GRANDMA'S CREAMY SAUERKRAUT AND PASTA CASSEROLE

Grandma's Creamy Sauerkraut and Pasta Casserole image

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 oz package egg noodles,cooked al dente
1 large jar or bag of sauerkraut,drained
3 Tbsp bacon fat,(lard)
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 Tbsp butter
2 can(s) cream of mushroom soup(10 3/4 oz. ea.)
1/2 c milk
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium yellow or red bell pepper, diced
s / p to taste
garnishes feta cheese and rice wine or balsamic vinegar

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350^. Grease or spray a large casserole;set aside. Drain sauerkraut and fry in a large skillet with the bacon fat for 10 minutes. Stir in sausage slices and fry for 10 minutes more. Pour mixture into a large bowl or pan. Set aside.
2. In the same skillet add the butter, onions, garlic, yellow pepper and fry until tender. Add the soup and milk to the skillet mixture and stir to combine. Add cooked noodles-stir to combine.
3. Pour this vegetable and mushroom soup mixture over the sausage/ sauerkraut mixture. Stir to combine. Pour into prepared casserole. Lightly season with salt and pepper or to taste. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Top each serving with crumbled feta and a splash of rice wine vinegar...enjoy! NOTE: This casserole freezes well.