If you’re a fan of the iconic Reuben sandwich, prepare to meet your new obsession: the Reuben Bake. This recipe takes everything you love about the classic—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and that zesty Thousand Island dressing—and bakes it into a bubbly, golden, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s warm, creamy, and layered with flavor. Total comfort food, Reuben-style.
This dish was inspired by the creative minds over in the Homemade Recipes Community, where home cooks bring new life to beloved dishes. Their take on a Reuben casserole got my taste buds buzzing—and now it’s a regular in my rotation.
Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese
This Reuben Bake transforms the classic deli sandwich into a warm, cheesy casserole layered with corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced corned beef or turkey corned beef
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles (or slices of rye bread, crusts removed)
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese (for white sauce)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Skip if using rye bread.)
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup Swiss cheese until smooth.
- In a small bowl, mix Thousand Island dressing with sour cream until combined.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles or bread, dressing mix, corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and white sauce. Top with remaining Swiss cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Protein: 24 g
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Facebook PinterestA Deli Classic Reimagined
At its core, the Reuben Bake is a casserole that eats like a sandwich. Instead of assembling individual sandwiches, you create layers like a lasagna—only with corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and rye or noodles. The result is rich and comforting, with all the bold flavors of a New York deli tucked into every bite.
It’s great for feeding a family, hosting casual get-togethers, or simply prepping a hearty meal you can enjoy for days. One dish, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Ingredient Highlights
- Corned Beef: Use deli-style slices or leftover corned beef from a previous meal. Turkey corned beef also works if you prefer a lighter version.
- Sauerkraut: Be sure to drain it well to prevent sogginess.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts like a dream and brings that nutty, tangy signature Reuben flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles or Rye Bread: Both work well—noodles give a pasta bake vibe, while rye bread leans into the sandwich style.
- White Sauce & Dressing Mix: A homemade béchamel with extra Swiss cheese adds richness, while the Thousand Island-sour cream blend delivers that classic Reuben zing.
Helpful Tips
- Drain sauerkraut thoroughly: Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
- Use oven-ready noodles for a shortcut: Just make sure there’s enough sauce to help them soften.
- Crusty rye bread = delicious texture: Toast lightly before layering to help hold structure.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Tasty Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the noodles/bread and layer with steamed cabbage or cauliflower slices.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crushed rye crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Add Pickles: A few chopped dill pickles between layers add a zesty punch.
- Make It Spicy: Stir in a teaspoon of horseradish or use a spicy Thousand Island dressing.
What to Serve With It
- A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- Dill pickles and kettle chips
- A cold beer or a crisp sparkling water
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day?
Absolutely! This recipe is the perfect way to repurpose leftover corned beef into something totally new and crave-worthy.
Q: What’s the best bread to use if I skip the noodles?
Seeded or marble rye works beautifully—just remove the crusts for a more uniform texture.
Q: Can I freeze the Reuben Bake?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (uncooked), cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 60–75 minutes.
