Reuben Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-bake format. Layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing are baked together to create a gooey, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, brunch, or casual gatherings.
This recipe takes the beloved sandwich and turns it into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare yet indulgent in taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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12 oz sliced corned beef, chopped
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2 cups sauerkraut, drained
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2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
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4–5 slices rye bread, cut into cubes
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1 cup Thousand Island dressing
Optional Add-ins
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon caraway seeds
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bread
Cut rye bread into cubes. Toast lightly if you want extra texture, but this step is optional.
3. Layer the Casserole
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Spread half of the cubed bread on the bottom of the baking dish.
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Top with half of the chopped corned beef.
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Spread half of the sauerkraut over the meat.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese.
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Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create a second layer.
4. Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
5. Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Slice into squares and serve hot. Garnish with extra Thousand Island dressing or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Reuben Casserole
Drain the sauerkraut well
Excess liquid can make the casserole soggy.
Layer evenly
Even layers ensure each bite has a balanced flavor of bread, meat, sauerkraut, and cheese.
Optional flavor boost
Sauté onions with corned beef before layering for extra depth.
Use good-quality corned beef
Higher quality meat improves flavor and texture.
Variations
Spicy Reuben Casserole
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Turkey Reuben Casserole
Replace corned beef with sliced turkey for a lighter option.
Extra Cheesy
Mix in cream cheese or add extra shredded Swiss for a richer casserole.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the bread and layer meat, sauerkraut, and cheese directly in the baking dish.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing:
Reuben casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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All the flavor of a Reuben sandwich in casserole form
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Easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd
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Gooey, cheesy, and savory comfort food
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Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner
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Customizable with add-ins and variations
Reuben Casserole turns the classic deli favorite into a hearty, family-friendly dish. With layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing baked together, it’s a deliciously indulgent meal that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.