How to make Baked Rueben Casserole
Ingredients
Rye Bread, or Marble Rye, 8 slices
1 pound pastrami or Corned beef
1 can sauerkraut, drained
4 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
2 ½ tsp caraway seed
1 cup dill pickle relish
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
⅓ cup Thousand Island Dressing
¼ cup mustard
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350*
Prepare a baking dish with a non stick spray
Cut four of the eight slices of bread into 2 inch cubes
Place the other four slices of bread into the food processor and pulse until the slices become fine bread crumbs
Place the bread cubes on the bottom of the 9×13 baking dish
Evenly cover the bread cubes with half of the pastrami or corned beef
Add the sauerkraut, pickle relish and half of the caraway seed evenly over the pastrami
Add a layer of shredded Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut, (2 cups)
Add the remaining pastrami on top of the cheese layer. Use your hands to press down the ingredients in the pan.
Add the remaining Swiss Cheese and remainder of the caraway seeds on the top
Whisk the milk and eggs together, add in the Thousand Island dressing and the mustard together in a medium bowl
Carefully pour this mixture over the top of the casserole. Use a spatula to spread it evenly
Sprinky the top with the bread crumbs
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil
Bake at 350* for 45 minutes
Take it out of the oven and set to the side for 5 minutes
Cut into serving size squares and serve.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 12 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 287 | TOTAL FAT: 18g | SATURATED FAT: 9g | TRANS FAT: 0g | UNSATURATED FAT: 7g | CHOLESTEROL: 116mg | SODIUM: 925mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 8g | FIBER: 1g | SUGAR: 3g | PROTEIN: 22g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either rye bread or marble rye for an authentic Reuben flavor. However, if you prefer a different type of bread, you can experiment and use a bread of your choice.
Can I use other types of meat instead of pastrami or corned beef?
Yes, you can substitute pastrami or corned beef with other deli meats like roast beef or turkey if you prefer. Adjust the seasoning and flavors accordingly to complement the chosen meat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Swiss cheese is traditionally used in a Reuben sandwich, you can experiment with other types of cheese.
For example, you can try using a combination of Swiss and cheddar or even incorporate a smoky cheese like Gouda for added flavor.
Can I omit the caraway seeds?
If you’re not a fan of caraway seeds or don’t have them on hand, you can omit them from the recipe. They add a distinct flavor, but the casserole will still be delicious without them.
Can I add additional ingredients like onions or peppers?
Absolutely! If you enjoy the combination of onions or peppers with your Reuben flavors, you can sauté them with the pastrami or corned beef before assembling the casserole. Simply layer them along with the meat in the baking dish.
Can I customize the flavors of the casserole?
Certainly! Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. You can incorporate ingredients like caramelized onions, sliced bell peppers, or even chopped pickles for additional flavors and textures.
Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences and enjoy your personalized Baked Rueben Casserole!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by omitting the pastrami or corned beef. Instead, you can use additional sauerkraut, sliced mushrooms, or even plant-based protein substitutes to create a flavorful and meat-free dish.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Simply assemble the layers of bread, meat, sauerkraut, and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to bake, pour the milk, egg, Thousand Island dressing, and mustard mixture over the top, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake as directed.