Reuben Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Reuben Casserole: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine the tangy, savory goodness of a classic Reuben sandwich, deconstructed and transformed into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Forget meticulously layering individual sandwiches; this recipe delivers all the iconic flavors with minimal effort.

The Reuben sandwich itself boasts a fascinating, albeit debated, history. Some claim it originated at Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City in the early 20th century, while others credit the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. Regardless of its true birthplace, the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread quickly became a deli staple, beloved for its contrasting textures and bold flavors. This Reuben Casserole takes that classic combination and elevates it to a new level of convenience and shareability.

Why do people adore this dish? It’s simple: the creamy, cheesy layers meld perfectly with the salty corned beef and the tangy sauerkraut, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The rye bread, often transformed into crispy croutons or a savory bread pudding base, adds a delightful textural element. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a warm, comforting casserole, especially one that tastes this good? Get ready to experience the Reuben in a whole new, incredibly delicious way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
• 1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle Russian dressing
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 loaf rye bread, crusts removed, cubed
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Reuben Casserole

Okay, let’s get started on this amazing Reuben Casserole! First things first, we need to get all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. Trust me, having everything organized beforehand will make the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable. I always find that a little prep work goes a long way in the kitchen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial! We want the casserole to bake evenly and the cheese to melt perfectly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you even think about putting the casserole in.
2. Prepare the Rye Bread Croutons: This is a key step for that classic Reuben texture. In a large bowl, combine the cubed rye bread and melted butter. Toss well to ensure all the bread cubes are evenly coated with butter. This will help them get nice and crispy in the oven.
3. Toast the Rye Bread Croutons: Spread the buttered rye bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly! Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Russian dressing, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. This sauce is what brings all the flavors together and gives the casserole that signature Reuben tang. Make sure it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Shred the Swiss Cheese: If you bought pre-shredded cheese, great! If not, now’s the time to shred that Swiss cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better, so if you have the time, I highly recommend doing it yourself.
6. Drain the Sauerkraut: This is a super important step! You absolutely need to rinse and drain the sauerkraut really well. Excess moisture will make the casserole soggy, and nobody wants that. I usually rinse it under cold water and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible with my hands. You can also use a clean kitchen towel to help remove the excess moisture.
7. Slice the Corned Beef: If you didn’t buy pre-sliced corned beef, now’s the time to slice it thinly. Thin slices are easier to eat and distribute more evenly throughout the casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all your hard work pays off, and you start to see the Reuben Casserole taking shape. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty (figuratively, of course!).

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter to grease the dish.
2. Layer Half of the Rye Bread Croutons: Spread half of the toasted rye bread croutons evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of the casserole and provides a nice, crispy foundation.
3. Layer Half of the Corned Beef: Arrange half of the sliced corned beef over the rye bread croutons. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that every bite has a good amount of corned beef.
4. Layer Half of the Sauerkraut: Spread half of the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef. Again, make sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Drizzle Half of the Sauce: Drizzle half of the prepared sauce over the sauerkraut. Try to cover as much of the sauerkraut as possible with the sauce.
6. Sprinkle Half of the Swiss Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the sauce. This will create a cheesy layer that melts beautifully in the oven.
7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining rye bread croutons, corned beef, sauerkraut, sauce, and Swiss cheese. This ensures that the casserole is packed with flavor and has a good balance of all the ingredients.

Baking the Reuben Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the casserole and let all those delicious flavors meld together. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply irresistible!

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You want the cheese to be nicely melted and slightly browned.
2. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Plus, it gives you a chance to admire your creation!
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional). A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the casserole. It’s totally optional, but I think it makes it look extra appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This Reuben Casserole is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side of pickles. Pickles are a classic accompaniment to Reubens, and they provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with a side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the flavors of the casserole.
• Serve with potato chips or fries. For a more casual meal, serve the casserole with your favorite potato chips or fries.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Reuben Casserole? Here are a few ideas:

• Use different types of bread. If you’re not a fan of rye bread, you can use other types of bread, such as sourdough or pumpernickel.
• Add other vegetables. You can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
• Use different types of cheese. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or provolone.
• Make it vegetarian. To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can substitute the corned beef with vegetarian deli slices or grilled portobello mushrooms.
• Make it ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Reuben Casserole as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Reuben Casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, then you absolutely have to give this one a try. We’ve taken all the classic elements of a Reuben sandwich – the tangy sauerkraut, the savory corned beef, the creamy Swiss cheese, and that irresistible Thousand Island dressing – and transformed them into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion brunch.

What makes this casserole a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s the sheer convenience. Forget meticulously layering sandwiches; this recipe streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Reuben Casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Now, let’s talk variations! If you’re not a fan of corned beef, you can substitute pastrami or even smoked turkey for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try using marinated tempeh or grilled portobello mushrooms in place of the meat. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere or Emmental would be delicious alternatives to Swiss. And if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Thousand Island dressing or sprinkle some diced jalapenos on top before baking.

Another fun variation is to use rye bread croutons instead of the traditional bread cubes. Simply cube your favorite rye bread, toss it with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until golden brown and crispy. Then, sprinkle the croutons over the casserole during the last few minutes of baking for added texture and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of a casserole is that it’s so forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste.

I truly believe that this Reuben Casserole will become a new family favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this Reuben Casserole, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and share new ideas. Happy cooking!