sauerkraut casserole

Sauerkraut Casserole: A Savory and Tangy Delight

 Sauerkraut, the fermented cabbage dish known for its tangy flavor, is often enjoyed as a side. But have you ever considered turning it into a main course? Sauerkraut Casserole is a delightful and unexpected way to savor the distinct taste of sauerkraut, combined with layers of delicious ingredients. This casserole is the perfect comfort food for those who appreciate the bold flavors of sauerkraut. Let’s explore this unique recipe and create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or ground pork)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (32 oz) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Prepare the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or pork) and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed sauerkraut, diced tomatoes (with their juice), 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and caraway seeds. Mix well.
5. Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to the sauerkraut mixture, and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Make the Topping: 6. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Assemble and Bake: 7. Spread half of the sauerkraut mixture in the greased baking dish.

8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut mixture.
9. Add the remaining sauerkraut mixture on top of the cheese layer.
10. Spread the buttered breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy: 12. Allow the Sauerkraut Casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the unique and savory flavors of sauerkraut in this comforting casserole.

Cook’s Notes:

• If you prefer a stronger caraway flavor, you can increase the amount to suit your taste.
• Feel free to use ground pork or a combination of ground meats for a richer flavor.
• Serve this casserole with a side of rye bread or a green salad for a well-balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for another delicious meal.

Sauerkraut Casserole is a flavorful and unique dish that showcases the tangy goodness of sauerkraut. With layers of savory ingredients and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the bold flavors of this fermented cabbage. Whether you’re a sauerkraut enthusiast or looking to try something new, this casserole is a must-try comfort food.