Traditional Reuben Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
Craving the tangy, savory goodness of a Reuben sandwich but looking for a warm, comforting twist? Look no further than the Reuben Casserole! This dish captures all the iconic flavors of the classic sandwich – corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing – in a hearty, crowd-pleasing bake. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion when you want a delicious and easy-to-make meal. This recipe honors the traditional flavors while offering a streamlined approach, making it a fantastic option for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices.
What Makes This Reuben Casserole Special?
* **Familiar Flavors, New Format:** Enjoy all the taste of a Reuben sandwich without the fuss of individual sandwiches. This casserole presents those beloved ingredients in a cozy, shareable form.
* **Easy to Assemble:** With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare, leaving you more time to relax or entertain.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more cheese, swap the bread, or use different types of dressing – the possibilities are endless.
* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** This casserole is warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food for any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these ingredients. The quantities can be adjusted to suit your taste and the number of servings you need.
* **Corned Beef:** 1 1/2 to 2 pounds, thinly sliced. Look for good quality corned beef from your deli counter or butcher. Pre-packaged sliced corned beef is also an option, but freshly sliced often has better flavor and texture.
* **Sauerkraut:** 1 (32 ounce) jar or bag, well drained. Draining the sauerkraut thoroughly is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole. You can squeeze it with your hands or press it between paper towels.
* **Swiss Cheese:** 8 ounces, shredded. Buy a block of Swiss cheese and shred it yourself for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can inhibit melting.
* **Russian Dressing:** 1 cup. You can use store-bought Russian dressing or make your own (recipe provided below!). Russian dressing adds a creamy tang that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Rye Bread:** 1 loaf (about 1 pound), cubed. Use a good quality rye bread for the best flavor and texture. You can use light, dark, or marble rye, depending on your preference. Day-old bread works best, as it holds its shape better when baked.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup, melted. Melted butter adds richness and helps the bread cubes brown nicely.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Homemade Russian Dressing (Optional)
While store-bought Russian dressing works perfectly fine, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your Reuben Casserole
Now, let’s get to the fun part – assembling your delicious Reuben Casserole!
**Preparation:**
1. **Preheat your oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the bread:** Cut the rye bread into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with the melted butter. Toss to coat evenly. If you’re using onion and garlic, sauté them in a little butter until softened and add them to the bread cubes.
3. **Grease your baking dish:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
**Layering the Casserole:**
1. **Bread Layer:** Spread half of the buttered rye bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. **Corned Beef Layer:** Arrange half of the sliced corned beef over the bread cubes. Distribute it evenly to ensure every bite has that savory goodness.
3. **Sauerkraut Layer:** Spread half of the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef. Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent a soggy casserole.
4. **Russian Dressing Layer:** Drizzle half of the Russian dressing over the sauerkraut. Be generous with the dressing, as it adds a crucial tangy element to the casserole.
5. **Swiss Cheese Layer:** Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the Russian dressing. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a gooey, cheesy layer.
6. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat layers with the remaining bread cubes, corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese.
**Baking:**
1. **Cover the casserole:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. **Uncover and bake:** Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread cubes are golden brown.
4. **Let it rest:** Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly.
Tips for the Perfect Reuben Casserole
* **Don’t skip the draining:** Draining the sauerkraut is essential for preventing a soggy casserole. Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.
* **Use good quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the casserole. Opt for good quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread cubes are golden brown.
* **Adjust to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more cheese, use different types of bread, or experiment with different dressings.
* **Make it ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Variations:**
* **Thousand Island Dressing:** Substitute Thousand Island dressing for Russian dressing for a slightly sweeter flavor.
* **Add meat:** Add cooked ground beef or shredded turkey for an even heartier casserole.
* **Vegetarian version:** Substitute the corned beef with sliced portobello mushrooms marinated in soy sauce and smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Reuben Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Coleslaw:** Coleslaw is a classic pairing with Reuben sandwiches and works just as well with the casserole.
* **Pickles:** Dill pickles or pickled onions add a tangy crunch.
* **Potato Salad:** Potato salad is another classic side dish that complements the flavors of the Reuben Casserole.
* **Soup:** A cup of tomato soup or cream of mushroom soup makes a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
* **Storing:** Store leftover Reuben Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may need to add a little moisture (e.g., a splash of water or broth) to prevent it from drying out.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this Reuben Casserole lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. The salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian dressing, and nutty Swiss cheese all come together in a symphony of taste. The buttery rye bread cubes add a delightful textural element, providing a satisfying crunch.
This casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of a comforting meal shared with loved ones. It’s the satisfaction of creating something delicious and easy. It’s the joy of rediscovering a classic flavor in a new and exciting way.
Recipe Card: Traditional Reuben Casserole
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 to 2 pounds corned beef, thinly sliced
* 1 (32 ounce) jar sauerkraut, well drained
* 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1 cup Russian dressing
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) rye bread, cubed
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut rye bread into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl, drizzle with melted butter, and toss. Sauté onion and garlic, if using, and add to bread cubes.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Layer half of the bread cubes in the dish, followed by half of the corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese.
5. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and bread is golden brown.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
**Enjoy your delicious Reuben Casserole!**
This Reuben casserole recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a classic sandwich’s flavors. It’s also an excellent way to feed a crowd and a perfect potluck dish. The combination of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Russian dressing, and melted Swiss cheese create a flavor that is sure to please everyone.