Lottie’s Kielbasa Noodle Casserole is a beloved family recipe that embodies comfort and tradition, perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of kielbasa, sauerkraut, and a creamy mushroom sauce, layered with tender noodles and topped with a golden crust of buttery rye bread crumbs and melted Swiss cheese.
Recipe Details
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 1117.6
- Rating: 5 stars (1 review)
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 8-10 fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried mushrooms (rehydrated and chopped)
- 1 onion, diced (divided)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut
- 1-2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 pound ground pork
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2-3/4 cup rye bread crumbs (from about 2 slices of rye bread)
- 3 cups parboiled noodles
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread Crumbs:
- Shred about 2 slices of rye bread to make 1/2-3/4 cup of bread crumbs. Set aside.
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Layer the Casserole:
- Butter enough of the remaining rye bread to line the bottom of a large casserole dish, placing it buttered side down.
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Prepare the Sauerkraut and Pork Mixture:
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté half of the diced onions with the ground pork until the onions are lightly browned.
- Mix the sautéed onion and pork mixture into the sauerkraut.
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Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the remaining diced onions and sliced fresh mushrooms until the onions are clear.
- In a small saucepan, combine sour cream, mustard, 1 tablespoon of flour, and milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Gradually stir in the chicken or beef broth, continuing to heat and stir until the sauce thickens again.
- Stir the sautéed mushroom mixture into the sauce.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the sauerkraut and pork mixture evenly over the buttered rye bread in the casserole dish.
- Spread the parboiled noodles evenly over the sauerkraut layer.
- Pour the mushroom sauce mixture evenly over the noodles.
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Layer the Kielbasa and Bread Crumbs:
- Arrange the sliced kielbasa evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Mix the melted butter with the rye bread crumbs and spread the mixture over the kielbasa.
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Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 25-35 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
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Finish with Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, alongside a fresh tomato salad, pickles, and additional rye bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Notes and Variations
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Shortcut Option: If you prefer a quicker version, you can substitute two 10 1/2-ounce cans of Cream of Mushroom soup and 1 1/2 cups of milk for the scratch-made mushroom sauce. Simply mix the soup, mustard, and remaining sautéed onions with milk and use in place of the scratch sauce in the recipe.
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Ingredient Tips: Ensure the kielbasa is fully cooked before layering it into the casserole. Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference for richness.
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Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, covered, until ready to bake. It’s a great make-ahead option for entertaining.
This recipe for Lottie’s Kielbasa Noodle Casserole is a wonderful homage to hearty Polish flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating lasting memories around the dinner table. It’s a dish that marries comfort and tradition with every delicious bite, making it a standout in any meal rotation.
