Beef & Sauerkraut Pineapple Casserole Bake (Print Version)
Hearty baked beef and sauerkraut casserole gets a surprising sweet-tart twist from pineapple. A comforting, flavorful meal for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: German American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Beef & Aromatics
01 -
1 and 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Tangy & Sweet Core
06 -
28 oz jar sauerkraut, well-drained and rinsed lightly
07 -
15 oz can crushed pineapple, well-drained
08 -
1 cup full-fat sour cream
09 -
1/2 cup beef broth
10 -
2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
→ Savory Spice & Golden Topping
11 -
1 tsp caraway seeds
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
14 -
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This prepares your vessel for the delicious Baked Beef & Sauerkraut Casserole with Pineapple, ensuring easy serving and cleanup.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 and 1/2 lbs lean ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in 1 large yellow onion and 3 cloves garlic; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
03 -
In a large bowl, combine 28 oz well-drained and lightly rinsed sauerkraut, 15 oz well-drained crushed pineapple, 1 cup full-fat sour cream, 1/2 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tsp caraway seeds, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine all the tangy and sweet elements.
04 -
Add the cooked beef and aromatic mixture from the skillet to the bowl with the sauerkraut mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This forms the hearty base for your Baked Beef & Sauerkraut Casserole with Pineapple.
05 -
Transfer the entire beef and sauerkraut mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese over the top, followed by 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish.
06 -
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. For the best Baked Beef & Sauerkraut Casserole with Pineapple, ensure it's heated through and the flavors have fully melded.
07 -
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to portion and enjoy this comforting dish.
# Notes:
01 -
For a milder flavor, ensure you rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly. If you prefer a stronger tang, a lighter rinse is sufficient.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
03 -
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or sharp cheddar, or substitute ground pork or turkey for the beef.
04 -
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted root vegetables to complete the meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large skillet
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 566 kcal
Total Fat: 36 g
Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
Protein: 29 g