Hearty Sauerkraut Casserole with Venison and Melty Cheese Recipe
This hearty Sauerkraut Casserole combines tender wide egg noodles, savory ground venison, tangy sauerkraut, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted Swiss or Gouda cheese. A comforting dish with a perfect balance of flavors, enhanced by dry mustard, caraway seeds, and brown sugar for a hint of sweetness and spice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Central European influence
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound wide egg noodles
- Salt, to taste
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds ground venison or other ground meat
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 pound sauerkraut, drained
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 32-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
Cheese
- 1/2 pound grated cheese (Swiss, Gouda, or Gruyere)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture. In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, cook the ground venison with chopped yellow onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Sauerkraut and Seasonings. Stir in the sauerkraut, dry mustard, caraway seeds (if using), ground black pepper, and brown sugar. Cook together for 5 minutes to blend flavors well, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomatoes. Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, breaking the tomatoes up with a spoon. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Noodles. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked noodles with the meat and sauerkraut mixture. Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Bake. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish.
Notes
- Drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute ground venison with ground beef, pork, or turkey depending on your preference.
- Using Swiss, Gruyere, or Gouda cheese offers a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the tangy sauerkraut.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- The whole peeled tomatoes can be crushed by hand or with a spoon for a richer sauce texture.
Keywords: sauerkraut casserole, ground venison casserole, egg noodle casserole, sauerkraut recipe, baked casserole, comfort food