Hearty Reuben Casserole

Name: Hearty Reuben Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs corned beef, cooked and shredded; 2 cups sauerkraut, drained; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 3 cups rye bread, cubed; 1/2 cup thousand island dressing; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp caraway seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

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This Hearty Reuben Casserole transforms the classic deli sandwich into a warm, comforting bake. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, it combines savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese in a way that’s sure to please.

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Ingredients for Hearty Reuben Casserole

Corned beef provides a hearty, savory base for this casserole. Its tender, shredded texture is perfect for layering. Sauerkraut adds a tangy punch that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy layer of flavor. Rye bread cubes bring a classic Reuben taste and a satisfying crunch to the topping. Thousand island dressing ties everything together with its sweet and tangy profile. Butter helps to crisp up the bread cubes, while caraway seeds add a subtle, nutty flavor that echoes traditional rye bread. Finally, a bit of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

Use day-old or slightly stale rye bread for a crunchier topping.
If your sauerkraut is particularly wet, squeeze it gently to remove excess liquid.
For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the rye bread cubes lightly before mixing with butter and caraway.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a warm, hearty meal. A cold, refreshing lager also complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?: Absolutely! While Swiss is traditional, you can try provolone or mozzarella for a different twist.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Hearty Reuben Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This gives you time to assemble everything without rushing. Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Start by layering your shredded corned beef evenly across the bottom. This is your hearty foundation.

Next, spread the drained sauerkraut over the beef. This layer adds that essential tanginess. Lay out the Swiss cheese slices on top of the sauerkraut. Try to cover as much area as possible for a nice, even melt.

In a separate bowl, combine your rye bread cubes with melted butter and caraway seeds. Toss them well to ensure the bread is coated evenly. Spread this mixture over the cheese layer, covering it fully to form a crunchy top layer.

Finish by drizzling the thousand island dressing over the bread cubes. This will seep through during baking, enhancing the flavor throughout the dish. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crispy top and bubbly cheese beneath.

Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. This short wait helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packs all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a single dish.
Easy to prepare with straightforward layering.
Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead.
Uses simple ingredients you might already have on hand.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs corned beef, cooked and shredded

2 cups sauerkraut, drained

8 slices Swiss cheese

3 cups rye bread, cubed

1/2 cup thousand island dressing

2 tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp caraway seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Layer the shredded corned beef in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Evenly spread the sauerkraut over the corned beef layer.

4. Place the Swiss cheese slices over the sauerkraut.

5. In a bowl, combine the rye bread cubes, melted butter, and caraway seeds; toss well.

6. Spread the rye bread mixture over the cheese layer evenly.

7. Drizzle the thousand island dressing over the top.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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