Sauerkraut casserole is warm, cozy and full of flavor. This sauerkraut casserole recipe is easy and perfect for busy days. The mix of cabbage, meat and cheese feels rich and homey.
You will love the soft noodles and the tasty baked top. This dish is also great for family dinners or potlucks. Sauerkraut casserole recipe lovers enjoy its simple style and deep taste. Try this meal soon and enjoy every bite.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this sauerkraut casserole recipe on a cold evening. The kitchen smelled amazing while it baked. The sauerkraut became soft and mild, not too sour. My family asked for seconds, which made me very happy.
I also loved how simple the steps were. No fancy tools. No stress. Just comfort food. Now this dish is a regular part of my meal plan. I feel sure you will enjoy it too.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Sauerkraut Casserole
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / German inspired
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Oven mitts
Ingredients You Need for Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the meat
Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Break it into small pieces while cooking and drain excess fat carefully.
2. Sauté the onion
Add chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until soft and lightly golden, stirring often to avoid burning.
3. Prepare the sauerkraut
Rinse sauerkraut under cold water if very sour. Drain well to remove extra liquid before adding it to casserole.
4. Mix the base
In a big bowl, combine meat, onion, sauerkraut, seasonings and sour cream. Stir gently until fully blended and creamy.
5. Add noodles
Fold cooked egg noodles into the mixture slowly. Make sure noodles get coated evenly with creamy meat and sauerkraut mixture.
6. Fill baking dish
Grease baking dish with butter. Spoon mixture inside and spread evenly so it bakes the same everywhere.
7. Add cheese topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will melt and form a golden crust while baking in oven.
8. Bake the casserole
Bake at 350°F or 175°C for about 30 minutes. Remove when hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted with light browning.
9. Rest and serve
Let casserole rest for ten minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes cutting and scooping much easier.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse sauerkraut if you want a mild taste
- Use sausage for richer flavor
- Try Swiss cheese instead of cheddar
- Add mushrooms for extra texture
- Do not skip resting time
- Cook noodles until just tender
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
This sauerkraut casserole recipe tastes great as a main meal. Serve it hot with fresh bread or warm rolls.
A light green salad also balances the rich flavors very well. You can top servings with extra sour cream or chopped parsley. It is also wonderful for family gatherings and holiday meals.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Simple cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until hot through.
If it looks dry, add a spoon of sour cream before heating. You can also freeze portions for up to two months.
Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sauerkraut drained
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Cook the meat
- Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Break it into small pieces while cooking and drain excess fat carefully.
Sauté the onion
- Add chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until soft and lightly golden, stirring often to avoid burning.
Prepare the sauerkraut
- Rinse sauerkraut under cold water if very sour. Drain well to remove extra liquid before adding it to casserole.
Mix the base
- In a big bowl, combine meat, onion, sauerkraut, seasonings and sour cream. Stir gently until fully blended and creamy.
Add noodles
- Fold cooked egg noodles into the mixture slowly. Make sure noodles get coated evenly with creamy meat and sauerkraut mixture.
Fill baking dish
- Grease baking dish with butter. Spoon mixture inside and spread evenly so it bakes the same everywhere.
Add cheese topping
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will melt and form a golden crust while baking in oven.
Bake the casserole
- Bake at 350°F or 175°C for about 30 minutes. Remove when hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted with light browning.
Rest and serve
- Let casserole rest for ten minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes cutting and scooping much easier.
Notes
- Rinse sauerkraut if you want a mild taste
- Use sausage for richer flavor
- Try Swiss cheese instead of cheddar
- Add mushrooms for extra texture
- Do not skip resting time
- Cook noodles until just tender
FAQs about Sauerkraut Casserole Recipe
1. Is sauerkraut casserole very sour?
No, the flavor becomes softer while baking. Mixing with meat, noodles and sour cream reduces sharp taste and creates balanced flavor everyone enjoys.
2. Can I make sauerkraut casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish, cover it and keep it in the fridge. Bake when needed and enjoy fresh flavor without stress or rush.
3. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey also works well here. The dish will be lighter, but still creamy, warm and full of comfort.
4. Do kids usually like this recipe?
Many kids enjoy it because the sauerkraut becomes mild. The cheesy topping and noodles make it fun and tasty for families.
5. How to make sauerkraut casserole healthier?
Use lean meat, light sour cream and whole wheat noodles. Add extra vegetables like carrots or peas for more fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion
This sauerkraut casserole recipe is warm, simple and full of comfort. It is great for weeknights or family dinners. You now know how to make sauerkraut casserole in easy steps.
The ingredients for sauerkraut casserole are simple and budget friendly. Give it a try soon and enjoy this cozy meal. Your home will smell amazing and everyone will ask for more.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
