Introduction
A warm, hearty casserole can bring comfort to any meal, but there’s something truly special about a Reuben casserole. Imagine taking all the delicious flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing—and transforming them into a casserole that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about creating the perfect Reuben casserole, from the ingredients to tips for achieving that perfect golden top.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving a hearty meal, this dish will hit the spot. Let’s get started. Check out our other casserole recipes to explore more comfort food options.
What is a Reuben Casserole?
Reuben casserole takes the traditional Reuben sandwich and reimagines it as a savory, layered dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s a combination of all the best ingredients from the classic Reuben—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, rye bread, and Thousand Island dressing—combined in a baking dish, baked to perfection, and served in hearty slices. Learn how to make a delicious casserole recipes as another great option for dinner!
The beauty of this casserole is that it simplifies the process of making a Reuben sandwich while still delivering the flavors you love. You won’t have to worry about toasting the bread or managing each sandwich individually. Instead, everything bakes together into one comforting dish, with layers of flavor and a crispy, cheesy topping.
As with any casserole, the key to its success lies in balancing the textures and flavors. The crunchy rye bread soaks up the dressing and juices from the sauerkraut and meat, while the cheese melts into a creamy blanket over the top. The end result is a perfect combination of crispy, tender, creamy, and savory—a true crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients for Reuben Casserole
The key to a great Reuben casserole is having the right ingredients. Below is a list of the essentials you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Rye Bread: The bread is the base of the casserole, and rye bread gives that authentic Reuben flavor. You’ll need to cube the bread so it can soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Corned Beef: Traditional corned beef gives the casserole its meaty richness. If you prefer, you can also swap corned beef for ground turkey for a lighter twist on the dish.
- Swiss Cheese: This cheese is a must for that classic Reuben taste. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the casserole. You’ll want to use a high-quality Swiss cheese to get the best melt and flavor.
- Sauerkraut: The tangy bite of sauerkraut is what makes the Reuben sandwich stand out. It adds a zesty contrast to the richness of the corned beef and cheese.
- Thousand Island Dressing: This dressing adds a creamy, sweet-tangy flavor that brings everything together. It’s an essential part of the Reuben flavor profile.
Optional Ingredients
- Caramelized Onions: If you want to add an extra layer of sweetness, caramelized onions make a great addition to the casserole.
- Caraway Seeds: Caraway seeds are often found in rye bread and can be added for extra flavor if you like the taste.
By combining these ingredients, you create a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. You can make this recipe as traditional or as creative as you’d like by adjusting the ingredients to suit your taste.
Preparing the Reuben Casserole
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the casserole. Don’t worry; this step-by-step guide will walk you through each part of the process to make sure your casserole comes out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly, and the cheese will melt to perfection. It’s important to make sure the oven is hot enough to get that golden, bubbly top while ensuring the bread soaks up the flavors during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and give the bread a nice, golden finish as it bakes. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer, but butter will give the casserole an extra richness that complements the other ingredients.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now it’s time to start layering your casserole. Follow these steps:
- Layer 1: Rye Bread – Start by adding a layer of cubed rye bread to the bottom of the baking dish. This will form the base of your casserole, absorbing all the flavors as it bakes. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, ensuring that each piece is able to soak up the sauce.
- Layer 2: Corned Beef – Spread a generous layer of chopped corned beef over the bread. You want to make sure that the meat is evenly distributed so that each bite has a bit of everything. If you’re using ground turkey as a substitute, make sure it’s well-seasoned and browned before adding it to the dish.
- Layer 3: Sauerkraut – After the meat, layer on the sauerkraut. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the sauerkraut before adding it to the dish to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy. You want to keep the sauerkraut’s crunch while adding that signature tangy flavor.
- Layer 4: Swiss Cheese – Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut. The cheese will melt and create a creamy texture that binds the casserole together. Be sure to use a high-quality Swiss cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the top of the layers. Be sure to cover the casserole evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. You can also reserve a little dressing for serving if you like extra dressing on the side.
Step 5: Top with More Cheese
For that perfect, golden finish, sprinkle the top of the casserole with more shredded Swiss cheese. This will form a beautiful, crispy crust as it bakes. You can also add a sprinkle of caraway seeds at this stage for extra flavor, especially if you’re using rye bread with a mild flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. You want the bread to crisp up slightly, and the cheese to melt completely. Once it’s done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice.
Tips for the Best Reuben Casserole
Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best Reuben casserole possible:
1. Choosing the Right Bread
While rye bread is traditional, you can use other types of bread if you prefer. Whole wheat or sourdough bread can also work well, but keep in mind that they will change the flavor slightly. Rye is ideal for achieving that classic Reuben taste. You can even toast the bread slightly to add an extra crunch, but be careful not to overdo it.
2. Substituting Meat
Corned beef is the classic choice, but if you want a lighter version, you can swap in ground turkey. Ground turkey is leaner and has a milder flavor, but it still works well in this casserole. Make sure to season it well and cook it through before layering it in the casserole.
3. Sauerkraut Variations
Some people are not fans of sauerkraut, and that’s okay! If you prefer something milder, you can try using coleslaw as a substitute. Coleslaw adds a similar crunch and tang but is less sour than sauerkraut. You could also try pickled cabbage or any other fermented vegetable you prefer.
4. Cheese Variations
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or even provolone. These cheeses will still melt well and create a rich, creamy texture. However, Swiss cheese remains the best option for the true Reuben flavor.
How to Serve Reuben Casserole
Reuben casserole is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Side Dishes
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent sides to balance the richness of the casserole. Consider pairing it with something light to contrast the hearty, cheesy casserole. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy cucumber salad would work beautifully.
2. Pair with Pickles
Pickles are a classic accompaniment to Reuben sandwiches, and they work just as well with this casserole. They add a tangy crunch that complements the dish. If you prefer a milder option, try bread-and-butter pickles for a sweet contrast.
3. For Potlucks or Family Dinners
This casserole is ideal for potlucks, holiday meals, or a cozy family dinner. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can feed a crowd without much effort. You can assemble it a day ahead and bake it just before serving for a stress-free meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Reuben Casserole
To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Not Draining the Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut can release a lot of liquid, which can make your casserole soggy. Be sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. If you prefer a less sour flavor, rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to mellow it out.
2. Overusing the Thousand Island Dressing
Too much dressing can make the casserole too wet. Use just enough to coat the layers and add flavor without making the casserole soupy. If you’re unsure, start with a little and add more as needed.
3. Skipping the Resting Time
After baking, let your casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Reuben Casserole
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! Reuben casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal.
1. Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions.
2. Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals until hot. Be sure to cover it loosely with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the top from drying out.
FAQs About Reuben Casserole
Can I make a vegetarian version of Reuben casserole?
Yes! You can swap the corned beef for a plant-based alternative, such as tempeh or seitan. You can also use vegan cheese and vegan Thousand Island dressing for a completely dairy-free version.
Can I freeze Reuben casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
What can I serve with Reuben casserole?
Pickles, potato chips, or a light green salad are excellent choices to serve with Reuben casserole. They complement the richness of the dish and add texture.
Conclusion
Making the perfect Reuben casserole is easier than you might think, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. With this step-by-step guide, you can create a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will love. Try our other casserole recipes and enjoy a variety of flavors for your next meal!
Now that you know how to make a Reuben casserole, it’s time to get cooking! Try out this recipe, share it with friends and family, and enjoy the satisfying flavors of this classic dish.