Reuben Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Reuben Casserole: the ultimate comfort food mashup you never knew you needed! Imagine all the tangy, savory goodness of a classic Reuben sandwich, transformed into a warm, bubbly, and incredibly easy-to-make casserole. Trust me, this is not your grandma’s casserole (unless your grandma is exceptionally cool, that is!).

The Reuben sandwich itself boasts a fascinating history, often attributed to either Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City or the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, both claiming its invention in the early 20th century. Regardless of its precise origin, the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread quickly became an iconic American deli staple. Now, we’re taking those beloved flavors and giving them a convenient, crowd-pleasing twist.

Why is Reuben Casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender corned beef, the creamy Swiss cheese, the tangy sauerkraut, and the rich, flavorful dressing all come together in a symphony of deliciousness. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a new level of Reuben appreciation!

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 prep our ingredients. Trust me, a little prep work goes a long way in making this casserole a breeze to assemble.

Prepping the Ingredients

1. Corned Beef: Make sure your corned beef is thinly sliced. If you bought a whole piece, use a sharp knife or a meat slicer to get those perfect, thin slices. You want about 1 pound of corned beef. If you’re using pre-sliced corned beef from the deli, that works perfectly too!
2. Sauerkraut: This is crucial! Rinse the sauerkraut really well under cold water. This helps to mellow out the sourness a bit. Then, squeeze out as much excess water as you possibly can. Nobody wants a soggy casserole! I usually use my hands, but you can also use a clean kitchen towel to wring it out.
3. Russian Dressing: You can use store-bought Russian dressing, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own! A good quality Russian dressing really makes a difference in the overall flavor.
4. Rye Bread: Remove the crusts from the rye bread. This is important because the crusts can get hard and chewy in the casserole. Then, cube the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. You want them to be big enough to hold their shape but small enough to absorb the flavors.
5. Swiss Cheese: Shred the Swiss cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is fine, but freshly shredded cheese melts so much better! Plus, it just tastes better, in my opinion.
6. Butter: Melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Just make sure it’s completely melted.

Making the Russian Dressing Mixture

This step is super simple, but it adds a little extra zing to the casserole. We’re going to combine the Russian dressing with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Russian dressing, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. This mixture will help bind the casserole together and add a creamy, tangy flavor.

Assembling the Casserole

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all your hard work pays off.

1. Bread Layer: In a large bowl, toss the cubed rye bread with the melted butter. Make sure the bread is evenly coated with butter. This will help it toast up nicely in the oven and prevent it from getting soggy.
2. First Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half of the buttered rye bread cubes in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray to grease the dish, but you can also use butter or oil.
3. Corned Beef Layer: Arrange half of the sliced corned beef over the bread layer. Try to distribute it evenly so that every bite has a good amount of corned beef.
4. Sauerkraut Layer: Spread half of the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef layer. Again, make sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Dressing Layer: Drizzle half of the Russian dressing mixture over the sauerkraut layer.
6. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the dressing layer.
7. Repeat Layers: Repeat all the layers – bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, dressing, and cheese – using the remaining ingredients.
8. Final Cheese Layer: Make sure the final layer is cheese. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.

Baking the Reuben Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake this beauty until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the top from browning too quickly and ensure that the casserole is heated through.
3. Bake Covered: Bake for 30 minutes covered.
4. Remove Foil: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
5. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Enjoying

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious Reuben Casserole.

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
2. Serve: Serve warm. This casserole is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some pickles.
3. Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy! I guarantee this Reuben Casserole will be a hit with your family and friends.

Tips and Variations

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

• Bread: Use different types of rye bread, such as marble rye or pumpernickel. You can even use a combination of different breads.
• Meat: Try using pastrami instead of corned beef for a slightly different flavor.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or provolone.
• Vegetables: Add some sautéed onions or peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Russian dressing mixture for a little kick.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. 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. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Why This Recipe Works

This Reuben Casserole recipe is a winner because it takes all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a comforting and easy-to-make casserole. The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, the buttery rye bread adds a delicious crunch and texture. It’s the perfect dish for a potluck, a family gathering, or a cozy night in.

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 look no further. The combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and that irresistible Thousand Island dressing baked to golden perfection is simply divine. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the fuss of individual assembly.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, need a potluck dish that will disappear in minutes, or just want a hearty and delicious weeknight meal, this casserole delivers. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Not a fan of rye bread? Use pumpernickel or even sourdough for a different flavor profile. Want to add a little kick? A dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños will do the trick.

But the real magic lies in the simplicity. This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients. You can even assemble it ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a complete meal, serve this Reuben Casserole with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. A dollop of extra Thousand Island dressing on top adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Vegetarian Reuben Casserole: Substitute the corned beef with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
* Spicy Reuben Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the Thousand Island dressing for a spicy kick.
* Deluxe Reuben Casserole: Top the casserole with crumbled rye croutons for added texture and crunch.
* Low-Carb Reuben Casserole: Use cauliflower rice instead of bread for a low-carb alternative.

I truly believe that this Reuben Casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for it 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.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think and any variations you tried. Did you add a special ingredient? Did you serve it with a unique side dish? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious casserole. Happy cooking!