Slow Cooker Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Corned beef Reubens are a classic for a reason: the salty, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing combine for a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. But making corned beef can seem intimidating. That’s where the slow cooker comes in! This recipe transforms the potentially daunting task into a breeze, resulting in tender, juicy corned beef that’s perfect for piling high on toasted rye bread.

This slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwich recipe is unbelievably easy. It allows you to have the best corned beef Reuben sandwich in the comfort of your own home. With minimal prep and a whole lot of patience, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

## Why Slow Cooker Corned Beef Reubens?

There are several reasons why using a slow cooker for corned beef is a game-changer:

* **Effortless Tenderness:** The low and slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibers in the corned beef, resulting in incredibly tender and succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth.
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once you’ve prepped the ingredients and added them to the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it. This frees you up to focus on other things while your delicious corned beef cooks to perfection.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the corned beef, spices, and broth to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Slow cooker corned beef is ideal for meal prep. You can cook a large batch on the weekend and enjoy Reuben sandwiches throughout the week. The leftover corned beef is also great in salads, omelets, or even as a topping for pizza.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Slow cookers are notoriously easy to clean. Simply rinse out the insert after use, and you’re done!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all of the necessary ingredients. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to make these amazing slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwiches:

* **Corned Beef Brisket (3-4 pounds):** Look for a brisket that’s well-marbled with fat for the best flavor and tenderness. Most corned beef briskets come with a spice packet, which you’ll use in the recipe.
* **Beef Broth (3 cups):** Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the corned beef. You can also use water if you prefer, but the beef broth adds extra flavor.
* **Yellow Onion (1 large, quartered):** Onion adds depth and sweetness to the cooking liquid.
* **Carrots (2 medium, chopped):** Carrots provide sweetness and aromatic flavor.
* **Celery (2 stalks, chopped):** Celery adds a savory and aromatic note.
* **Garlic (2 cloves, minced):** Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the corned beef.
* **Bay Leaf (1):** Bay leaf adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
* **Rye Bread:** Choose your favorite type of rye bread. Marble rye is a classic choice.
* **Sauerkraut (1 jar or can, drained):** Look for good quality sauerkraut, well drained.
* **Swiss Cheese:** Sliced Swiss cheese is essential for a classic Reuben.
* **Russian Dressing:** Homemade or store-bought Russian dressing works well. You can substitute Thousand Island dressing if you prefer.
* **Butter (for grilling):** Butter is used to grill the Reuben sandwiches to golden perfection.

## Detailed Instructions

Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwich recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions for best results:

**Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef**

* Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove any excess brine. This helps to prevent the corned beef from being too salty.
* Place the corned beef in the slow cooker.
* Sprinkle the spice packet that came with the corned beef over the brisket. This spice packet usually contains a blend of peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and other spices that enhance the flavor of the corned beef.

**Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth**

* Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
* Pour the beef broth over the corned beef and vegetables. Make sure the brisket is mostly submerged in the broth. If necessary, add a little more broth or water to cover the brisket.

**Step 3: Slow Cook the Corned Beef**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The corned beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
* Cooking on low for a longer period typically results in more tender and flavorful corned beef, but cooking on high is a good option if you’re short on time.

**Step 4: Shred the Corned Beef**

* Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
* Use two forks to shred the corned beef into bite-sized pieces. Be careful, as the corned beef will be very hot.
* Discard the bay leaf.
* Optionally, you can strain the cooking liquid and reserve it for dipping the Reuben sandwiches.

**Step 5: Assemble the Reuben Sandwiches**

* Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
* Spread Russian dressing on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
* Top with a generous amount of sauerkraut, followed by a pile of shredded corned beef, and a slice or two of Swiss cheese.
* Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.

**Step 6: Grill the Reuben Sandwiches**

* Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
* Place the Reuben sandwiches in the skillet and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
* If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the Reuben sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two before slicing in half.
* Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, coleslaw, or a pickle spear.
* If you reserved the cooking liquid, serve it on the side for dipping.

## Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Corned Beef Reubens

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwiches turn out perfectly every time:

* **Don’t Overcook the Corned Beef:** Overcooked corned beef can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s fork-tender, but not mushy.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut Well:** Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can make the Reuben sandwiches soggy. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the sandwiches.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Reuben sandwiches. Use good quality corned beef, rye bread, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
* **Butter the Bread Generously:** Buttering the bread generously ensures that it browns evenly and becomes crispy and delicious.
* **Grill the Sandwiches Slowly:** Grilling the Reuben sandwiches over medium heat allows the cheese to melt completely and the bread to toast evenly without burning.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** While Swiss cheese is the classic choice for Reubens, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, Havarti, or even provolone.
* **Add a Little Heat:** If you like a little spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Russian dressing or sprinkle some pickled jalapenos on the sandwiches.
* **Make it a Rachel:** For a variation, substitute coleslaw for the sauerkraut to make a Rachel sandwich.

## Variations and Additions

While the classic corned beef Reuben is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Spicy Reuben:** Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the Russian dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Reuben with Coleslaw:** Replace the sauerkraut with coleslaw for a sweeter and creamier flavor.
* **Reuben with Avocado:** Add slices of avocado to the sandwich for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Reuben with Bacon:** Add crispy bacon to the sandwich for extra flavor and texture.
* **Open-Faced Reuben:** Serve the Reuben open-faced on a single slice of rye bread for a lighter option.
* **Mini Reuben Sliders:** Use slider buns instead of rye bread to make mini Reuben sliders, perfect for parties and appetizers.

## Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with the right sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Potato Chips:** A classic pairing for Reuben sandwiches.
* **Coleslaw:** Adds a cool and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory sandwich.
* **Pickle Spear:** Provides a tangy and crunchy bite.
* **French Fries:** A satisfying and indulgent side dish.
* **Onion Rings:** Another classic comfort food pairing.
* **Soup:** Pair the Reuben with a cup of tomato soup, potato soup, or French onion soup for a complete meal.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a lighter and healthier option.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can easily make the corned beef ahead of time. Simply cook the corned beef in the slow cooker as directed, then shred it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the Reuben sandwiches, simply reheat the corned beef in a skillet or microwave. Assembling and grilling the sandwiches is also a quick process, making this a great option for busy weeknights.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover corned beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the corned beef in a skillet or microwave before using it in sandwiches or other dishes. Assembled Reuben sandwiches are best eaten immediately, as the bread can become soggy if stored for too long.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwiches:

* **Can I use a different type of bread?**
While rye bread is the classic choice for Reubens, you can use other types of bread such as pumpernickel, sourdough, or even Texas toast.
* **Can I use pre-shredded corned beef?**
While you can use pre-shredded corned beef, it’s best to shred it yourself for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded corned beef can sometimes be dry and lacking in flavor.
* **Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?**
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Reduce the cooking time to 60-75 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.
* **Can I freeze the corned beef?**
Yes, you can freeze the cooked and shredded corned beef for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **What if I don’t have Russian dressing?**
You can substitute Thousand Island dressing for Russian dressing. You can also make your own Russian dressing by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

## Slow Cooker Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 hours (on low) or 4-5 hours (on high)

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packet
* 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
* 1 large yellow onion, quartered
* 2 medium carrots, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 loaf rye bread
* 1 jar (16 ounces) sauerkraut, drained
* 8-12 slices Swiss cheese
* 1 cup Russian dressing
* 4 tablespoons butter, softened

**Equipment**

* Slow Cooker
* Large Skillet or Griddle
* Cutting Board
* Knife

**Instructions**

1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water.
2. Place the corned beef in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with the spice packet.
3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
4. Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. The brisket should be mostly submerged.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until fork-tender.
6. Remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
7. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
8. Spread Russian dressing on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
9. Top with sauerkraut, shredded corned beef, and Swiss cheese.
10. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
11. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
12. Grill the Reuben sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
13. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Enjoy these delicious and easy slow cooker corned beef Reuben sandwiches! They’re the perfect comfort food for any occasion.