Looking to find a solid comfort meal that is home-cooked and extraordinarily delicious? This delicious Reuben Casserole recipe transforms the classic deli sandwich into a warm, bubbly bake that your entire family will love. It is a one-dish wonder with the likes of a warm weeknight.
This simple-to-prepare meal has all the classic ingredients that you are familiar with. We’re talking savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted Swiss cheese, all topped with crispy rye bread cubes. If you love the sandwich, you will adore this satisfying Reuben Casserole.
What is a Reuben Casserole?
A Reuben Casserole is a deconstructed version of the famous Reuben sandwich, baked together in a single dish. It serves the iconic flavor profile, with all the key ingredients layered together to result in a filling and satisfying meal, in which there is no necessity to make separate sandwiches.
The result is a wonderfully textured and flavorful bake. The ratio of savory meat, the tang of kraut, and the goo of the cheese comes together in each bite, making it a must have comfort food at any given time.
Ingredients
The following are the ingredients that you will require in this recipe. The ingredients that you use should be of good quality in order to have the tastiest casserole.
- 1 pound deli-sliced corned beef, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can or bag of sauerkraut, rinsed and well-drained
- 1 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
- 4 cups rye bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Time & Servings
Task | Time |
---|---|
Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
Total Time | 40 minutes |
Serves: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the easy ways to put together and prepare your casserole. Originally, it is important to use an oven that is preheated well to achieve a golden-brown perfectly knuckled top.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Put the finely cut corned beef and the drained sauerkraut in a medium bowl. Pour this batter evenly over the bottom of the ready baking dish.
- Spread evenly a thousand island, Russian dressing drizzle all over the layer of corned beef and sauerkraut.
- Top the dressing with the slices of Swiss cheese or top with the shredded cheese that covers the top. Ensure the cheese layer is even for consistent melting.
- Put the rye bread cubes into another bowl and mix in the melted butter until they are lightly coated.
- Arrange the bread cubes to which some butter has been added so that they cover the top of the cheese layer, evenly.
- Bake at 350 F. 2025 minutes, or until casserole is hot, bubbly and bread topping is brown and crisp.
- Rest the casserole for 5-10 minutes before serving. This enables it to solidify and thus make it simple to cut and slice.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole
To make your Reuben Casserole truly spectacular, keep these simple but effective tips in mind. These dramatic differences go into the texture and taste.
Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly
Anyone can agree that draining the sauerkraut as much as possible is the most crucial move to avoiding a soggy casserole. Rinse out and either press it in your hands or into a cheesecloth and get as much squeeze as you can out of it.
Create a Crispy Topping
Dipping the cubes of rye bread in melted butter will ensure that you can get the perfect crispy and golden-brown coating top. This brings a wonderful crunch which balances well with the creamy layers down.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Allowing the finished Reuben Casserole to rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. This aids the layers to bind so that when slicing through the casserole, it does not break apart.
Conclusion
This Reuben Casserole recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic sandwich flavors in a warm, comforting, and shareable format. It is easy and yet impressive meal, which is ideal to make a weeknight dinner or when having a casual gathering. You will also love how effortless and delicious it is, if you give it a try.
Have you tried making this recipe? We would love to hear from you! Comment, rate, or post an image of what you made. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Indeed, up to 24 hours ahead of time, you can prepare the casserole. Pack it away after step 4, well-tightly covered in foil or plastic and refrigerate. Put the buttered bread on top, when you are ready to make it and cook as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the time.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any extra casserole stored in a air airtight dish in the fridge covered up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for individual portions or place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What should I serve with Reuben Casserole?
All by itself, this casserole is a full meal. If you want to complement this with other food, however, a simple green salad, dill pickles, or light vegetable soup will go great with it. These sides help balance the richness of the dish.
Ingredients
- pound deli-sliced corned beef, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can or bag of sauerkraut, rinsed and well-drained
- 1 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
- 4 cups rye bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart or 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Put the finely cut corned beef and the drained sauerkraut in a medium bowl. Pour this batter evenly over the bottom of the ready baking dish.
- Spread evenly a thousand island, Russian dressing drizzle all over the layer of corned beef and sauerkraut.
- Top the dressing with the slices of Swiss cheese or top with the shredded cheese that covers the top. Ensure the cheese layer is even for consistent melting.
- Put the rye bread cubes into another bowl and mix in the melted butter until they are lightly coated.
- Arrange the bread cubes to which some butter has been added so that they cover the top of the cheese layer, evenly.
- Bake at 350 F. 20-25 minutes, or until casserole is hot, bubbly and bread topping is brown and crisp.
- Rest the casserole for 5-10 minutes before serving. This enables it to solidify and thus make it simple to cut and slice.
Notes
- Drain Sauerkraut Thoroughly: To avoid a soggy casserole, press as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut.
- Crispy Topping: Tossing the rye bread cubes in melted butter is key to a golden-brown, crispy topping.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (up to the cheese layer) 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the buttered bread topping just before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, dill pickles, or a light vegetable soup.