German Meatball And Noodle Casserole
German Meatball and Noodle Casserole combines flavorful seasoned meatballs with tender egg noodles, topped with tangy red cabbage. This hearty dish offers a comforting mix of savory, sour, and aromatic flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings that appreciate hearty, traditional European cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed beef broth
- 2 cups medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) jar sweet-sour red cabbage, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, egg, minced onion, milk, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, heat oil and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Add undiluted beef broth to the skillet and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the egg noodles until tender and drain.
- Toss the cooked noodles with caraway seed (if using).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the meatballs and broth to a baking dish, layer drained red cabbage on top if desired, or serve alongside.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the egg noodles with whole grain pasta for added nutrition. If you don’t have caraway seeds, fennel seeds can serve as a great alternative. Always ensure the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For an additional touch, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Meatball And Noodle Casserole contains roughly 1607 calories, with 28g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 137g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), iron (116% of the Daily Value), and calcium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1931mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and even cook them in advance. Just refrigerate them until you are ready to simmer in the beef broth. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen and meld together.
What can I use instead of sweet-sour red cabbage?
If you can't find sweet-sour red cabbage, you can use sauerkraut or sautéed green cabbage with a bit of sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor. This will still complement the meatballs well.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, allowing for extra cooking time to ensure it is heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).