Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this classic Reuben Bake! This recipe takes all the deliciousness of a traditional Reuben sandwich and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Forget soggy bread; this recipe delivers tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut all baked to perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef, cooked and slightly drained
- 1 (16 ounce) package sauerkraut, drained well
- 1 cup thousand island dressing
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 cups shredded potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and peel your potatoes, then use a box grater or food processor to shred them finely. Place the shredded potatoes in a large bowl and toss with melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures the potatoes are evenly seasoned and prevents them from sticking together.
Step 2: Assembling the Bake
In a large greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the shredded potatoes evenly across the bottom. This forms the base of our delicious Reuben Bake. Next, spread the drained sauerkraut evenly over the potatoes. Top the sauerkraut with all of the sliced corned beef, distributing it as evenly as possible. Drizzle generously with thousand island dressing, ensuring it's spread throughout. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it!
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once baked, let the Reuben Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve. It's delicious served hot, straight from the oven.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of caraway seeds to the potatoes before baking.
- Spice it up: Include a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the thousand island dressing for a spicy kick.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyere or provolone.
- Meal Prep Magic: This Reuben Bake can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Around 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
This hearty Reuben Bake is a fantastic example of delicious, homemade cooking. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option (when using lean corned beef and controlling portion sizes), and a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy this easy recipe and the wonderful flavors it brings to your table!