Reuben Casserole: Easy & Delicious Recipe for Family Dinner

Craving the Comfort of a Reuben Without the Mess? Look No Further!

Picture this: all the savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness of a Reuben sandwich, transformed into a warm and comforting casserole. This recipe delivers that iconic flavor in an easy-to-make format that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It’s so delicious and incredibly simple; you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love It

• The classic Reuben flavors (corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing) shine through in every bite.
• It’s incredibly easy to prepare; just layer the ingredients and bake. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor!
• The casserole format is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings and parties.
• The creamy, cheesy texture is incredibly satisfying, offering a comforting and hearty meal.
• It’s easily customizable – you can adjust the amount of any ingredient to fit your taste, or add in extras you love.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Unlike some Reuben casseroles, this recipe focuses on creating distinct layers of flavor, ensuring that each component shines. We use a homemade Russian dressing that brings a vibrant tang, not store-bought that often lack depth. Also, we’ve included a buttery rye bread base that gets wonderfully toasted and crusty as the casserole bakes, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.

Ingredient List for Reuben Casserole

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) rye bread, cubed
• 1 pound cooked corned beef, chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can sauerkraut, well drained
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup homemade Russian dressing (recipe below)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Reuben Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the cubed rye bread and toss to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
3. In the greased baking dish, spread half of the toasted rye bread evenly across the bottom.
4. In a bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, half of the shredded Swiss cheese, homemade Russian dressing, sour cream, melted butter, dill, salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Spread the corned beef mixture evenly over the rye bread layer.
6. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese. Then top with the remaining rye bread.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to add extra toppings such as:

• Extra cheese: sprinkle more shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top for an extra cheesy delight.
• Caraway seeds: sprinkle some caraway seeds before baking for a more authentic rye bread flavor
• Fried onions: add fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delicious crunch.

Expert Tips

• Be sure to drain the sauerkraut very well to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Use good quality corned beef, it’s the star of the dish!
• Don’t overbake the casserole; you want the cheese to be melted and bubbly without drying out the dish.
• Toast the rye bread to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Make the Russian dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use store-bought Russian dressing? While homemade dressing enhances the flavor significantly, store-bought will work in a pinch.
• Can this be made ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
• Can I substitute another cheese? Yes, Gruyere or provolone are great substitutes for Swiss.
• What can I use instead of rye bread? Sourdough bread will be a suitable substitute, although it will change the flavor slightly.

Variations and Customization Options

Here are some ways you can customize your Reuben casserole:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or use spicy brown mustard in place of yellow mustard.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the corned beef with mushrooms or other hearty vegetables, and use a vegetarian Russian dressing.
• Smaller Batch: Halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8 inch square.

Serving Suggestions for Reuben Casserole

This Reuben casserole is a hearty meal on its own. It’s delicious served with a simple green salad or some dill pickles on the side. A glass of your favorite beer or a light white wine also pairs nicely. Feel free to garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Conclusion

This Reuben casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser that delivers all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Give this recipe a try, and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! And if you like this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.