Reuben Casserole Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Reuben Casserole: A Savory Delight for Every Occasion

In today’s culinary journey, we are diving into the heartwarming and savory world of Reuben Casserole. I can’t express enough appreciation for you joining me in unveiling this delightful dish that combines all the flavors you love from a classic Reuben sandwich into a comforting casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to impress both your senses and your dinner guests. With its layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese all nestled atop rustic rye bread, Reuben Casserole is the embodiment of comfort food at its finest. Is your mouth watering yet? Keep reading to discover what makes this recipe an absolute must-try!

Why You’ll Love Reuben Casserole

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for Reuben Casserole. For starters, it’s a remarkably easy recipe that delivers convenience without compromising on flavor. If you’re a fan of a classic Reuben sandwich, you’ll adore how this casserole beautifully captures its essence with layers of succulent corned beef, tart sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese. The flavors meld perfectly while baking, creating a dish that’s simultaneously savory and satisfying. Moreover, Reuben Casserole is wonderfully versatile, complementing any casual family dinner or festive gathering. With ingredients packed with protein and probiotics—thanks to the fermented sauerkraut—this recipe subtly supports a balanced diet while treating your taste buds to an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients for Reuben Casserole

• 1. 6 slices rye bread, cubed
  2. 1 (16-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
  3. 1 pound deli sliced corned beef, cut into strips
  4. ¾ cup Russian-style salad dressing
  5. Cooking spray
  6. 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Necessary Tools

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the essential kitchen equipment ready:

• 1. 9×13-inch casserole dish
  2. Aluminum foil
  3. Cutting board and knife for bread and beef preparation
  4. Measuring cups
  5. A large spoon for layered assembly

lngredient Additions & Substitutions

Customization is key to making the Reuben Casserole adaptable to everyone’s palate and dietary preferences. For those looking to lower carbohydrate intake, substitute rye bread with a low-carb or gluten-free loaf. If you’re not a fan of corned beef, smoked turkey or pastrami are delightful alternatives that rotate seamlessly into this recipe. Russian salad dressing can be replaced with Thousand Island dressing for a subtle flavor twist. Vegetarian? Simply eliminate the meat and add layers of sautéed mushrooms and spinach to create a hearty, cruelty-free version. To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Make Reuben Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray for easy clean-up and even baking. To make sure the top layer doesn’t stick, also spray one side of a sheet of aluminum foil.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

Spread cubed rye bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. The bread will form a sturdy foundation that soaks up all the wonderful juices while toasting up!

Step 3: Layer the Flavors

Next, evenly distribute the drained and rinsed sauerkraut over the bread cubes. The tangy crunch of sauerkraut provides a delightful contrast to the savory beef.

Step 4: Add the Beef and Dressing

Layer your corned beef strips atop the sauerkraut. Drizzle ¾ cup of Russian-style salad dressing over the contents. This creamy dressing harmonizes the savory and tart elements beautifully.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with your prepared aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the bread to absorb moisture.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove and discard the foil. Sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese and return the dish to the oven. Continue baking until the cheese melts and turns deliciously bubbly and golden brown, approximately 10 more minutes.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your culinary experience, pair Reuben Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or your favorite roasted vegetables. I love serving this hearty dish with a cold craft beer or a glass of chilled Riesling—both balance the robust flavors of the casserole flawlessly. For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill.

Pro Tips & Tricks

To enhance the depth of flavor, toast your rye bread cubes before assembling the casserole. Pre-toasting gives a richer, nutty layer to the dish. Don’t skip rinsing the sauerkraut, which should remove excess acidity and moisture. Finally, for richer cheese flavor, consider using a blend of Swiss and Gruyère cheese.

Storage Instructions

Casserole lovers rejoice! Leftovers store beautifully. Simply transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For extended storage, freeze individual portions ensuring they’re well-wrap to prevent freezer burn. Reheating is a breeze too—just pop it back in a preheated oven until hot and bubbly.

General Information

• 1. Prep Time: 10 minutes
  2. Cook Time: 30 minutes
  3. Yield: 6 servings
  4. Difficulty Level: Easy

FAQs

Q: Can I make Reuben Casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble it a day beforehand and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

Q: What if I can’t find Russian dressing?

A: Thousand Island dressing is a great substitute offering a similar sweet and tangy balance.

Q: Can I add extra vegetables?

A: Sure! Adding grilled onions or bell peppers can enhance flavor and add texture.

Conclusion

I hope you find as much joy and satisfaction from making Reuben Casserole as I have. It’s a dish that’s effortlessly easy yet bursting with complex flavors—one that your friends and family will request time and again! I’m eager to hear about your results, so please leave a comment below and share your experience, including any delicious twists you might have tried. For more mouth-watering recipes, check out our related cooking adventures.

Nutritional Information

• 1. Calories per serving: 450
  2. Protein: 28g
  3. Fat: 30g
  4. Carbs: 18g
  5. Dietary Benefits: Packed with probiotics from sauerkraut; naturally gluten-free if choosing appropriate bread options.
  6. Healthy Swap Suggestion: Substitute heavy toppings like Swiss cheese with light mozzarella for decreased calories and fat without sacrificing taste.

Dig in and savor every bite!

Print