Ultimate Reuben Casserole

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience that takes your favorite deli classic and transforms it into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing casserole! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, making it incredibly easy to serve the iconic taste of a Reuben sandwich to everyone at your table. Forget the tedious process of assembling individual sandwiches – our **Reuben Casserole** brings all those beloved flavors together in one magnificent, baked dish. Imagine layers of hearty rye bread, savory pastrami (or corned beef), tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all bound by a rich, special sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s a warm, satisfying, and utterly delicious main course that truly shines.

A Delicious & Effortless Pastrami or Corned Beef Casserole

Reuben sandwiches hold a special place in many hearts, celebrated for their unique combination of salty, sour, and savory elements. The challenge, however, often lies in preparing them for a large group. That’s where this ingenious Reuben Casserole comes into play. It deconstructs the classic sandwich, layering all the essential ingredients into a baking dish and infusing them with a creamy, flavorful sauce, then baking it until bubbling and golden. The result is a warm, hearty meal that’s simple to slice and serve, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress without the stress. Every bite delivers that unmistakable Reuben taste you crave, in a comforting, casserole format.

Why Opt for a Reuben Casserole?

While the classic Reuben sandwich is undeniably delicious, transforming it into a casserole offers several compelling advantages, especially when feeding a crowd or looking for a convenient meal solution:

• Effortless Entertaining: Preparing individual sandwiches can be time-consuming, especially for a large group. This casserole streamlines the process, allowing you to assemble it once and bake it all at once, freeing you up to enjoy your guests.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The beauty of a casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble this Reuben Casserole hours, or even a day, in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. This is a game-changer for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Warm & Comforting: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, baked casserole, particularly on a chilly evening. The oven’s heat melds all the rich flavors together, creating a cozy and deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season.
• Flavor Integration: Baking allows the distinct flavors of pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing to marry and deepen, resulting in a more cohesive and intensely flavored dish than individual sandwiches might offer. The bread absorbs some of the savory custard, becoming tender and infused with flavor.
• Perfectly Portioned: A casserole is easy to slice into neat portions, making serving simple and ensuring everyone gets a generous, equally delicious slice of this hearty meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Reuben Casserole

Crafting the perfect Reuben Casserole starts with selecting high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of the beloved deli sandwich. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, tangy, and savory balance.

The Foundation: Rye Bread

• Rye Bread: Whether you choose dark or light rye, this bread is absolutely critical for an authentic Reuben flavor profile. Its distinctive taste and sturdy texture stand up beautifully to the other ingredients. For this casserole, you’ll cube some slices for the base and process the remaining into fine breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

The Star Protein: Pastrami or Corned Beef

• Thinly Sliced Pastrami or Corned Beef: This is the meaty heart of your casserole. While pastrami offers a smoky, peppery punch, corned beef provides a saltier, more classic deli flavor. Both are excellent choices, so pick your favorite or what’s readily available. This recipe is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! Ensure it’s thinly sliced for the best layering and texture.

Tangy & Flavorful Elements: Sauerkraut & Dill Pickles

• Sauerkraut: The sour tang of well-drained sauerkraut is essential for cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. The key here is to drain it *very* well – squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent your casserole from becoming soggy.
• Chopped Dill Pickles: These add an extra layer of briny flavor and a pleasant textural contrast to the dish. If you don’t have pickles, a good quality dill pickle relish can be used sparingly, just be mindful of its moisture content.

Creamy Indulgence: Swiss Cheese

• Shredded Swiss Cheese: Its nutty, slightly sweet, and meltable qualities are a hallmark of the Reuben sandwich. Swiss cheese provides that delightful gooey texture and rich flavor. If Swiss isn’t your preference, provolone or even mozzarella can be used for a milder cheese experience, though it will subtly alter the classic taste.

The Secret Spice: Caraway Seeds

• Caraway Seeds: Often overlooked, these tiny seeds pack a powerful aromatic and slightly anise-like flavor that is signature to rye bread and the Reuben experience. They truly elevate the casserole, so don’t skip them if you want the most authentic taste. However, if you genuinely dislike them, you can omit them without ruining the dish, though it won’t be quite the same.

The Binding Sauce: A Tangy Trio

• Thousand Island Dressing: This creamy, tangy dressing is non-negotiable for a classic Reuben flavor. You can also opt for Russian dressing if that’s your preference.
• Milk & Eggs: These form the creamy custard base that binds all the ingredients together, creating a tender, moist casserole.
• Yellow Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard adds a subtle sharpness that brightens the entire flavor profile, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Reuben Casserole

This recipe is designed for ease, allowing you to create a show-stopping dish with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps to assemble your perfect Reuben Casserole:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. (Note: using a larger dish will result in a thinner casserole, which may require a slightly shorter baking time.) Take four slices of rye bread and cut them into approximate 2-inch cubes. Spread these cubed bread pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, place the remaining two slices of rye bread into a food processor and pulse until fine breadcrumbs are formed. Set these breadcrumbs aside for later use.

   

2. Layer the Meat: Evenly cover the cubed rye bread layer with half of your thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef.

   

3. Add Tangy Flavors: Next, evenly top the meat with the well-drained sauerkraut, ensuring as much liquid as possible has been squeezed out. Follow this with the chopped dill pickles and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds over this layer. Gently press down on the layers as you go to compact the casserole.

   

4. First Cheese Layer: Generously sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut and pickle layer.

5. Complete the Meat & Cheese Layers: Top the cheese with the remaining pastrami or corned beef. Again, gently press down on all the layers to ensure everything is compact. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds over the final meat layer.

   

6. Prepare the Custard Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, Thousand Island dressing, and yellow mustard until well combined.

7. Pour and Top: Pour this whisked mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring it saturates the bread cubes below. Finally, sprinkle the reserved rye breadcrumbs over the top for a delicious crust.

8. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. For an extra golden and crispy topping, you can remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

   

9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. Then, slice into generous portions and serve warm. Enjoy!

   

Tips for a Flawless Reuben Casserole

To ensure your Reuben Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Preventing Soggy Casserole: The number one rule for any sauerkraut-containing dish is to drain it meticulously. Press out as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut using a fine-mesh sieve or by squeezing it in paper towels. Excess moisture is the primary culprit behind a soggy casserole.
• Achieving a Golden Crust: If you love a slightly crispy, golden-brown top, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the cheese and breadcrumbs to develop a beautiful golden hue and a satisfying texture.
• Compacting Layers: As you build your casserole, gently press down on each layer. This helps to create a more cohesive and sturdy casserole that holds its shape better when sliced.
• The Importance of Resting: Don’t skip the 5-minute resting period after baking. Just like with meats, resting allows the casserole to set and the internal juices (the custard sauce) to redistribute, preventing it from crumbling when you cut into it.
• Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment! While Thousand Island is traditional, Russian dressing is another excellent choice. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to your custard mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious Reuben Casserole:

What kind of meat should I use?

You have two excellent choices: thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami. Both offer distinct flavors that are classic in a Reuben. Pastrami tends to be smokier and peppery, while corned beef is typically saltier and cured. I prefer pastrami, but feel free to use your favorite! Both work wonderfully in this casserole.

How do I keep this casserole from getting soggy?

The most crucial step is to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly. Use a colander and press down on it, or even squeeze it gently in paper towels, to remove as much excess juice as possible. This prevents the casserole from absorbing too much liquid and becoming watery.

What kind of bread works best with this Reuben Casserole?

Dark or light rye bread is ideal for this recipe. Both varieties provide the authentic flavor and structure needed for a proper Reuben. If you’re feeling adventurous, pumpernickel could also offer a denser, slightly sweeter alternative, but rye is the traditional choice.

Do I have to use caraway seeds?

Caraway seeds are a signature flavor in rye bread and truly enhance the authentic Reuben experience. They add a unique, slightly anise-like warmth. While you can omit them if you truly dislike them, the casserole won’t have quite the same traditional depth of flavor.

Can I halve this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t need to serve as many, simply cut all the ingredients in half. You’ll need a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch square pan, and you will most likely need to reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked through but not dry.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Reuben Casserole covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The longer it sits, the higher the risk of the bread absorbing more moisture, so it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days.

Can I use a larger baking dish?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have an 11×7-inch dish, a 9×13-inch dish will work fine. However, the casserole layers will be thinner. This might also mean you won’t need to cook it in the oven quite as long, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, transfer portions to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake covered at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Reuben Casserole

This Reuben Casserole is a complete meal in itself, packed with flavor and substance. However, pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:

• Light Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A classic pairing with many deli sandwiches, coleslaw provides a cool, creamy, and crunchy texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted carrots, asparagus, or green beans can add a healthy and flavorful element to your meal.
• Extra Thousand Island: For those who love extra sauce, a small bowl of Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping is always a welcome addition.
• Simple Soup: A light tomato soup or a clear broth soup could make for a comforting and hearty dinner combination.

Nutritional Information & Disclaimer

Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this Reuben Casserole. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Please note that the author is not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through a reliable online nutritional calculator of your preference. Nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Craving More Comfort Food & Deli-Inspired Recipes?

If you loved this Reuben Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Explore more hearty and flavorful recipes that capture the essence of classic comfort food and beloved deli flavors:

• Slow Cooker Corned Beef
• Reuben Sliders
• Reuben Dip
• Reuben Egg Rolls
• Polish Casserole for Two
• Instant Pot Corned Beef
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Quick Sauerkraut
• Homemade Sauerkraut (Fermented)

Originally published: March 2017
Updated photos and republished: February 2024

Reuben Casserole

This Reuben Casserole is like a huge Reuben sandwich for a crowd! Layers of rye bread, pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and a special sauce combine for an unforgettable meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 12 servings | Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 6 slices rye bread (dark or light, divided use)
• 1 pound thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef (divided use)
• 14.5 ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained very well
• 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided use)
• 1 cup chopped dill pickles
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (divided use)
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• ⅓ cup thousand island dressing
• ¼ cup yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish (casserole will be thinner with a larger dish) with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Take four slices of rye bread and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Spread the cubed rye bread into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Place remaining 2 slices of rye bread into a food processor and pulse into fine breadcrumbs and set aside.
4. Cover cubed rye bread evenly with half of the pastrami.
5. Then evenly top with the well-drained sauerkraut, 1 cup chopped dill pickles, and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds.
6. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut layer.
7. Next, top with remaining pastrami. Push down on all the layers to help compact it a bit.
8. Sprinkle remaining 2 cups Swiss cheese and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds on top of pastrami.
9. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 3 large eggs, beaten, ⅓ cup thousand island dressing and ¼ cup yellow mustard.
10. Pour mixture evenly over the casserole.
11. Top with the rye breadcrumbs you set aside earlier.
12. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
13. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes then slice and serve.

Video

Notes

• Please refer to the FAQ and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American