Beef & Pineapple Sauerkraut Casserole Bake (Print Version)
Hearty beef, tangy pineapple, and savory sauerkraut baked into a comforting casserole. A unique flavor combination for a satisfying family dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: German-American
# Ingredients:
→ The Savory Beef Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tsp caraway seeds
06 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
07 -
Salt to taste
→ The Tangy-Sweet Core
08 -
2 lbs sauerkraut, drained and lightly rinsed
09 -
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
10 -
1 cup beef broth
11 -
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
12 -
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
→ Golden Casserole Crown
13 -
2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
14 -
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
15 -
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drain and lightly rinse 2 lbs sauerkraut, squeezing out excess liquid. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes with 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese.
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
03 -
Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp caraway seeds, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the beef and onion mixture. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt to taste. This forms the savory base for your Cozy Beef & Pineapple Sauerkraut Casserole.
04 -
Stir in the drained 2 lbs sauerkraut, 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (undrained), 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
05 -
Pour the beef and sauerkraut mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the Gruyere mashed potatoes over the top, creating an even layer. This is the heart of your Cozy Beef & Pineapple Sauerkraut Casserole.
06 -
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mashed potato layer. This will create a golden, crispy crown for the casserole.
07 -
Bake the Cozy Beef & Pineapple Sauerkraut Casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For a richer topping, you can use homemade mashed potatoes with a touch of cream cheese or sour cream. If you don't have Gruyere, Swiss or white cheddar cheese would also work well.
02 -
Leftovers of this Cozy Beef & Pineapple Sauerkraut Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
03 -
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
04 -
If you prefer a less sweet profile, you can reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the caraway seeds.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 615 kcal
Total Fat: 34 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 40 g