Description
This Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting German-American dish that combines savory ground beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this casserole layers flavorful ingredients with tender rice and bakes to bubbly perfection, creating a deliciously rich and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for even browning.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to start cooking.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sauerkraut evenly on the bottom, then spoon the beef and rice mixture over the sauerkraut. Top with the remaining sauerkraut.
- Add Toppings: Dollop and spread the sour cream evenly over the top sauerkraut layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Ground pork or turkey can be substituted for ground beef to vary the protein.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer softer rice, par-cook the rice before mixing it into the casserole.
- Ensure sauerkraut is well drained and rinsed to reduce excess saltiness and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
