Reuben Casserole Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich has been a beloved staple in delis for decades. Its combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese on rye bread makes for a satisfying meal. But what if we could take this classic sandwich and transform it into an easy-to-make casserole? Introducing the Reuben Casserole, a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you’re craving a comforting meal that brings together all the flavors of a traditional Reuben in a warm, hearty bake.

Why Make a Reuben Casserole?

If you love the taste of a Reuben sandwich but want something that can feed a crowd, a Reuben Casserole is the perfect solution. It’s a great option for those looking for comfort food that’s easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for leftovers. This casserole offers the rich flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, but it’s baked in the form of a casserole for convenience and ease of serving.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a quick list of the key ingredients:

Corned Beef: You can use store-bought deli slices or leftovers from a corned beef brisket. Either way, make sure it’s sliced thinly for the best texture in the casserole.
Swiss Cheese: A Reuben wouldn’t be complete without Swiss cheese. It adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Sauerkraut: The tanginess of the sauerkraut is a perfect contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese. Be sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy casserole.
Thousand Island Dressing: This creamy dressing adds a sweet and tangy element to the dish. Some people opt for Russian dressing, but Thousand Island is more common.
Rye Bread: While most casseroles use traditional breadcrumbs, this one sticks to the Reuben’s roots by using cubed or crumbled rye bread as the topping.
Butter: This will be melted and mixed with the bread to create a crunchy, golden topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Reuben Casserole

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly. Use a kitchen towel to squeeze out any excess liquid. This step is crucial for avoiding a watery casserole.
Slice the corned beef into thin strips or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Assemble the Layers

In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, start by layering half of the cubed rye bread. This will act as the base of the casserole.

Next, spread an even layer of sliced or chopped corned beef over the bread, followed by a layer of drained sauerkraut. Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese on top.

For the next layer, drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the cheese, creating a creamy middle layer.

Finally, add the remaining Swiss cheese, followed by the rest of the cubed rye bread. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the top layer of bread to ensure a crispy finish.

3. Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

4. Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice into portions.

Tips for a Perfect Reuben Casserole

Don’t Overload on Dressing: While Thousand Island dressing is essential to the Reuben flavor, too much can make the dish overly sweet and soggy. Stick to about ¾ cup for a balanced taste.
Rye Bread: For an authentic Reuben taste, use a good-quality rye bread. Some recipes call for croutons, but fresh rye bread cubes work best.
Customization: Feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste. You can also try adding caraway seeds to the bread topping for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

The Reuben Casserole is rich and filling, perfect for those who enjoy savory, indulgent meals. One serving (approximately 1/6th of the casserole) contains:

Calories: 450-500 (depending on exact ingredients)
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g

It’s not the lightest dish, but it’s certainly a comforting one, packed with flavor and hearty ingredients.

Variations and Substitutions

Keto-Friendly Option: If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can easily make this recipe keto-friendly by skipping the rye bread. Instead, create a crispy topping using pork rinds or a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan cheese.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread alternative for the rye, or simply omit it and focus on the meat, cheese, and sauerkraut layers.
Vegetarian Version: While the classic Reuben is all about the meat, you can create a vegetarian-friendly version by swapping the corned beef for thick slices of roasted mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.

What to Serve with Reuben Casserole

A dish this rich doesn’t require much in the way of sides, but there are a few options that pair nicely with the Reuben Casserole:

Pickles: The acidity of dill pickles cuts through the richness of the dish, balancing out the flavors.
Salad: A light green salad with a vinegar-based dressing complements the heavy nature of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want something warm, roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans make for great sides.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Reuben Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake according to the recipe’s instructions.

Conclusion

The Reuben Casserole is a creative and comforting way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic sandwich in a new form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to have leftovers for a few days, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try, and let the rich, tangy, and cheesy flavors become a new favorite in your household!