All the goodness of a reuben sandwich, but in an easy to make and delicious Reuben Casserole recipe. Layer rye bread cubes, corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, homemade thousand island dressing, and Swiss cheese in a baking dish and bake until hot, crispy, and melty. The whole family will love this recipe.
Recipe review
A quick look at this recipe
- Recipe Name: Reuben Casserole
- Ready In: 15 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook time, 40 minutes total time
- Serves: 8
- Calories: 407 per serving
- Main Ingredients: Cooked corned beef, rye bread, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish
- Difficulty: Easy
This recipe for reuben casserole was a creation for a reuben sandwich loving personal chef client family of mine. The family loves casseroles especially this chicken and kale casserole). They wanted all the flavors of a reuben sandwich, but in an easy to reheat version. And as a bonus, the hearty casserole stays delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Just like a classic reuben sandwich, the casserole has corned beef, sauerkraut, homemade thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese are layered between rye bread.
None of the deliciousness of the sandwich is lost in the reuben bake. The ingredients are stacked in a 9 x 13 baking dish. It's perfect way to use up leftover corned beef.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this reuben casserole
- Reubens for a group: If you're looking to serve a group reuben sandwiches, this comforting casserole is the ideal recipe to prepare. You get all the flavor of a reuben sandwich in one dish without having to prepare individual sandwiches.
- Easy to make: This one dish meal is super easy to make. All the ingredients are layered in a dish and baked in the oven.
- Comfort food with a twist: This casserole is a classic comfort food sandwich turned into a hearty, warm and cheesy casserole.
- Meal prep star: Assemble this easy reuben casserole recipe in advance (up to 24 hours) and just heat when ready to serve.
- Use leftover corned beef: If you've got some corned beef leftover from St. Patrick's Day, add it to this recipe. The comfort food casserole is the perfect St. Patrick's dinner idea.
Ingredients for a reuben casserole bake
Gather all the ingredients for this delicious corned beef casserole recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for full quantities of the ingredients.
- Salted butter
- Marble rye bread
- Cooked corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Sweet pickle relish
- Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley
Substitutions
- Marble rye bread: Try pumpernickel, dark rye or light rye bread too.
- Cooked corned beef: My Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage recipe is the one I use to make the most tender corned beef. Just skip the steps of adding the vegetables. Leftover corned beef or deli counter sliced corned beef from the grocery store are great options too.
- Sweet pickle relish: Finely chop sweet or bread and butter pickles as other options.
- Swiss cheese: Gruyere or fontina cheese are tasty alternatives.
How to make this reuben bake recipe
Layering the ingredients of a reuben sandwich in a baking dish makes for an easy comfort food meal. I love that this corned beef casserole recipe is so easy to toss together. Scroll to the recipe card for the complete instructions.
- Step 1: Start off by tossing the rye bread cubes with melted butter. Transfer half of the cubes to a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Step 2: Next spread the corned beef on top of the bread cubes. Then add the sauerkraut.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, make the homemade thousand island dressing. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. Spread the dressing evenly over the sauerkraut.
- Step 4: Next sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the dressing.
- Step 5: Top with the remaining buttered bread cubes. Sprinkle the remainder of the cheese on top of the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake until the casserole to hot and the cheese melts.
Expert tips
- Shred the Swiss cheese either by hand or with a food processor. It will be much fresher tasting than the preshredded variety. It also melts beautifully.
- Homemade dressings take only a few ingredients to make and are in well stocked pantries. Whipping up a delicious thousand island dressing takes less than a minute. A store bought dressing of this creamy dressing is also an alternative. Bottle Russian dressing is an alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Sauerkraut is typically stored in water, and this excess liquid can make the casserole soggy. Drain the sauerkraut, and squeeze out as much water as you can.
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Just bake when you're ready to serve. You made need to add 10 to 15 minutes more baking time.
Completely cool the casserole and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternately, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container.
Yes you can! Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw before heating.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave. Use 60% power for 1 to 2 minutes until the reuben casserole is hot and the cheese is melty. Or warm the casserole in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes.
What to serve with a reuben casserole
The same side dishes you serve with with a reuben are delicious with the favorite sandwich in casserole form.
- These Crispy Oven Fries are so easy to make and you'll never know that they're baked and not fried.
- My Homestyle Red Potato Salad is a classic side dish with sandwiches and tasty with this casserole.
- Add these fun Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries along side the casserole.
More make ahead casserole recipes
- Nothing beats Mom's cooking and my Mom's Meatloaf is simply the best recipe!
- This creamy Chicken and Kale Casserole has a rich parmesan sauce that's delicious.
- If you're craving lasagna, my Spinach and Sausage Lasagna with three cheeses is one of my favorite Italian recipes.
- French Onion Chicken Bake has all the fabulous flavor of French onion soup.
One more thing
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Share it on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks ~ Amy
Recipe
Reuben Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted, plus more for greasing baking dish
- 8 slices of marble rye bread cut in 1 inch cubes
- 1 pound of cooked corned beef shredded
- 2 cups of sauerkraut drained
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter. Set aside.
- Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and toss to coat.
- Place one half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the corned beef on top of the bread cubes.
- Evenly distribute the sauerkraut on top of the corned beef.
- In a small bowl, make the 1000 island dressing. Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish and stir to combine. Spread the dressing evenly over the sauerkraut.
- Sprinkle one half of the Swiss cheese evenly over the dressing.
- Evenly distribute the remaining bread cubes over the Swiss cheese.
- Sprinkle the remainder of the Swiss cheese over the bread cubes.
- Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the casserole to hot and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with parsley. Cut into squares and serve.
Video
Notes
- Making and shredding a whole corned beef makes for the best reuben casserole. But thinly sliced deli corned beef can stand in as a suitable substitute.
- Homemade dressings are much more flavorful and take only a few ingredients to make. Whipping up a delicious 1000 island dressing takes less than a minute with pantry ingredients. A store bought dressing of this creamy dressing is an acceptable alternative.
- Make sure to shred the Swiss cheese either by hand or with a food processor. It will be much fresher tasting than the pre-shredded variety.
- Any leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave. Use 60% power for 1 to 2 minutes until the reuben casserole is hot and the cheese is melty.
Nutrition
Mary Vancelette says
This was amazing, seriously!! I did corn beef in crockpot and made my own dressing, hand shredded cheese and real butter!!! Nothing left!!!
Christina Paré says
This recipe is so delicious, it's become our traditional St. Patrick's Day meal! I cook my corned beef in a pressure cooker the day before. Then the assembly is a breeze. Simple ingredients pack amazing flavor. It's a keeper.
Amy Casey says
I'm so glad you love my reuben casserole recipe Christina! I totally agree that it's a breeze to make!!
Alice says
I used Jewish rye bread cubes with melted unsalted butter & baked the bread to make lightly toasted croutons. I had deli corned beef which I cut into long narrow strips and then cut them into 3" pieces. For the homemade 1000 Island dressing, I added at least an extra Tbsp. of dill relish. We liked how light and crispy it was using croutons. Very delicious dinner!!
I especially appreciated all the tips and your explanations of why it's helpful to do so - thanks!
Amy Casey says
Thank you for sharing your comment on my recipe Alice. I appreciate it. Also thanks for sharing your suggestions/tips for the recipe.
Carroll says
No leftovers here, another fantastic Amy Casey recipe!
Amy Casey says
I love to hear that Carroll! This is a recipe I make on repeat in our house. It's such an easy way to make reuben sandwiches.
Alicia T says
Delicious! I used deli pastrami instead of corned beef. I don't like Swiss cheese so substituted with a mix of provolone & American cheese. Proportions of meat to other ingredients is perfect. This recipe is a keeper! Thank you for sharing!
Amy Casey says
I'm glad to hear that my recipe worked with your substitutions. This one is one of my favorites!
Lisa Govel says
This was amazing! I had no leftovers because everyone ate so much! Thank you!
Amy Casey says
I love to hear that Lisa! I developed this recipe of one of my clients that loves reubens and wanted a new way to serve them.