Reuben sandwiches are a timeless classic, but sometimes you crave those amazing flavors in a more comforting, shareable form. Enter the Reuben Casserole Pioneer Woman style! This recipe takes all the beloved components of a Reuben – corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing – and layers them into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s approachable and delicious cooking, you’ll adore this effortless twist on a deli staple.
Delicious Reuben Casserole with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread topping – a Pioneer Woman inspired comfort food
This Reuben casserole recipe is incredibly simple to throw together, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Forget about individually assembling sandwiches; with this casserole, you get all the satisfying Reuben taste with minimal effort. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover corned beef, especially after a St. Patrick’s Day feast. Even if green food dye isn’t your thing for the holiday, this casserole is a decidedly delicious way to celebrate, or simply enjoy any time of year.
What makes this Pioneer Woman Reuben Casserole truly shine is the combination of textures and flavors. The tender corned beef and tangy sauerkraut are perfectly balanced by the creamy Thousand Island dressing and melted Swiss cheese. And the rye bread topping adds a delightful crunch that mimics the toasted bread of a traditional Reuben sandwich. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Key Ingredients for Your Reuben Casserole
Let’s break down the star ingredients that make this casserole taste just like a Reuben sandwich, but in an even easier format:
- Corned Beef: The heart of any Reuben! You can use pre-sliced deli corned beef for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, use leftover homemade corned beef. For a richer flavor, consider a slightly thicker cut of deli meat.
Close-up of corned beef, a key ingredient in Pioneer Woman's style Reuben Casserole recipe
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Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage provides that signature tangy and slightly sour flavor that’s essential to a Reuben. Make sure to drain your sauerkraut very well before adding it to the casserole. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy. Some people even rinse it lightly for a milder flavor, but for authentic Reuben taste, just drain it thoroughly.
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Swiss Cheese: Mild, nutty, and melts beautifully, Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben. Shredded Swiss cheese works best for easy melting throughout the casserole.
Melted Swiss cheese topping on a Reuben Casserole, showcasing the cheesy goodness
- Thousand Island Dressing: The creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade Thousand Island dressing.
Thousand Island dressing being drizzled, an essential component of a Reuben Casserole inspired by Pioneer Woman
- Rye Bread: Cubed rye bread forms the delicious topping for this casserole, adding that crucial rye flavor and a satisfyingly toasted crunch. Marble rye is a visually appealing and flavorful option, but any rye bread will work. You could also experiment with rye crackers or even buttered croutons for a different texture.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Style Reuben Casserole: Step-by-Step
This recipe is so straightforward, even beginner cooks can master it. Here’s how to assemble your Reuben Casserole Pioneer Woman style:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Layer the corned beef: Spread the chopped corned beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Add the sauerkraut: Make sure your sauerkraut is well-drained. Spread it over the layer of corned beef. For extra dryness, you can pat the sauerkraut with paper towels.
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Drizzle with dressing: Pour the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the sauerkraut.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the dressing.
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Add the rye bread topping: Arrange the cubed rye bread evenly over the cheese. For extra golden and crispy bread, lightly spray the bread cubes with cooking spray or toss them with melted butter before adding them to the casserole.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread topping is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This Reuben Casserole Pioneer Woman recipe is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or pickles to complete the meal.
Tips for the Best Reuben Casserole
- Drain the Sauerkraut Well: This is crucial for preventing a soggy casserole. Don’t skip this step!
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting or buttering the rye bread cubes before baking can enhance their flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
- Customize Your Bread: If you don’t have rye bread, you can use other sturdy bread like sourdough or even pretzel rolls. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free crackers or a layer of crispy potatoes on top.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauerkraut layer or a dash of hot sauce to the Thousand Island dressing.
Enjoy this hearty and delicious Reuben Casserole Pioneer Woman recipe! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic Reuben flavors in a comforting casserole form that’s perfect for any occasion.
