There are four things that make a really good reuben sandwich…crunchy sauerkraut, lean corned beef, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island Dressing. This recipe for Reuben Casserole brings all those flavors together and, combined with egg noodles, makes a creamy casserole. Get your forks ready, this one will go fast!
Years ago, when visiting friends for the holidays, I took along a Reuben Casserole I’d made with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, egg noodles and Thousand Island dressing. It was an easy-to-make recipe and smelled just like a Reuben sandwich. Our friends loved it and I shared the recipe with them. I’ve made it several times over the years for family and friends.
Reuben Casserole
- 8 ounces medium egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1/2 pound corned beef (from the deli), chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 10-ounces cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded Swiss Cheese
- 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island Dressing
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs (or Italian bread crumbs)
What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island Dressing?
- Horseradish is added to Russian dressing to give it that spicy, tangy taste. This adds flavor and a bit of a peppery note to a reuben sandwich or when used in this casserole. Thousand Island dressing is milder in taste.
How to make Reuben Casserole?
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook noodles for about 6 minutes in a large saucepan. Do not overcook, as they will continue cooking while baking. Drain the noodles and return them to the pan. Add the soup, milk, corned beef, and sauerkraut. Stir gently to combine.
- If you do not have Thousand Island Dressing in your refrigerator, you can make your own. Simply combine 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup and 2 teaspoons of relish in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and stir.
- Add the Russian or Thousand Island Dressing to the noodle mixture and stir. Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Top the cheese with the bread crumbs. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
Creamy, tangy, and hearty, this casserole will remind you of your favorite reuben sandwich. It makes 6 servings and leftovers are just as good the second day. Serve Reuben Casserole with a hot vegetable and some crusty bread. This recipe makes a tasty cold weather meal.
