Grandmas Ground Beef Zucchini Sauerkraut Hotdish Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and strikes a perfect balance between hearty and healthy, making it a satisfying comfort dish without all the guilt. Plus, the combination of melty cheddar cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs on top adds an irresistible texture that always leaves me craving seconds!
My Grandmas Ground Beef Zucchini Sauerkraut Hotdish brings together comforting flavors and textures I love. I combine robust ground beef with brilliant zucchini and piquant sauerkraut, making certain that each forkful is loaded with nutrition.
With sharp cheddar cheese and an array of spices, this dish is a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that is rich in protein and iron.
Zucchini: Moist and subtly crunchy; it is low in calories and offers little in the way of primary nutrients.
Fermented and delivers probiotics and a tangy flavor—sauerkraut.
Onion: Provides richness in antioxidants, enabling depth and natural sweetness.
Garlic: Intensifies taste; possesses properties that make it a wonder at fighting bacteria.
Chopped Tomatoes: Full of juice and acid; supplies vitamin C and lycopene.
Cheddar Cheese, Sharp: Creamy and tangy.
Rich source of calcium and protein.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
2. A large skillet over medium heat: olive oil – 2 tablespoons. Onion – 1 large, chopped. Garlic – 8 cloves, minced. Sauté these ingredients until the onion is translucent, then advance to the next step in the recipe.
3. Place the ground beef in the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Brown the beef and cook it until it is no longer pink.
4. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Blend together the ingredients, ensuring a thorough mixture. The ingredients you’re blending are: the drained sauerkraut; a can of diced tomatoes, juice and all; salt; pepper; paprika; oregano; and thyme. Should I continue with the blending instructions?
6. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Move the beef and zucchini mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle the sharp shredded cheddar over the very top.
9. If you are using them, ensure that the breadcrumbs are sprinkled evenly over the cheese. This will give you a nice, crunchy topping.
10. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Spatula
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Garlic press or mincer (optional for garlic)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Can opener
10. Spoon or spatula for mixing
11. Greased baking dish
12. Mixing bowl (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for ground beef.
- Is there a substitute for sauerkraut?You may use canned or jarred cabbage; however, it will not have the same potent flavor as sauerkraut.
- Can this dish be made vegetarian?Certainly! Leave out the ground beef and replace it with cooked lentils or a substitute that is a ground plant-based meat.
- How do I store leftovers?Keep uneaten food in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to three days.
- Can I freeze this hotdish?Indeed, freezing is an option. Let it cool down thoroughly, and then put it in an airtight container; it will be fine for up to 2 months.
- Do I have to use cheddar cheese?Although it is recommended that you use sharp cheddar, you may use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer.
- How can I make it spicier?In the event you wish to add heat to the dish, you can incorporate crushed red pepper, an alternative pepper, or hot sauce when cooking the beef and vegetables.
Substitutions and Variations
Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter alternative.
Zucchinis: For a different texture and taste, substitute yellow squash or eggplant.
Sauerkraut: Substitute kimchi for a spicy twist.
Tomatoes, diced: Substitute with fresh chopped tomatoes blended with a small amount of tomato sauce for a similar consistency.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Use shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack in equal amounts for a milder flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Flavor with Caramelization: Sauté the onions and garlic for an extra couple of minutes until they begin to caramelize slightly. This will add a deeper, sweeter flavor to the dish.
2. Maximize Zucchini Texture: Before adding the zucchini to the skillet, sprinkle a little salt on them and let them sit for 10 minutes. This will draw out some of the moisture, helping to prevent the final dish from becoming watery.
3. Add Depth with Spices: For an added layer of complexity, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika along with the existing spices to give the dish a subtle smoky kick.
4. Cheese Variations: Mix the sharp cheddar with some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier cheese topping that will provide a perfect melt and stretch.
5. Crisp Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, after sprinkling breadcrumbs, lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil before baking. This will help the breadcrumbs brown evenly and add a crisp texture.
Grandmas Ground Beef Zucchini Sauerkraut Hotdish Recipe
My favorite Grandmas Ground Beef Zucchini Sauerkraut Hotdish Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Spatula
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Garlic press or mincer (optional for garlic)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups
9. Can opener
10. Spoon or spatula for mixing
11. Greased baking dish
12. Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
2. A large skillet over medium heat: olive oil – 2 tablespoons. Onion – 1 large, chopped. Garlic – 8 cloves, minced. Sauté these ingredients until the onion is translucent, then advance to the next step in the recipe.
3. Place the ground beef in the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Brown the beef and cook it until it is no longer pink.
4. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Blend together the ingredients, ensuring a thorough mixture. The ingredients you’re blending are: the drained sauerkraut; a can of diced tomatoes, juice and all; salt; pepper; paprika; oregano; and thyme. Should I continue with the blending instructions?
6. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Move the beef and zucchini mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle the sharp shredded cheddar over the very top.
9. If you are using them, ensure that the breadcrumbs are sprinkled evenly over the cheese. This will give you a nice, crunchy topping.
10. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. Serve hot. Enjoy!