Easy Reuben Casserole Recipe: Perfect for Busy Weeknights

If you love the savory, tangy flavors of a Reuben sandwich, then this Reuben casserole recipe is perfect for you. It’s the ultimate comfort food that transforms a classic deli favorite into a hearty, shareable dish ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Packed with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and buttery rye bread cubes, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details to create this mouthwatering dish.

Table of Contents

Essential Ingredients for Reuben Casserole

To create a perfect Reuben casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Corned Beef: Use leftover corned beef, deli corned beef, or freshly cooked brisket corned beef. Bite-size pieces work best.
Sauerkraut: Well-drained sauerkraut is key to avoiding a soggy casserole. About 1 pound (16 ounces) should do.
Rye Bread: Day-old rye bread or pumpernickel bread is perfect for cubing. This adds the signature earthy flavor.
Swiss Cheese: Grated cheese or slices that melt beautifully over the casserole.
Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: Adds creaminess and a tangy twist.
Caraway Seeds: Optional but recommended for a classic rye flavor.
Butter: Melted butter is used to toast the bread cubes.
Cooking Spray: For preparing the baking dish.

This ingredient list ensures a balance of textures and flavors that make the dish so irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Reuben Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Instructions:

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures that the casserole layers don’t adhere to the dish, making serving and cleanup much easier.
Toast the Bread Cubes: Cut the rye bread into 1-inch cubes for even toasting. In a medium bowl, toss the cubes with melted butter to coat them evenly. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer to avoid steaming, then bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading half of the toasted rye bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a sturdy base. Next, layer half of the well-drained sauerkraut, followed by bite-sized pieces of corned beef, ensuring even coverage for a balanced bite. Add a layer of Swiss cheese—either shredded or sliced—for a gooey, melty texture. Drizzle with Russian dressing to tie the flavors together. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with cheese and dressing.
Top with Remaining Bread Cubes: Sprinkle the remaining toasted bread cubes over the top layer. For extra flavor, consider adding a light sprinkle of caraway seeds. This step gives the dish a satisfying crunch and enhances the traditional Reuben flavor profile.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil is sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 20-25 minutes to allow the layers to heat through and meld together. In the last 5-10 minutes, remove the foil to let the top brown and become bubbly. For an even golden finish, you can turn on the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set, making serving easier. Pair it with complementary side dishes like green beans or dill pickles to complete the meal. Enjoy every bite of this hearty, flavorful dish!

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly: Excess liquid can make the casserole soggy. To avoid this, press the sauerkraut with paper towels or squeeze it in a cheesecloth until no more moisture is released. This small step ensures the bread stays crispy and the casserole holds together well.
Use Fresh or Quality Deli Ingredients: High-quality corned beef and cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor. Visit the deli counter for freshly sliced corned beef and ensure your Swiss cheese is aged for the best melt and taste.
Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a less tangy option, try creamy Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian dressing. For a bolder flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish to the dressing.
Toast the Bread Cubes Well: When toasting the bread cubes, ensure they are spread out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Overlapping cubes may steam instead of crisp. Toss them halfway through baking to toast evenly.
Adjust the Flavor: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the sauerkraut layer for an earthy touch. For a hint of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the layers.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole to avoid drying out the cheese or burning the bread cubes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to finish baking without over-toasting.

Variations of the Reuben Casserole

Low-Carb Version: Replace rye bread with a low-carb alternative such as cauliflower rice or zucchini slices. To assemble, layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese as usual, but swap bread cubes for a vegetable base. Bake as directed for a lighter yet satisfying dish.
Vegetarian Reuben Casserole: Substitute corned beef with roasted vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Roast the veggies with olive oil and a sprinkle of caraway seeds to mimic the traditional flavors. Layer with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing for a hearty, meat-free option.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or crackers in place of rye bread. For added crunch, toast gluten-free bread cubes with butter and seasonings before layering them in the casserole. This ensures a crispy texture similar to the original.
Spicy Twist: Incorporate a drizzle of spicy mustard or sriracha sauce between the layers. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the Russian dressing for an extra kick of heat.
Cheesy Delight: For those who love extra cheese, mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella with the Swiss cheese. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top layer of bread cubes for a savory, golden crust. Add an additional 5 minutes of baking time for a perfectly cheesy finish. Low-Carb Version: Replace rye bread with a low-carb alternative or omit it entirely for a keto-friendly dish.

Suggested Side Dishes to Serve with Reuben Casserole

Dill Pickles: The tangy crunch of dill pickles provides a perfect contrast to the creamy and rich casserole. For an extra twist, serve a variety of pickled vegetables like carrots or cucumbers.
Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or roasted green beans adds freshness and color to your plate. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Potato Salad: Creamy or mustard-based potato salad pairs wonderfully with the tangy sauerkraut and savory corned beef. Add diced dill pickles or caraway seeds to your potato salad for a complementary touch.
Coleslaw: The light and refreshing crunch of coleslaw balances the richness of the casserole. Opt for a vinegar-based slaw for a tangy finish or a creamy version for a milder pairing.
Tomato Slices: Fresh tomato slices not only add brightness to your plate but also bring a refreshing acidity that cuts through the dish’s richness. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Wrap portions in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-16 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Reuben casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake it just before serving for the best results.

How do I reheat leftover Reuben casserole?

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-16 minutes. For a smaller portion, use a microwave but note that the bread may lose its crispness.

What are some alternative ingredients for Reuben casserole?

Cheese: Use provolone or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bread: Pumpernickel, sourdough, or dark rye.
Meat: Substitute turkey or pastrami for corned beef.

Other Easy Casserole Recipes to Try

5-Ingredient Cabbage Casserole: A simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy nights.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole: Creamy and satisfying with minimal prep.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole: A nostalgic comfort food loaded with flavor.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole: Packed with fresh veggies and gooey cheese.
Beef Stroganoff Casserole: A hearty one-dish meal your family will love.

With this Reuben casserole recipe, you’ll have a dish that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy the comforting taste of a sandwich in casserole form!

Finally, to explore more delicious recipes, check out:

Stuffed Artichoke Casserole: A rich and hearty vegetable casserole.
German Potato Soup: A comforting soup perfect for cold days.
Apple Croissant Recipe: A delightful, sweet pastry option.