may take slightly more or less time to cook. Keep an eye on it and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Leftovers: Leftover casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, and the flavors will only get better the next day!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Sauerkraut Casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.

When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it according to the instructions.

It’s a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses based on your preferences.

Cheddar, Gruyere, or even mozzarella would work well in this casserole.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a lighter option.

Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before layering it in the casserole.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the casserole?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.

You can also experiment with using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this Sauerkraut Casserole for later enjoyment.

Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it in the oven until warmed through.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this Sauerkraut Casserole vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled tofu seasoned with your favorite spices.

Additionally, you can omit the beef and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Can I use fresh garlic and parsley instead of powder and dried?

Yes, you can use fresh garlic cloves and fresh parsley instead of garlic powder and dried parsley.

Simply finely mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley before adding them to the ground beef during cooking.

Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

What can I use instead of tomato soup?

If you prefer not to use tomato soup or if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes mixed with a bit of vegetable or beef broth for added flavor.

You may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How can I reduce the sodium content of this recipe?

To reduce the sodium content of this Sauerkraut Casserole, you can use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of tomato soup and sauerkraut.

Additionally, you can decrease the amount of added salt in the recipe or omit it altogether and rely on other flavorful seasonings like herbs and spices.

Can I make this casserole in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance and freeze it for later use.

Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking it according to the instructions.

What size baking dish should I use?

A baking dish that measures 9×13 inches is recommended for this recipe.

However, if you don’t have one of that size, you can use a similar-sized dish or divide the ingredients between two smaller baking dishes.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can customize this casserole by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

Simply sauté them with the ground beef and onion mixture or layer them between the sauerkraut and noodles for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar?

If you prefer not to use brown sugar or if you’re looking for a lower-calorie alternative, you can substitute it with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.

Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the substitute used.

How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?

This Sauerkraut Casserole will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Be sure to allow it to cool completely before refrigerating and reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven as needed.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, or even Monterey Jack would all work well in this casserole.

Choose your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.