Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly rich and creamy Reuben Casserole, a delightful twist that captures all the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a baked noodle dish!
This sponsored content reflects my genuine opinions and experiences, developed in partnership with Frank’s Kraut. All views expressed are authentically mine.
Embrace the Flavors: Why a Reuben Casserole?
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many of us look forward to the heartwarming tradition of a classic Corned Beef and Cabbage meal. It’s a highlight of the year for my family, and I always make sure to prepare a generous amount. Why? Because the magic truly begins with the leftovers! While a traditional Reuben sandwich is always a treat, transforming that succulent corned beef into new, exciting dishes is an art form I thoroughly enjoy.
This Reuben Casserole is a prime example of culinary “up-cycling” at its finest. It takes the beloved elements of a Reuben – the savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and distinctive dressing – and marries them with tender egg noodles in a creamy, baked delight. It’s a fantastic way to extend the enjoyment of your holiday feast or simply to create a comforting meal any time of year.
Transforming leftover corned beef into a creamy, baked noodle casserole is a guaranteed family favorite!
The Essential Ingredient: Frank’s Kraut
When it comes to sauerkraut, there’s only one brand that makes it into my kitchen: Frank’s Kraut. I grew up with this brand, and its quality and delicious flavor are unparalleled. But beyond its taste, sauerkraut offers incredible health benefits that often go overlooked.
Unlocking the Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
One of the not-so-secret advantages of incorporating sauerkraut into your diet is the powerful boost it provides to your immune system. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, sauerkraut has been utilized for centuries as a natural immune enhancer. The fermentation process creates beneficial phytochemicals, which are natural by-products that actively support immune function. A robust immune system helps ward off common ailments and contributes to overall well-being, potentially mitigating issues like the common cold, certain skin problems, weight management challenges, and even supporting healthy blood. Source: Sauerkraut.com
March isn’t just about St. Patrick’s Day; it’s also National Reuben Month! This month-long celebration is the perfect excuse to explore the diverse culinary possibilities of the Reuben flavor profile. Last week, I shared a fantastic recipe for Reuben Pinwheels, a hot appetizer that always disappears quickly at gatherings. Similarly, my Hot Reuben Dip from last year remains a crowd-pleaser. These warm, savory starters offer a delightful alternative to everyday cold dips and chips, setting a high standard for party food.
My collaboration with Frank’s Kraut began almost a year ago, and it’s been a wonderful journey of creating innovative recipes. It all started with the delicious Reuben Burger, a dish that truly cemented my love for their product and the versatility of sauerkraut in cooking. This Reuben Casserole is another testament to how effortlessly Frank’s Kraut elevates a dish from good to exceptional.
The Perfect Kraut for Every Dish
I find Frank’s Kraut most convenient to buy in their one-pound poly bags. It always tastes incredibly fresh. I use what I need for a recipe, then transfer any remaining sauerkraut to a mason jar and store it in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays crisp and flavorful for future meals. This practice not only minimizes waste but also keeps a staple ingredient readily available for spontaneous culinary creations.
Crafting Your Reuben Casserole: A Symphony of Flavors
The beauty of this Reuben Casserole lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of robust flavors. We start with tender wide egg noodles, then introduce the stars of the Reuben: savory leftover corned beef (or quality deli corned beef if you prefer), tangy Frank’s Kraut, and creamy Swiss cheese. These are all tossed together with a rich, creamy sauce made from cream of celery soup, milk, and the distinctive Thousand Island dressing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating a depth of flavor that is both familiar and exciting in this new format.
To crown this delightful creation, we prepare a homemade breadcrumb topping. Simply take a couple of slices of lightly toasted rye or pumpernickel bread, tear them into chunks, and pulse them in a food processor with a touch of cold butter. This creates a beautifully crunchy, flavorful topping that adds a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy casserole beneath. The rye or pumpernickel breadcrumbs are particularly important as they echo the classic bread of a Reuben sandwich, tying all the flavors together perfectly.
Once assembled, the casserole bakes to golden perfection, allowing all the flavors to meld and deepen. The result is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. Let’s dig in and experience the warmth and flavor!
This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food. The combination of savory corned beef, the distinct tang of sauerkraut, the smooth richness of Swiss cheese, and the creamy dressing, all bound by tender noodles and topped with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb crust, makes for an unforgettable dining experience. It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the soul, especially on a chilly evening. Whether you’re using up St. Patrick’s Day leftovers or simply craving the irresistible flavors of a Reuben, this casserole is your answer. It’s a testament to how classic flavors can be reinvented into something fresh and exciting, yet still deeply comforting.
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Print Recipe
Reuben Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles cooked per package instructions
- 8 ounces corned beef chopped (use leftover or deli style works, too!)
- 2/3 cup Frank’s Kraut drained
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup
- 1/2 can milk
- 6 ounce package shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup 1000 Island Dressing
- 2 slices Rye or Pumpernickel bread lightly toasted
- 1 Tablespoon cold butter cut in pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, and return them to the pan.
- To the cooked noodles, add the cream of celery soup, milk, Thousand Island dressing, well-drained sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, and shredded Swiss cheese. Gently combine all ingredients until they are evenly mixed. Pour this mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Take the lightly toasted rye or pumpernickel bread slices, tear them into chunks, and place them in a food processor along with the cold butter cut into pieces. Pulse until fine breadcrumbs are formed. Sprinkle these freshly made breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed Reuben Casserole!
Nutrition
More Reuben-Inspired Delights and the History of a Classic
Do you love Reubens as much as I do? The Reuben sandwich is a culinary legend with a fascinating history, offering a tale of its origins that varies depending on who’s telling it. Whether it was born in Omaha, Nebraska, or New York City, its distinct combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread has captured hearts globally.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the lore of this iconic sandwich and discover creative ways to infuse its signature flavors into virtually any dish, you’ll love my guide: “Everything About The Reuben Sandwich: How to Reubenize Anything!” This comprehensive resource explores the different origin stories, dissects the perfect Reuben components, and provides a wealth of inspiration for transforming everyday meals into Reuben-flavored masterpieces. From appetizers to main courses, learn how to get creative with this incredible flavor profile.
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