Reuben Casserole

Reuben Casserole is a warm, savory twist on the iconic Reuben sandwich. It layers corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese, and rye bread into a bubbling, baked casserole that delivers the same tangy, cheesy, meaty goodness in an easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the classic Reuben flavors in a one-pan dish
• Great use of leftover corned beef or deli slices
• Quick to prepare, comforting, and hearty
• Easy to scale for feeding a crowd
• Customizable with different meats, breads, or cheeses

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Corned beef, chopped or shredded
• Sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• Thousand Island dressing
• Swiss cheese, shredded
• Rye bread, cubed or sliced
• Butter or cooking spray
• Optional: caraway seeds, pickles, mustard

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Assemble the Casserole
   Layer half of the cubed rye bread in the bottom of the dish. Add chopped corned beef, followed by the drained sauerkraut. Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing, then top with shredded Swiss cheese. Finish with the remaining rye bread cubes.
3. Add Butter or Spray
   Lightly brush or spray the top bread layer with melted butter or cooking spray to help it crisp in the oven.
4. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
5. Serve
   Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or serve with pickles if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Reuben Bake with Eggs: Add beaten eggs and milk for a strata-style version
• Turkey Reuben: Use turkey instead of corned beef for a “Rachel” casserole
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or spicy mustard
• Extra Cheesy: Mix Swiss with mozzarella or provolone
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the bread and make it a layered Reuben bake

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in portions
• Freezing: Freeze after baking, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating

FAQs

Can I use canned corned beef?

Yes, just crumble it evenly across the casserole. It’s a great pantry-friendly option.

What type of rye bread is best?

Marbled, seeded, or plain rye all work well. Choose your favorite!

Do I need to rinse sauerkraut?

Yes, rinsing and draining it reduces excess moisture and sharpness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add extra bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

What dressing can I substitute for Thousand Island?

Russian dressing or a mix of mayo and ketchup works great too.

Can I add more vegetables?

Sure—try sautéed onions, bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for extra bulk and flavor.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well, and consider toasting the bread cubes lightly beforehand.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free rye-style bread and ensure all sauces are GF-certified.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with pickles, potato salad, coleslaw, or a light green salad.

Can I add mustard?

Absolutely! Spread a thin layer on the bread or stir into the dressing for extra zing.

Conclusion

Reuben Casserole is a satisfying and easy-to-make comfort food that brings all the bold, tangy, cheesy goodness of a deli Reuben into a bubbly baked dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a potluck, it’s a guaranteed hit that combines classic flavors with everyday simplicity.

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