Ultimate Reuben Casserole: A Deconstructed Classic for Family Dinners
Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Reuben Casserole, a delightful twist on the beloved classic sandwich. This recipe takes all the iconic flavors – savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, a generous spread of Thousand Island dressing, and hearty rye bread – and transforms them into a comforting, family-style baked dish. It’s essentially a deconstructed deli masterpiece, layered into a baking dish for easy serving and maximum deliciousness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or using up leftover corned beef, this casserole is designed to feed a crowd and bring smiles to every face around the table.
Why This Reuben Casserole Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Reuben Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that truly pop with every bite. The classic combination of tender corned beef, bright and briny sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, aromatic rye bread, and the signature Thousand Island dressing creates a comfort food masterpiece. By transforming these beloved ingredients of a Reuben sandwich into a bubbly, hot casserole, we’ve created one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to enjoy this classic, especially when you have leftover corned beef from holidays like St. Patrick’s Day.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its convenience and versatility. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd without the fuss of assembling individual sandwiches. The baking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Our family adores Reubens so much that we’ve even developed a homemade Reuben dip, proving that you can never have too many delicious variations of your favorite foods. This casserole is another testament to that love, offering a hearty and warming alternative that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Key Ingredients You Will Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Reuben casserole. You’ll find all the exact measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to prepare this hearty dish:
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitution Suggestions
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic Reuben flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key components and how you can adapt them to your pantry and preferences:
- BREAD: We highly recommend marble rye bread for its beautiful color and distinct flavor that truly complements the other ingredients. However, feel free to use other varieties of rye bread such as pumpernickel, dark rye, light rye, or even Russian rye bread. The key is to use a robust, flavorful bread that holds up well when cubed and baked, absorbing the delicious dressing and juices without becoming soggy.
- PICKLES: While optional, chopped dill pickles make an absolutely fantastic addition to this casserole. Their sharp, briny kick cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, adding an extra layer of tangy complexity that’s classic to the Reuben profile. If you’re a pickle lover, don’t skip this!
- CORNED BEEF: Deli-sliced corned beef is perfect for this recipe as it’s already cooked and thinly sliced, making prep a breeze. If you prefer, you can chop the corned beef into small chunks instead of strips for a different texture. This recipe is also a brilliant way to use up leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! For a twist, you can certainly substitute the corned beef with savory pastrami, which offers a similar peppery, smoky flavor profile.
- SWISS CHEESE: We use both sliced and shredded Swiss cheese in this recipe. The sliced cheese creates beautiful, melted layers within the casserole, while the shredded cheese on top provides a golden, bubbly crust. Swiss cheese is essential for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with corned beef and sauerkraut.
- THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING: This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the Reuben flavor. It acts as a binder and infuses the entire casserole with its signature taste. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or even whip up a quick homemade version if you have extra time.
- SAUERKRAUT: Make sure to drain your sauerkraut very well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Some people prefer to rinse their sauerkraut to reduce its tanginess, but for a true Reuben flavor, we recommend simply draining it thoroughly to retain that classic sour punch.
- EGG & YELLOW MUSTARD: The egg helps to bind the Thousand Island dressing, ensuring it coats all the ingredients evenly and sets nicely during baking. The yellow mustard adds a subtle, piquant flavor that enhances the overall savory profile without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Reuben Casserole: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready to go as soon as your casserole is assembled, allowing for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Thousand Island dressing, one large egg, and yellow mustard until thoroughly combined. This mixture will serve as the flavorful binder for your casserole.
- In a second medium bowl, combine the well-drained sauerkraut and the chopped dill pickles. Stir them together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Prepare your meat and cheese: slice the deli corned beef into convenient strips and cut the sliced Swiss cheese into similar strips. This makes layering much easier.
- Cut the marble rye bread into uniform cubes. These bread cubes will form the hearty layers of your casserole.
- In a 13×9 inch baking dish, evenly spread a layer of your cubed rye bread. This forms the foundational layer, soaking up flavors as it bakes.
- Next, arrange a single layer of corned beef strips over the bread cubes. Make sure to cover the bread as much as possible for even distribution.
- Follow with a layer of the sauerkraut and pickle mixture, spreading it evenly over the corned beef.
- Drizzle a generous layer of the Thousand Island dressing mixture over the sauerkraut and pickles. This will moisten and flavor the layers below.
- Finally, add a layer of the sliced Swiss cheese strips. These will melt beautifully and add creaminess.
- Repeat the layers by adding another layer of corned beef strips, followed by a final layer of the sauerkraut and pickle mixture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the casserole to heat through evenly and lets the flavors meld without drying out.
- After 25 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and remove the foil. Add a final layer of the remaining bread cubes on top, and then generously sprinkle with the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The bread cubes on top should also be lightly toasted.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and ensuring the flavors are perfectly settled.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Reuben Casserole
Achieving the perfect Reuben casserole is all about technique and a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind for a truly outstanding dish:
- Drain Your Sauerkraut Thoroughly: This is a critical step! Excess liquid from the sauerkraut can make your casserole watery and prevent the bread from crisping properly. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
- Choose Quality Rye Bread: The bread is more than just a filler; it’s a key flavor component. A good quality, fresh rye bread (marble, pumpernickel, or dark rye) will stand up to the casserole’s moisture and infuse it with that signature tang.
- Even Layering is Key: Distribute each layer of ingredients as evenly as possible. This ensures every serving gets a balanced mix of flavors and textures, and that the casserole cooks uniformly.
- Don’t Rush the Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set. This makes for cleaner slices and prevents the layers from falling apart when served.
- Customize Your Crunch: For extra crunch on top, you can lightly butter or toast the final layer of bread cubes before adding them to the casserole.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: Some people like a hint of sweetness in their Reuben. You can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to your sauerkraut mixture if you prefer a less tart profile.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
To keep your delicious Reuben casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare this casserole up to step 11 (before the final layer of bread and shredded cheese) a day in advance. Cover it securely with an airtight lid or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes to come closer to room temperature, then continue with the remaining steps (adding the final bread cubes and shredded cheese) and bake as directed.
Freezing cooked Reuben casserole is possible, but the texture of the bread and sauerkraut might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, bake fully, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
While sauerkraut is a core component of a traditional Reuben, if its strong flavor isn’t for you, you can try rinsing it very well before draining, which mellows its tang. Another option is to reduce the amount used, or even substitute it with a milder, finely shredded cabbage that has been lightly steamed or sautéed, though this will alter the classic Reuben taste.
Serving Suggestions
While this Reuben Casserole is incredibly hearty and filling all on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Think about what you’d serve with a classic Reuben sandwich, and those options will likely work perfectly here!
- Classic Sides: For a true deli experience, serve your casserole with a side of crispy french fries or a bowl of kettle chips. A spear of dill pickle on the side adds that extra refreshing crunch.
- Fresh Salads: To balance the richness of the casserole, a crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. A simple coleslaw also works wonderfully, offering another layer of tang and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: To add some healthy greens, consider roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, carrots, or asparagus. Their natural flavors and textures provide a nice contrast to the savory casserole.
- Soup: A light cream of tomato soup or a clear broth can make for a comforting and complete meal, especially on a chilly evening.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, feeding your family on a busy weeknight, or simply craving some serious comfort food, this Reuben casserole and its complementary sides will hit all the right notes.
More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of easy, hearty, and flavorful casseroles, you’re in the right place! We believe casseroles are the ultimate comfort food solution, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Here are some more of our favorite casserole recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Taco Casserole – A fun and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
- Mexican Chicken Casserole – Cheesy, savory, and wonderfully satisfying.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – All the flavors of your favorite burger in a comforting bake.
- Chicken and Dumpling Casserole – A hearty and classic Southern comfort food.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious.
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Reuben Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pint thousand island dressing 2 cups
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 28 ounces sauerkraut two 14 ounce containers, drained
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 pound deli corned beef
- 7 ounces sliced Swiss cheese about 10 slices
- 6 ounces shredded Swiss cheese about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 loaf marble rye bread about 8-9 slices, cubed
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Chef’s knife
Before You Begin
- If you prefer, you can chop the corned beef into chunks instead of slices.
- Store leftovers covered with an air-tight lid or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- We used marble rye bread but you can also use pumpernickel. Dark, light, or Russian rye bread will work as well.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 F.
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In a medium bowl, whisk Thousand Island dressing, egg, and mustard.
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In a second medium bowl, combine sauerkraut and chopped pickles.
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Slice the corned beef and the Swiss cheese slices into strips.
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Cut the bread into cubes.
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In a 13×9 baking dish, add a layer of bread cubes.
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Next, add a single layer of corned beef strips.
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Add a layer of sauerkraut and pickles.
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Add a layer of Thousand Island dressing mixture.
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Finally, add a layer of Swiss cheese strips.
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Add another layer of corned beef strips and a layer of sauerkraut mixture.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove from oven, remove foil. Add a layer of bread cubes and sprinkle on the shredded Swiss cheese.
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Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until cheese is melted. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.