Indulge in the Ultimate Reuben Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Prepare to be amazed by a dish that captures all the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a comforting, baked noodle casserole! This Reuben Casserole is incredibly rich, delightfully creamy, and bursting with savory goodness. It’s truly a must-try for any Reuben enthusiast looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Frank’s Kraut. The opinions and text are entirely my own.
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the cherished tradition of a Corned Beef and Cabbage meal. It’s a festive occasion that my family and I look forward to celebrating every year! While the traditional meal is fantastic on its own, I’ve discovered the immense joy and practicality of preparing a larger batch of corned beef. This clever strategy ensures not only delicious leftovers for classic Reuben sandwiches but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities for “up-cycled” Reuben recipes. From a comforting Cream of Reuben Soup to this incredible Reuben Noodle Casserole, transforming leftover corned beef has become a delightful and resourceful culinary adventure in my kitchen.
The Allure of Leftover Corned Beef: Beyond the Sandwich
There’s something truly satisfying about transforming humble leftovers into an entirely new and exciting dish. Our Reuben Casserole recipe is a prime example of this culinary magic. It takes that delicious leftover corned beef from your St. Patrick’s Day feast and bakes it into a lusciously creamy noodle casserole that the whole family will undoubtedly enjoy. This dish offers a fantastic way to extend the holiday flavors and introduce a fresh, comforting meal into your week, preventing food waste and creating a new favorite that’s perfect for any time of year. Imagine the savory goodness of tender corned beef, combined with tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and tender noodles. It’s a complete meal in one dish!
Why Frank’s Kraut is Essential for the Perfect Reuben Casserole
When it comes to crafting an authentic and flavorful Reuben Casserole, the quality of your sauerkraut makes all the difference. For me, Frank’s Kraut is the ONLY sauerkraut I ever consider buying. It’s a brand I grew up with, and its consistent deliciousness and unparalleled flavor have made it a cornerstone in my kitchen. The crisp texture and perfectly balanced tang of Frank’s Kraut are absolutely crucial for achieving that signature Reuben taste. Beyond its incredible taste, sauerkraut is remarkably good for you, offering a host of health benefits that make it a smart addition to any diet.
Sauerkraut, a time-honored fermented food, is renowned for its remarkable health benefits, particularly its immune-boosting properties. During the natural fermentation process, sauerkraut becomes packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals. These naturally occurring compounds work synergistically to strengthen the immune system, helping to ward off various health issues, from the common cold to certain skin problems, and contributing to overall wellness. Including this nutrient-dense ingredient in your diet is a simple yet effective way to support a healthy and robust body. Source: Sauerkraut.com
Celebrating National Reuben Month: Beyond the Classic Sandwich
Did you know March is National Reuben Month? It’s the perfect time to explore all the creative ways you can enjoy the iconic flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. If you’ve been following along, you might remember my delicious recipe for Reuben Pinwheels from last week – a fantastic appetizer that’s always a hit at gatherings. I have a particular fondness for hot appetizers like these, or my popular Hot Reuben Dip from last year. They consistently delight guests and offer a refreshing, flavorful alternative to more common cold dips and chips, setting the stage for a memorable meal.
My collaboration with Frank’s has been a wonderful journey spanning almost a year now. Developing innovative Reuben recipes for them is something I truly enjoy. It all began with my Reuben Burger, a creative take that proved just how versatile these flavors can be. This passion for “Reuben-izing” dishes continues with today’s Reuben Noodle Casserole, showcasing another incredible way to enjoy these beloved tastes and bring them to your dinner table in a new and exciting format.
The Convenience and Quality of Frank’s Kraut
Beyond its fantastic taste, one of the reasons I consistently choose Frank’s Kraut is its incredible convenience. I particularly love purchasing it in their super convenient, one-pound poly bags. These bags keep the sauerkraut incredibly fresh, allowing me to use exactly what I need for a recipe like this Reuben Casserole and easily store the remainder in a mason jar in my refrigerator. This practical packaging ensures that I always have high-quality, fresh sauerkraut on hand for all my culinary creations, from classic sandwiches to innovative casseroles, ensuring peak flavor every time.
Crafting the Perfect Reuben Casserole: A Symphony of Flavors
Creating this irresistible Reuben Casserole is surprisingly simple, yet it delivers a complex flavor profile that will impress even the most discerning palates. The foundation of this hearty dish lies in wide egg noodles, which provide a wonderfully tender base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. These are then generously tossed with chunks of savory leftover corned beef, the distinct tangy goodness of Frank’s Kraut, and creamy shredded Swiss cheese. These core ingredients are brought together with a luscious, creamy sauce that truly embodies the essence of a classic Reuben, making every bite an experience to savor. The harmony of textures and tastes in this casserole makes it an unforgettable meal.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Casserole Shine
Each component of this Reuben Casserole plays a crucial role in its delicious outcome, contributing to its unique and beloved flavor profile:
- Wide Egg Noodles: These are ideal for absorbing the rich, creamy sauce, providing a substantial and satisfying texture that holds up beautifully during baking without becoming mushy.
- Corned Beef: Whether you’re using fresh or expertly prepared leftovers, finely chopped corned beef ensures that its robust, salty flavor is evenly distributed throughout the casserole, making it the hearty star that gives the dish its classic Reuben character.
- Frank’s Kraut: Drained well, this premium sauerkraut introduces a vital tangy counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients, cutting through the creaminess and providing that signature Reuben zest and a pleasant textural bite.
- Swiss Cheese: Melted and bubbly, Swiss cheese adds a distinctive nutty, slightly sweet, and incredibly creamy element that binds the ingredients together and forms a delicious, golden top.
- Cream of Celery Soup & Milk: This combination forms the backbone of our creamy sauce, providing a smooth, comforting base that perfectly coats every noodle and piece of corned beef, enhancing the overall richness.
- Thousand Island Dressing: The secret weapon! Thousand Island dressing infuses the casserole with its unique blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, authentically mimicking the dressing found on a traditional Reuben sandwich and tying all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Homemade Rye or Pumpernickel Bread Crumbs: To achieve that perfect crispy topping, we make our own breadcrumbs from lightly toasted Rye or Pumpernickel bread, combined with cold butter. This not only adds a wonderful textural contrast but also reinforces the distinctive bread flavor of a true Reuben, creating a golden, crunchy crust that completes the dish with an extra layer of deliciousness.
Time to Dig In!
Once baked to golden perfection, this creamy Reuben Noodle Casserole emerges from the oven, bubbling and fragrant, ready to be served. The aromas alone are enough to make your mouth water, promising a delightful culinary experience. Get ready to experience a beloved sandwich in an exciting new format – a true celebration of comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Let’s dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
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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
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C), and generously spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Prepare the wide egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and return them to the pan.
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To the cooked noodles, add the cream of celery soup, milk, Thousand Island dressing, drained sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, and shredded Swiss cheese. Carefully combine all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
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Take the lightly toasted Rye or Pumpernickel bread, tear it into chunks, and place it in your food processor along with the cold butter pieces. Pulse until fine bread crumbs are formed. Sprinkle these fresh bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
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Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
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Remove from oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Nutrition
For those who truly adore Reubens and wish to delve deeper into its rich history and versatile applications, there’s even more to explore! The Reuben sandwich itself boasts fascinating origin stories, each adding to its legendary status in American cuisine. If you’re eager to learn all about the Reuben’s captivating past and discover creative ways to “Reuben-ize” practically any dish – transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary, flavor-packed experiences – then you’ll love this comprehensive guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Reuben Sandwich and How to Reubenize Everything!
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