If you adore the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but crave something warm, cozy, and perfectly shareable, this Reuben Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and that irresistible Thousand Island-inspired sauce layered over buttery rye bread cubes. Whether it’s a family dinner or a comforting weekend treat, this casserole offers all the familiar, beloved flavors of the Reuben in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with a different ingredient. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise, the first bowl contains creamy, pale yellow mayonnaise, the second has smooth, bright red ketchup, and the third holds a small amount of dark red paprika powder. Next is a bowl of chopped green sweet pickle relish, followed by a bowl with pink salt, then a bowl with a light beige horseradish paste. Below that, a bowl of bright yellow melted butter is visible, next to a bowl filled with finely chopped pink deli corned beef. Below the corned beef is a white bowl with shredded Swiss cheese, then a bowl with pale, shredded sauerkraut, and finally a bowl filled with dark brown rye bread cubes. Each ingredient is clearly separated in its own bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients create the magic of this Reuben Casserole Recipe. Each item plays a key role, from the tangy crunch of sauerkraut to the creamy richness of Swiss cheese, all tied together with a luscious homemade sauce.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the signature Reuben sauce, balancing the tangy flavors perfectly.
Ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and color to the dressing.
Sweet pickle relish: Brings a touch of zing and texture to the sauce.
Minced onion: Adds a subtle savory depth to the dressing.
Lemon juice: Offers a bright, fresh note to lift the sauce.
Sweet paprika: Gives a gentle smoky flavor and warm color.
Salt: Enhances every element to bring out full flavors.
Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and aids in even baking.
Melted butter: Coats the rye bread cubes for golden, crispy bites.
Unseeded rye bread: The sturdy, flavorful base that soaks up all those wonderful tastes.
Deli corned beef: The star protein, tender and savory, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Prepared horseradish: Adds a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Sauerkraut: Well-drained to bring tang and moisture without sogginess.
Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into a gooey, nutty layer that ties everything together.
Chopped fresh parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Make Reuben Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Reuben Sauce

Start by combining the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, lemon juice, sweet paprika, and salt in a small bowl. This sauce is essentially a homemade Thousand Island dressing that brings the classic Reuben sandwich flavors into your casserole. Once mixed, set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick, making cleanup easy and keeping your layers intact when serving.

Step 3: Toss the Rye Bread Cubes

Pour the melted butter over the cubed rye bread and toss them well until every piece is coated. This important step gives the bread that rich, buttery flavor and ensures a crisp, golden topping for your casserole—comfort food at its finest!

Step 4: Prepare the Corned Beef Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the deli corned beef with the prepared horseradish, mixing thoroughly so every bite has that delightful spicy tang. This adds extra depth to this meaty layer of the casserole.

Step 5: Start Layering and Bake

Place half of the corned beef mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish, then pop it in the oven for 10 minutes. This initial bake helps meld the flavors and start the cooking process.

Step 6: Build Your Layers

Now the fun part: layering the remaining ingredients in this order for maximum flavor harmony:

Half of the sauerkraut
Half of the shredded Swiss cheese
One-third of the reserved sauce
All of the remaining corned beef
The rest of the sauerkraut
Another third of the sauce
The rest of the Swiss cheese
The rest of the buttery rye bread cubes on top

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s hot and bubbling. For the last 10 to 12 minutes, remove the foil so the top crisps up beautifully—it’s the perfect crunchy finish that contrasts with the melty layers below.

How to Serve Reuben Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with one visible layer of chopped pinkish-red meat that looks thin and folded, topped with a scattered layer of light yellow, shredded shredded cabbage or sauerkraut. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, and the lighting is bright and natural, showing clear textures of the meat and shredded topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, light note to balance the richness of the casserole. Don’t forget to drizzle the remaining Reuben sauce over the top for an extra burst of that iconic flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines best alongside crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to cut through the richness. Pickles or a tangy coleslaw also make excellent companions that echo the flavors without overwhelming your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this casserole family-style right from the baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the comforting layers together. For a party, portion it out in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to give a personalized touch—perfect for showing off your favorite Reuben Casserole Recipe in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, allow the Reuben casserole to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes wonderfully even the next day!

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish on hand for a later date, freezing is a great option. Prepare the casserole fully but bake it only until it’s just heated through to 165 degrees, then cool and cover tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating fully.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, cover the casserole with aluminum foil, and warm it until hot and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 10 minutes helps revive that deliciously crisp top layer everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I make this Reuben Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the corned beef with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based deli meat alternative. Keep the sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and sauce to maintain that signature Reuben flavor.

What type of rye bread is best for this recipe?

Unseeded rye bread works best here because it provides a sturdy texture and classic flavor without extra seeds that might create an uneven texture in the casserole.

Is horseradish necessary, and can I adjust its amount?

Horseradish adds a spicy, tangy kick that complements the corned beef perfectly, but if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce or omit it based on your taste preferences.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Making the Reuben sauce a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, which will deepen the taste and save you time when assembling the casserole.

What if I don’t have a 13 x 9-inch baking dish?

Any similarly sized oven-safe dish should work fine. Just keep an eye on the casserole’s doneness and adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure it’s heated evenly and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Reuben Casserole Recipe takes everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich and transforms it into a warm, comforting casserole that’s sure to become a household favorite. Easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing, it invites you to bring the cozy flavors of deli dining into your own kitchen any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it quickly earn a top spot in your recipe rotation!