Ultimate Reuben Casserole: A Culinary Comfort Classic

My grandmother, Nana Elsie, was a master of comfort food, and her Reubens were legendary. I can still picture her standing at the counter, carefully layering corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese onto rye bread before slathering it with butter and grilling it to golden perfection. This Reuben Casserole is my attempt to capture that same comforting flavor in a form that’s perfect for a crowd – a warm, bubbling hug on a plate that reminds me of her every time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-70 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: One 9×13 inch casserole
• Dietary Type: Not suitable for Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, or Vegetarian diets.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 medium onion, chopped, sauteed or microwaved until tender
• 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seed
• 2 (16 ounce) cans sauerkraut, drained
• 1 (8 ounce) package medium egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 3 lb corned beef brisket, cooked and diced or cubed
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
• 3 – 4 cups rye bread, cubed
• 4 tablespoons melted butter, lightly toasted in oven on cookie sheet (or however much you have on hand)

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cookie sheet
• Oven or Crock-Pot

Instructions

1. If you haven’t already, cook the corned beef brisket. Once cooked, dice or cube it and set aside. Tip: Cooking your own corned beef allows for maximum flavor control. However, high-quality deli corned beef can be a great time-saver.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, milk, sauteed or microwaved onion, and spicy brown mustard. Set aside. Ensure the onion is tender before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent any harsh onion flavor in the final casserole.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the drained sauerkraut, brown sugar, and caraway seeds. Set aside. Thoroughly draining the sauerkraut is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole.
4. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
5. Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. You can assemble it directly in your slow cooker or the baking dish before layering into the slow cooker. Begin layering:
   • Sauerkraut mixture
   • Cooked and drained egg noodles
   • Soup mixture
   • Diced or cubed corned beef
   • Shredded Swiss cheese
6. For Slow Cooker Baking: Bake on low in a crock-pot for about 3-4 hours, or until it starts to bubble a little. Keep an eye on it, as slow cookers can vary in temperature.
7. For Oven Baking: Bake covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 40 minutes.
8. While the casserole is baking (either in the slow cooker or oven), prepare the rye bread topping. On a cookie sheet, toss the cubed rye bread with melted butter. Lightly toast in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close watch as the bread can burn quickly.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven or crock-pot. Top with the toasted rye bread cubes.
10. For Slow Cooker Baking: Top with toasted rye bread cubes, bake about 20-30 minutes longer.
11. For Oven Baking: Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165°F (74°C).

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauerkraut mixture for a subtle kick.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the rye bread topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Even browning: If the rye bread topping is browning too quickly, tent the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Upgrade the bread: Use marbled rye for added visual appeal and flavor complexity. You can also add in pumpernickel cubes.
• Soup Substitute: If you don’t have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom works as a substitute.
• Cheese Choice: Feel free to mix in a little Gruyere for extra richness and nutty flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ultimate Reuben Casserole hot, straight from the oven or slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of elegance. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the noodles and sauerkraut may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	750 kcal	38%
Total Fat	45g	69%
Saturated Fat	20g	100%
Cholesterol	150mg	50%
Sodium	3000mg	125%
Carbohydrates	50g	17%
Fiber	5g	20%
Sugar	10g	–
Protein	40g	80%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms and vegetarian “corned beef” slices, like those made from seitan or tempeh. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Gluten-Free: While the original recipe is very gluten-heavy, this dish can be made Gluten-Free by substituting Gluten-Free egg noodles and Gluten-Free rye bread.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soups and corned beef to reduce the sodium content. Be mindful that sauerkraut is naturally high in sodium, so rinsing it thoroughly can help.
• Spicier Reuben: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauerkraut mixture for a fiery kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded Swiss cheese?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded Swiss cheese. However, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and often has a better flavor, as it lacks the cellulose coating added to pre-shredded varieties.

Q: Can I make this in a smaller baking dish?
A: Yes, you can scale the recipe down and use an 8×8 inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness after about 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread for the topping?
A: While rye bread is traditional for Reubens, you can experiment with other sturdy breads like sourdough or even pumpernickel for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
A: Ensure the sauerkraut is thoroughly drained before adding it to the casserole. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles, as they can release excess starch and moisture.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the casserole such as bell peppers or mushrooms. These can be sauteed and mixed with the onions and/or the sauerkraut mixture.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Reuben Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of tradition, a warm embrace on a cold day, and a celebration of simple, comforting flavors. I encourage you to give it a try, put your own spin on it, and share it with the people you love. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, I hope this casserole brings you as much joy as it brings me. Let me know in the comments how you liked it and what variations you tried! Pair this with a dark beer or a crisp sparkling wine for a meal to remember.