If you're on the hunt for a heartwarming dish that combines nostalgia with delicious flavors, look no further than Grandma's Ground Beef Zucchini Sauerkraut Hotdish! This American classic is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its savory layers of ground beef, tender zucchini, and tangy sauerkraut, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese, this hotdish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to impress your loved ones and savor the comfort of home-cooked goodness? Dive into this recipe and discover the magic of Grandma's secret ingredients!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 can sauerkraut, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the hotdish cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced zucchinis and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut and cream of mushroom soup. Mix well until the sauerkraut is fully coated with the soup.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the beef and zucchini mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the sauerkraut and soup mixture over the beef and zucchini layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the sauerkraut mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help the dish cook evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the hotdish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm and enjoy Grandma's comforting Ground Beef Zucchini Sauerkraut Hotdish with family and friends!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the onions and slice the zucchinis in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: If you're looking to boost the nutritional value, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking helps to retain moisture and ensures the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the hotdish to cool for a few minutes before serving helps the layers set, making it easier to dish out and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve this hotdish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
