Reuben Casserole Recipe

Classic Reuben Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Reuben casserole provides all the flavors of a beloved deli classic into one comforting dish that feeds a crowd with ease.

Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, it provides that satisfying combination of savory and hearty elements everyone craves.

You can count on it to become a family favorite that disappears fast from the dinner table.

Whether you need a no-fuss weeknight solution or want to impress at a gathering, it hits the mark every time.

Layers of bold flavors meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a dish that's both familiar and incredibly satisfying.

Jump into the recipe below and see why so many home cooks have made it a regular part of their rotation.

Why You’ll Love Reuben Casserole

  • Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole transforms the classic Reuben sandwich into a hearty meal that brings everyone around the table, making dinner exciting and satisfying.
  • Simple Preparation: With just a few layering steps, you can create a delicious dinner without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
  • Comfort Food Classic: The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese delivers a nostalgic flavor profile that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Versatile Meal: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when you want a no-fuss meal that packs tons of deli-style flavor into one easy dish.

Ingredients Planning for Reuben Casserole

Bread Base:
  • Rye Bread (6 slices, cubed): The foundation of the casserole, providing a hearty and flavorful base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Main Protein:
  • Corned Beef (1 pound, deli sliced and cut into strips): Tender, salty meat that brings the classic Reuben sandwich taste to your casserole.
Tangy Elements:
  • Sauerkraut (16 ounce can, drained and rinsed): Adds a sharp, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
  • Russian-Style Salad Dressing (3/4 cup): Brings a zesty, slightly sweet sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Cheese Layer:
  • Swiss Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Creamy, melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbling top for the casserole.

What Tools Support Reuben Casserole

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for creating your hearty casserole and ensuring all ingredients spread evenly.
  • Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing the casserole from sticking and making cleanup easier.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps keep the casserole covered during initial baking, trapping moisture and heat.
  • Sharp Knife: Great for cutting corned beef and bread into neat, uniform layers.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for slicing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for ensuring accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading dressing and arranging layers smoothly.

How to Make Reuben Casserole

1

Prep the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F and grab a baking dish. Spray it down with cooking spray so nothing sticks later.

2

Bread Base

Tear those 6 slices of rye bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them across the bottom of the dish. This will create a delicious foundation for your casserole.

3

Sauerkraut Layer

Drain and rinse the 16-ounce can of sauerkraut completely. Spread it evenly over the bread cubes, creating a tangy layer that’ll give the dish some zip.

4

Meat Magic

Take your 1 pound of deli corned beef and slice it into strips. Scatter these strips generously across the sauerkraut, making sure every bite will have some meaty goodness.

5

Dress It Up

Drizzle the 3/4 cup of Russian-style salad dressing all over the layers. The dressing will add a rich, creamy flavor that pulls everything together.

6

Cheese Finale

Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese across the top, covering all the previous layers completely.

7

First Bake

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the 350°F oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle and get cozy.

8

Final Crisp

Remove the foil and pop the casserole back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get melty and slightly golden at the edges.

Helpful Tips for Reuben Casserole

  • Choose hearty rye bread that holds up well in your casserole, creating a sturdy base for all those delicious layers.
  • Drain your sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure maximum flavor concentration.
  • Shred your Swiss cheese fresh for the smoothest, most even melting across the top of your dish.
  • Chop your corned beef into bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets a perfect mix of ingredients.
  • Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to help your casserole’s top develop a slightly crispy, golden-brown finish.

What Reuben Casserole Variations to Try

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Swap corned beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, keeping everything else the same for a satisfying meatless version that still captures the classic flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread crumbs or cauliflower base, ensuring your dietary needs are met without losing the casserole’s rich taste.
  • Lighter Approach: Use lean turkey pastrami instead of corned beef and swap regular dressing for a lighter yogurt-based sauce to reduce calories while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Low-Sodium Twist: Select reduced-sodium sauerkraut and use lower-sodium corned beef to help manage salt intake without compromising the casserole’s traditional taste.

Best Serving Options for Reuben Casserole

  • Serve with Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw balances the casserole’s rich flavor and adds a fresh crunch to your plate.
  • Pair with Pickles: Tangy dill pickles cut through the dish’s richness and complement the corned beef perfectly.
  • Grab a Cold Beer: A crisp lager or pilsner makes an excellent drink that refreshes your palate between bites.
  • Finish with Russian Dressing: Drizzle extra Russian dressing on top for an extra zesty kick that brings out all the classic Reuben flavors.

Storage Guidance for Reuben Casserole

  • Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors locked in tight.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
  • Warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes to restore its original delicious texture.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Reuben Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole, wrap it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pull it out and pop it directly into the preheated oven.

FAQ

What if I cannot find rye bread?

No worries! Substitute with sourdough or a hearty white bread. The key is using a sturdy bread that can hold up to the moisture from sauerkraut and dressing.

FAQ

Is corned beef interchangeable with other meats?

While corned beef gives this casserole its classic flavor, you could swap in pastrami or deli roast beef for a similar taste profile.

FAQ

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for bubbling edges, melted cheese, and a golden-brown top. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

FAQ

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and check that your dressing and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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Reuben Casserole Recipe

Reuben Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Reuben Casserole brings all the classic deli sandwich flavors into a comforting baked dish that lets you enjoy your favorite combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in one easy meal. Saucy, cheesy, and packed with tangy goodness, this casserole delivers a delicious twist on the beloved sandwich that makes dinnertime a breeze.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound deli sliced corned beef
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 6 slices rye bread

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut

Dressing:

  • ¾ cup Russian-style salad dressing

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Scatter 6 slices of cubed rye bread across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even base layer.
  3. Spread 16 ounces of drained and rinsed sauerkraut evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Distribute 1 pound of sliced corned beef strips across the sauerkraut layer, creating a hearty meat foundation.
  5. Drizzle ¾ cup of Russian-style salad dressing uniformly over the meat to add moisture and tangy flavor.
  6. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese across the entire casserole, covering all previous layers completely.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, trapping steam and helping ingredients meld.
  8. Remove foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
  9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Swap traditional rye bread for gluten-free bread to make this casserole celiac-friendly.
  • For a lighter version, use lean corned beef and low-fat Swiss cheese to reduce overall calories.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent your casserole from becoming watery during baking.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1150 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daniel Navarro

Daniel Navarro

Culinary Content Director

Expertise

Mexican-inspired Menus, Seasonal Restaurant Specials, Shared Plate Dining, Tequila Pairings, Chef-driven Recipes

Education

City Colleges of Chicago
  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate in Applied Science
  • Focus: Trained in hands-on food production in a commercial food-service setting, with coursework that covers culinary technique, ethnic and classical menus, business planning, cost control, and merchandising.

Daniel writes about bold flavors, chef-driven dishes, and the kind of restaurant moments that turn tacos, mezcal, and shared plates into a night worth repeating.

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