Skip the skillet and go straight to the casserole. Layers of bread, corned beef, and cheese make this Reuben casserole an effortless Reuben-inspired meal.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Every bite is rich, bold, and cheesy, with that classic Reuben taste you love.
- Why Make It: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, potlucks, or any night you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Recommended Tools: You’ll need a big bowl for tossing, a 9×13‑inch baking dish, some foil, and a cutting board with a knife to prep everything.
- Time-Saving Tip: I love using pre-cubed bread and deli corned beef to save time, and finishing the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two gives it that perfectly crispy top.
Key Ingredients
- Rye Bread: For the best Reuben style flavor, use slightly stale rye cubes. Fresh bread works, but it can soften more. Marble rye or pumpernickel also works.
- Corned Beef: Use deli slices, or chop up leftovers; both work beautifully. For a smokier twist, try pastrami instead.
- Dressing: Use the Thousand Island as both the creamy binder in the casserole and a finishing drizzle on top. Russian dressing works well as a swap.
- Sauerkraut: Drain and squeeze dry to prevent a soggy casserole. If it’s very sharp, rinse quickly, then drain well.
- Cheese: For the best melt, shred cheese from a block. Provolone or a Swiss blend can be used if needed.
- Variations: Want to tweak it? Use less sauerkraut or rinse it for a milder bite, broil a minute or two for an extra-crispy top, or add a little extra dressing for a more “sandwich-y” feel.
How to Make Reuben Casserole
- Spread half the bread cubes in a casserole dish.
- Layer some of the corned beef, dressing, sauerkraut, cheese, and remaining corned beef.
- Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Bake (full recipe below). Top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
- Garnish with remaining dressing and chopped pickles.
Holly’s Go-To Casserole Tips
- For perfect layers: Keep the bread cubes on the larger side.
- For a crunchier top: Uncover for the last 10 minutes, then broil 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
- For easy meat slices: Chill the beef first.
- Want more Reuben flavor? Warm the dressing slightly before drizzling it on top at serving.
- Serving a crowd? Set out pickles and extra dressing so everyone can customize their slice.
Love Your Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven until hot. Uncover for the last few minutes to recrisp the top.
St. Patrick Inspired Comfort
Did you enjoy this Reuben Casserole Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Reuben Casserole
Reuben casserole brings deli flavor to one easy bake with buttery rye, corned beef, sauerkraut, melty Swiss, and a drizzle of Thousand Island.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups rye bread cubed
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 8 ounces corned beef diced (about 2 cups), divided
- ¾ cup thousand island dressing divided
- 1 cup sauerkraut well drained
- 2 cups shredded swiss cheese divided
- ½ cup pickles chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl toss bread cubes with melted butter. Spread half of the cubes into the baking dish.
- Layer the following: 4 ounce corned beef (about 1 cup), ½ cup thousand island dressing, sauerkraut, 1 cup Swiss cheese, remaining corned beef. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and spread remaining cheese overtop. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through. Top with remaining dressing and chopped pickles when serving.
Notes
- Broil casserole for 2 minutes for an extra crisp topping.
- Refrigerate Reuben casserole covered for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or covered with foil in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1049mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 281mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Reuben Casserole Recipe
Very easy to follow recipe! I love Reuben’s so this is the bomb!
Sherry, so happy to hear that you found the recipe easy to follow and tasty!