Description
Sauerkraut casserole brings hearty German comfort straight to your dinner table with layers of tangy kraut, tender meat, and rich flavor. Grab some crusty bread and dig into this satisfying one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite relative.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Caraway seeds
- Chopped bell peppers
- Chopped mushrooms
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 chopped small onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles. Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend 4 ounces softened cream cheese with ½ cup sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Thoroughly drain 2 cups sauerkraut, pressing out excess liquid with paper towels.
- Mix cream cheese mixture into cooked beef, stirring until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half the sauerkraut evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour meat and cream mixture over sauerkraut layer, distributing evenly.
- Top with remaining sauerkraut.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drain sauerkraut completely to prevent watery casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for richest, most luxurious flavor and creamy consistency.
- For low-carb version, replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative.
- Swap cheeses with dairy-free options if preparing for lactose-intolerant guests to maintain similar taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg