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Cheesy Reuben Casserole with Corned Beef

A bubbling pan of Cheesy Reuben Casserole with Corned Beef combines the cozy flavors of a Reuben sandwich in an easy, family-style casserole. It's creamy, satisfying, and perfect for potlucks or chilly evenings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Family
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

For the pasta, beef and cabbage
  • 12 oz rotini or medium pasta Rotini holds the sauce nicely, but you can substitute with penne, elbow, or shell pasta.
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage Alternatively, use savoy cabbage.
  • 1 tbsp salted butter For softening onion and corned beef.
  • 8 oz corned beef, diced Use leftover or deli corned beef.
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped About 1 cup.
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained, squeezed dry and chopped Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid.
For the cheese sauce
  • 4 tbsp salted butter For the cheese sauce base.
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce.
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper Add more to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Add more to taste after sauce is finished.
  • 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth May use vegetable broth as a substitute.
  • 1 1/4 cups milk Whole milk is recommended for richness.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard Provides Reuben flavor.
  • 3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce For savory depth.
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese About 8 oz.
For the topping
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs For a crisp topping.
  • 1 tbsp salted butter, melted To mix with breadcrumbs.
  • 1 tbsp shredded Parmesan Adds to the topping's flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh parsley Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually about nine minutes. Add the shredded cabbage for the last five minutes of cooking. Then drain both well without rinsing and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced corned beef and chopped onion, then cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens. Set aside.
  2. Melt four tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and black pepper, then cook for two minutes while stirring. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Keep whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and bubbles, then let it boil for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and cabbage with the chopped sauerkraut and corned beef mixture. Pour in the cheese sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the Panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and optional parsley. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Baking
  1. Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, until hot and bubbling with a golden, crisp topping. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Storage
  1. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. When reheating, add a splash of milk if the sauce needs loosening.

Notes

This casserole reheats well. Use cooked corned beef cut into small pieces for the best results. Ensure sauerkraut is drained thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.