The Easiest Reuben Casserole Recipe
This Easiest Reuben Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a crowd. Featuring layers of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all topped with buttery toasted rye bread, this casserole offers the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-make, oven-baked dish. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner that feeds 10 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound sauerkraut (rinsed, drained with liquid squeezed out)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 pound sliced corned beef
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 6 slices rye bread (cut into smaller pieces)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, oil, or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer Sauerkraut: Evenly spread the rinsed, drained sauerkraut across the bottom of the baking dish. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Add Corned Beef: Layer the sliced corned beef evenly over the sauerkraut, creating a hearty, savory layer.
- Add Swiss Cheese: Place the slices of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef, allowing it to melt deliciously during baking.
- Spread Dressing: Evenly spread the ¼ cup of Thousand Island dressing over the cheese layer for its signature tangy flavor.
- Top with Rye Bread: Distribute the smaller pieces of rye bread evenly over the dressing layer to form a crust once baked.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the rye bread pieces to promote browning and add richness.
- Bake Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, slice into portions, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly rinse and drain the sauerkraut to reduce excess acidity and moisture.
- Feel free to substitute rye bread with pumpernickel for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace corned beef with sliced mushrooms or a meat substitute and ensure the dressing is vegetarian-friendly.
- Use low-fat Swiss cheese and reduced-fat dressing for a lighter dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
