If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want to enjoy it in a warm, comforting casserole form, then this Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese is the perfect dish for you! This savory casserole layers all the delicious ingredients you know and love from a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—into a hearty, satisfying bake that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table.
What makes this dish so special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The corned beef provides savory richness, the sauerkraut adds a tangy bite, and the Swiss cheese melts to create a creamy, gooey layer that ties everything together. The Thousand Island dressing brings a sweet, creamy note that gives the casserole its signature flavor, and a crunchy topping of toasted bread crumbs or rye bread pieces adds the perfect finish.
I first made this Reuben Bake when I was craving the flavors of a Reuben sandwich but didn’t want the fuss of making individual sandwiches. It turned out to be an instant favorite, and now it’s a go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a little twist.
Why This Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese Will Be Your New Favorite
- Savory and tangy: The corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese combine for a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors.
- Hearty and satisfying: This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish and is filling without being too heavy.
- Easy to make: This bake comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering.
- Comfort food with a twist: If you love Reuben sandwiches, this casserole is a fun and delicious way to enjoy those classic flavors in a new form.
- Great for leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge and makes for tasty leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb corned beef, chopped or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, drained and squeezed to remove excess liquid
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup rye bread crumbs (or toasted rye bread pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir in the Thousand Island dressing and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the corned beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press it down gently to ensure it’s packed together.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the rye bread crumbs or crumbled toasted rye bread pieces evenly over the top of the casserole. If you want a little extra richness, you can drizzle a bit more Thousand Island dressing over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into squares and serve hot, with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side if desired.
Tips
- Use store-bought corned beef: For convenience, you can use deli-sliced corned beef or leftover corned beef from a previous meal.
- Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the casserole for an extra kick.
- Add extra veggies: For some added texture and nutrition, consider adding some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the casserole mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free version: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free dressing.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free rye bread or gluten-free bread crumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Add bacon: For an extra burst of flavor, add some crumbled bacon to the casserole for a smoky, salty kick.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower-fat version: Use reduced-fat Swiss cheese and a lighter version of Thousand Island dressing to cut down on calories and fat.
- More veggies: Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or cabbage for a nutrient-packed variation of this dish.
Closing
And there you have it! Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese is the perfect comforting casserole that combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into an easy, family-friendly dish. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this hearty and flavorful bake is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to let us know how your casserole turns out, and check out more of our delicious comfort food recipes for more satisfying meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile. - Do I have to use Thousand Island dressing?
While Thousand Island dressing is classic for a Reuben, you can also use Russian dressing or even a homemade dressing if you prefer. - Can I add more meat to this casserole?
Yes, you can add extra corned beef or even other deli meats like pastrami for a heartier casserole. - What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted potatoes, or a serving of pickles for that classic Reuben flavor. - How can I make the topping crispier?
For a crispier topping, sprinkle a little bit of melted butter over the rye bread crumbs before baking. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the corned beef with a vegetarian deli meat or seitan to create a plant-based version of this casserole. - What if I don’t like sauerkraut?
If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can try using coleslaw or cabbage as an alternative. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or gluten-free rye bread for the topping to make it gluten-free. - How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges. - Can I use leftover Reuben ingredients for this casserole?
Yes, this is a great way to use up leftover corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese from a Reuben sandwich! Just adjust the quantities based on what you have left.
Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese
4
30
minutes40
300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 lb 1 corned beef, chopped or shredded
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 sauerkraut, drained and squeezed to remove excess liquid
2 cups 2 Swiss cheese, shredded
1 cup 1 Thousand Island dressing (or more, to taste)
1/2 cup 1/2 rye bread crumbs (or toasted rye bread pieces)
1 tbsp 1 olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir in the Thousand Island dressing and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the corned beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press it down gently to ensure it’s packed together.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the rye bread crumbs or crumbled toasted rye bread pieces evenly over the top of the casserole. If you want a little extra richness, you can drizzle a bit more Thousand Island dressing over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into squares and serve hot, with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side if desired.
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