Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This Sauerkraut Ground Beef recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and offers a delightful combination of tangy sauerkraut and savory ground beef. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and efficient, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16-ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the drained sauerkraut, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, caraway seeds, thyme, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the liquid has slightly reduced. Stir occasionally. For a richer flavor, consider simmering for up to 30 minutes.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. This quick dinner idea is perfect served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple side salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sauerkraut Ground Beef:
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Ensure you break it up while cooking to promote even browning.
- Drain the sauerkraut: Draining the sauerkraut helps prevent the dish from becoming overly watery.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to make this a more substantial meal. Adding these in step 2 with the onions will allow them to soften properly.
- Use different meats: Ground pork or turkey can be substituted for the ground beef. Adjust seasoning as needed depending on the meat used.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Sauerkraut Ground Beef recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Its simple preparation and incredible flavor profile make it a true winner in the world of best recipes. Enjoy!