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Savory Reuben Bake

A delightful and comforting casserole that captures the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich with layers of pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, Family Dinner, Reuben
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb sliced pastrami or corned beef Provides juicy, meaty layers.
  • 2 tsp caraway seeds Adds an aromatic flavor.
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles Adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor.
  • 1 cup milk Provides moisture for a custard-like base.
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard Adds tanginess.
  • 6 slices rye bread The traditional bread for this dish.
  • 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese Adds creaminess and melts beautifully.
  • 1/3 cup Thousand Island or creamy dressing Enhances the flavors.
  • 3 large eggs, beaten Acts as a binding agent.
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can sauerkraut, drained Adds zestiness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch or 11x7-inch baking dish.
  • Cut 4 slices of rye bread into cubes and spread them across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  • Layer half of the sliced pastrami or corned beef over the bread cubes.
  • Add drained sauerkraut and chopped dill pickles over the meat, then sprinkle with 1 tsp of caraway seeds.
  • Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut and pickles.
  • Add the remaining slices of meat on top and press down lightly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and 1 tsp of caraway seeds on top.

Custard Mixture

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, beaten eggs, yellow mustard, and Thousand Island dressing until smooth.
  • Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire dish.

Baking

  • Process the leftover 2 slices of rye bread into breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
  • Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For variations, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms, and for a vegetarian version, swap meat for marinated tempeh or roasted vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for later use.