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Ultimate Reuben Casserole: Transform St. Patrick’s Day Leftovers into a Savory Masterpiece

Are you looking for an incredible way to utilize those delicious St. Patrick’s Day leftovers? Or perhaps you need a comforting, hearty dish to conquer a post-celebration hangover? Look no further! This Reuben Casserole recipe takes the classic corned beef hash to an entirely new level, infusing it with the iconic flavors of a beloved Reuben sandwich. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Gather your leftover corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes, and let’s dive into making this absolutely irresistible casserole.

The Genesis of a “Nextover” Delight: From Hash to Reuben Casserole

The inspiration for this magnificent dish emerged organically, much like many great culinary innovations. What started as a quest to elevate a basic corned beef hash soon evolved into something far more exciting. As I was layering in ingredients and rummaging through the fridge, a revelation struck: the distinct components of a Reuben sandwich were all within reach. The rich, savory corned beef, the tangy gherkin pickles I found, and the desire for a creamy, zesty sauce on top – it all pointed to one thing. This wasn’t just a hash; it was destined to be a Reuben Casserole.

The true confirmation came when I presented it to my mom. Her immediate reaction – “This tastes just like a Reuben!” – sealed its fate. Given that the Reuben sandwich is her absolute favorite, her endorsement was the ultimate stamp of approval. This dish perfectly marries the heartiness of a casserole with the unmistakable flavors of a Reuben. It’s a brilliant way to give your St. Patrick’s Day bounty – corned beef, tender cabbage, and perfectly cooked potatoes – a second life as an extra special “Nextover” meal that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Just add a touch of remoulade or Thousand Island dressing, and you’re in for a treat!

Crafting Your Perfect Reuben Casserole: Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

The beauty of this Reuben Casserole lies in its simplicity and the ability to transform humble leftovers into a gourmet experience. While the core ingredients are crucial for capturing that authentic Reuben flavor, there’s always room for a touch of personalization. Here’s a deeper look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to your preferences:

The Star Components:

Corned Beef: The foundation of our casserole. Diced, cooked corned beef is ideal. If you don’t have leftovers, you can easily cook a small brisket or purchase pre-cooked corned beef from your deli. The rich, salty, and slightly spiced flavor of corned beef is irreplaceable in this dish.
Green Cabbage: Often served alongside corned beef, leftover steamed or roasted cabbage adds a wonderful texture and mild sweetness that balances the savory meat. Ensure it’s diced to integrate well into the casserole.
Red Potatoes: Whether steamed, roasted, or even mashed, diced red potatoes contribute to the casserole’s hearty and comforting nature. They absorb the flavors beautifully and provide a satisfying base. Feel free to use other potato varieties if red potatoes aren’t available.
Irish Cheddar Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional for a Reuben sandwich, Irish Cheddar brings a sharp, creamy tang that complements the other ingredients perfectly and melts into a glorious golden crust. You can certainly substitute with Gruyère or Swiss for a more classic Reuben cheese profile.
Remoulade Sauce or Thousand Island Dressing: This is where the magic happens! A generous drizzle of either sauce is essential for that signature Reuben taste. Remoulade offers a piquant, zesty flavor, while Thousand Island provides a sweeter, creamier alternative. Don’t skip this component; it ties all the flavors together.
Gherkin Pickles: Chopped gherkin pickles introduce a crucial element of tartness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. They provide that quintessential sour counterpoint that defines a Reuben.
Green Onions (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a hint of oniony freshness and a vibrant color, offering a pleasant garnish and a mild, aromatic bite.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Delicious Reuben Casserole

Creating this Reuben Casserole is incredibly straightforward, especially when working with pre-cooked leftovers. It’s designed for ease and maximum flavor payoff with minimal effort. Here’s how you bring it all together:

Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure all your corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes are already cooked and diced. This recipe shines brightest when using those ready-to-go St. Patrick’s Day components. Having everything prepped makes the assembly process smooth and quick.
Warm and Combine: In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here), heat a touch of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add your diced corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are thoroughly warmed through and slightly caramelized. This step ensures an even temperature throughout and develops deeper flavors.
Cheesy Topping: Once your base is hot and fragrant, evenly sprinkle the Irish cheddar cheese (or your chosen cheese) over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface, creating a delicious blanket of melting goodness.
Broil to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your oven and place it under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it! Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and has achieved a golden-brown, slightly crispy crust. The broiler is key to achieving that perfect top layer that makes casseroles so appealing.
The Finishing Touches: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Drizzle generously with your chosen remoulade sauce or Thousand Island dressing. The warmth of the casserole will slightly soften the sauce, allowing it to meld with the other flavors.
Add Tang and Freshness: Scatter the chopped gherkin pickles over the sauce. Their bright acidity is a wonderful contrast. If using, sprinkle fresh green onions over the top for a final flourish of color and mild oniony bite.
Serve and Savor: This Reuben Casserole is best enjoyed immediately, straight from the skillet. Serve it as a comforting brunch, a hearty lunch, or a satisfying dinner. Each spoonful delivers a burst of classic Reuben flavors in a warm, comforting package.

📖 Recipe

Reuben Casserole

This is a recipe that utilizes your leftover corned beef and cabbage from St. Patricks Day. It is the bulk of the recipe but could be made anytime you want a little bit of those flavors.

Ingredients

2 cups Corned Beef, cooked, diced
2 cups Green Cabbage, roasted or steamed, diced
2 cup Red Potatoes, steamed and diced or mashed
2 cups Irish Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Remoulade Sauce or Thousand Island Dressing
¼ cup Gherkin Pickles, chopped
Green Onions, chopped – optional

Instructions

In a large, oven-safe skillet heated over medium-high heat, cook the diced corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes until warmed through and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
Evenly sprinkle the Irish cheddar cheese over the warmed ingredients in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle generously with remoulade sauce or Thousand Island dressing, then scatter the chopped gherkin pickles and green onions (if using) over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

To ensure your Reuben Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and creative variations:

Tips for the Best Casserole:

Even Dicing: For uniform cooking and easy eating, ensure your corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes are diced into roughly similar-sized pieces.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the ingredients in two batches to ensure proper browning and warming, rather than steaming them.
Broiler Vigilance: Broilers can be very powerful. Stay by your oven when broiling the cheese to prevent burning. It can go from perfectly golden to charred in seconds.
Season to Taste: Corned beef is typically salty, so taste before adding extra salt. Freshly ground black pepper can enhance the flavors.
Quality Sauce Matters: Use a high-quality Thousand Island or remoulade for the best flavor. You can also make your own from scratch for an extra special touch.

Creative Variations to Explore:

Cheese Swap: While Irish Cheddar is fantastic, try classic Swiss cheese for an even more authentic Reuben flavor, or even some Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt.
Add Onions or Peppers: Sauté some diced onions or bell peppers with the corned beef and potatoes for added depth and sweetness.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in your remoulade can give your casserole a subtle kick.
Rye Bread Crumble: For an extra nod to the Reuben sandwich, toast and crumble a slice or two of rye bread and sprinkle it over the cheese before broiling for a crispy, flavorful topping.
Baked Casserole Style: If you prefer a more traditional baked casserole, combine all ingredients (except half the cheese and the sauce/pickles) in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then broil for the last few minutes. Add sauce and pickles after baking.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and the Enduring Appeal of Leftovers

This Reuben Casserole is a dish that truly stands on its own, offering a complete and satisfying meal. However, a few accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. For those who enjoy a heartier side, a slice of toasted rye bread is a natural pairing, echoing the origins of the Reuben sandwich.

Leftovers of this casserole are just as delightful, if not more so, the next day! To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, or for a crispier result, reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through. Adding a fresh drizzle of sauce and pickles upon reheating can revive its vibrant flavors.

The tradition of transforming holiday leftovers into new and exciting meals is a cherished one. This Reuben Casserole perfectly embodies that spirit, showcasing how thoughtful reinvention can turn a collection of individual ingredients into a cohesive, comforting, and incredibly delicious dish. It’s not just about minimizing food waste; it’s about maximizing flavor and creating new culinary memories with familiar tastes.

Did you make this incredibly flavorful Reuben Casserole? I’d love to hear about it! Please share your experience by leaving a review or comment below. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get the latest recipes and culinary tips straight to your inbox, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more delicious inspiration!