Jessica's Homemade Kraut Burger Filling
This hearty, comforting kraut burger filling combines seasoned ground beef, fresh cabbage, onions, mustard, and tomatoes with green chilies. It's perfect for making homemade kraut burgers, enjoying on its own, or preparing ahead for easy freezer meals.
This is more of a cooking method than an exact recipe! I rarely measure everything when I'm cooking, so don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings, add what you love, and make it your own. Just have fun with it! That's what cooking is all about!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ground beef
- Approximately 3 heads cabbage, chopped (depending on size)
- 1 onion, diced
- Rancher steak rub, to taste
- Ground mustard, to taste
- Yellow mustard, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Dijon mustard, approximately 1 tablespoon per pound of meat
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 Rotel can of water, plus more if needed
- Optional for making kraut burgers: Dinner roll dough, shredded cheese, and egg wash.
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with rancher steak rub.
- Add the onion. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Season the filling. Add ground mustard, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to a larger pan if needed. You'll need plenty of room for all that cabbage!
- Add the Rotel. Stir in one can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Add the cabbage. Remove the outer leaves, chop the cabbage, and add it to the ground beef mixture.
- Steam the cabbage. Fill the empty Rotel can with water and pour it into the pan. Cover with a lid and allow the cabbage to steam and cook down.
- Combine and finish cooking. Once the cabbage has softened enough to stir, mix everything together and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender and everything is well combined.
- Serve or freeze. Enjoy it immediately or allow the filling to cool and portion it into freezer-safe containers for another day.
Notes
Turning the Filling Into Homemade Kraut Burgers
One of my favorite ways to use this filling is to turn it into homemade kraut burgers!
I like to use bread dough or Rhodes dinner rolls. Simply thaw the dough according to the package directions and roll each portion out into a flat circle.
Place a little shredded cheese in the center, then spoon some of the prepared kraut burger filling on top.
Fold the dough up and around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal everything inside. I like to use a little egg wash to help seal the dough.
Place the filled rolls seam side down on a baking sheet and bake until the bread is cooked through and beautifully golden brown, following the dough's baking guidance and adjusting as needed for the filled rolls.
They're wonderful served warm and make a delicious, hearty family meal!
Make Ahead and Freezer Tips
I love having meals ready in the freezer, especially during those busy seasons when there just aren't enough hours in the day!
Rather than assembling all my kraut burgers at once, I like to freeze the cooked filling in individual or family-sized portions.
That way, I can pull out exactly what I need, whether I'm making kraut burgers for the family, putting together a quick dinner, or preparing a simple lunch for Aaron.
Just thaw the filling in the refrigerator, reheat it thoroughly, and enjoy it however you like!
A Little Note From My Kitchen
Remember, cooking doesn't always have to be about following exact measurements. Sometimes the best meals come from using what you have, tasting as you go, and making something your family loves.
Make it your own, have fun with it, and enjoy every bite!
❤️ Jessica