The Classic Roast Beef Reuben Recipe: Savory Deli Magic at Home

Hearty sandwiches have always held a special place in culinary traditions, and this roast beef reuben recipe brings a delightful twist to classic comfort food.

Layers of tender, juicy roast beef nestle between slices of perfectly toasted rye bread, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Tangy sauerkraut and melted swiss cheese complement the rich meat, while a zesty thousand island dressing adds a creamy punch.

The combination of warm, melted ingredients and crisp bread creates a sensational texture that satisfies every craving.

Each bite promises a harmony of savory and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

This sandwich transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredient List for Beef Reuben

• Roast Beef: Tender, thinly sliced meat that provides the primary protein for this classic sandwich.

• Rye Bread: Hearty bread with a distinctive tangy flavor that complements the sandwich's robust ingredients.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the sandwich.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

• Thousand Island Dressing, Sauerkraut: Tangy condiments that add zesty, traditional Reuben sandwich flavors and provide a perfect balance to the rich roast beef.

How to Make a Beef Reuben Sandwich

Step 1: Warm Up Your Cooking Surface

Fire up a skillet or griddle over medium heat, creating the perfect stage for your delicious sandwich adventure.

Step 2: Butter Up the Bread

Generously spread softened butter on one side of each rye bread slice, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.

Step 3: Position the First Layer

Carefully place 4 bread slices onto the heated surface, butter side facing down, creating a sizzling foundation for your sandwich.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Masterpiece

• Tender roast beef
• Tangy sauerkraut
• Creamy Thousand Island dressing
• Melty Swiss cheese

Step 5: Crown with Bread Topper

Place the remaining bread slices on top, butter side facing upward, completing your sandwich creation.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring the cheese becomes irresistibly melted.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while warm, ready to delight your taste buds with every savory bite.

Tips for Perfect Beef Reubens

• Choose tender, thinly sliced roast beef from your deli for maximum flavor and easy melting.
• Keep heat at medium to prevent burning bread while ensuring cheese melts perfectly and meat warms through.
• Pat sauerkraut dry with paper towels to avoid soggy sandwich and maintain crisp bread texture.
• Spread Thousand Island dressing evenly but sparingly to prevent overwhelming other ingredients.
• Use a spatula to lightly press sandwich, helping ingredients meld together and creating a compact, golden-brown exterior.

Ways to Remix Beef Reuben Sandwiches

• Veggie Reuben: Replace roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rye bread with lettuce wraps or use low-carb cauliflower bread for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Reuben: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and swap Thousand Island for chipotle mayo to create a zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free bread or cauliflower bread, ensure Thousand Island dressing is gluten-free, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.

Serve Beef Reuben with Sides

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve alongside crispy dill pickle spears and a small bowl of tangy coleslaw for a classic deli-style meal experience.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Add a side of hot potato chips or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich, savory sandwich flavors.
• Beverage Harmony: Complement the sandwich with a cold beer, sparkling water with lemon, or a classic deli-style iced tea to cut through the richness.
• Weekend Brunch Boost: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch centerpiece by adding a small fruit salad and serving with fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Storage for Beef Reuben Sandwiches

• Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep in sealed container for up to 2-3 days. Avoid leaving at room temperature for extended periods.
• Place cooled sandwiches in freezer-safe bags or wrap each separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date for tracking.
• Remove wrapping and place sandwich on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. Check cheese is melted and sandwich is heated evenly.

FAQs

• What makes a Reuben sandwich different from other sandwiches?

A Reuben is traditionally made with corned beef, but this version uses roast beef while keeping the classic ingredients like sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.

• Can I use a different type of bread if I don't have rye?

While rye bread is classic for a Reuben, you can substitute with sourdough or pumpernickel for a similar hearty flavor and texture.

• How do I know when the sandwich is perfectly cooked?

The sandwich is ready when the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per side on medium heat.

Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich Appeal

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This Reuben sandwich delivers classic deli flavors with minimal prep, perfect for satisfying hunger in minutes without complicated cooking techniques.
• Transform Leftovers Creatively: Utilize leftover roast beef and basic pantry ingredients to craft a restaurant-style meal that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Learn an easy grilling method that creates perfectly crispy, golden-brown sandwiches with melted cheese, guaranteed to impress family and friends at casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting quantities, making it flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

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• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches blend classic deli flavors with homemade comfort, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines tender roast beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese. Layers of rich ingredients nestled between perfectly toasted rye bread invite you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Roast Beef Reuben Recipe Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) roast beef, thinly sliced
• 8 slices rye bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Condiments and Additions:

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing

Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet or griddle to medium heat, ensuring even surface temperature for consistent toasting.
2. Apply a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each rye bread slice, creating a golden crisp exterior when grilled.
3. Position four bread slices butter-side down on the heated cooking surface, creating a stable sandwich foundation.
4. Generously layer roast beef across the bread, followed by a tangy spread of sauerkraut for sharp, pickled flavor.
5. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut, providing a creamy and zesty dimension to the sandwich.
6. Carefully distribute Swiss cheese atop the dressed layers, ensuring complete coverage for optimal melting.
7. Crown each sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning butter-side facing upward for balanced browning.
8. Grill sandwiches approximately 3-4 minutes per side, watching for rich golden-brown coloration and complete cheese melt.
9. Remove from heat, allow brief cooling, then slice diagonally to create visually appealing halves.
10. Serve immediately while sandwiches maintain maximum warmth and structural integrity.

Notes

• Choose lean, high-quality roast beef for a more tender and flavorful sandwich that melts in your mouth.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy bread and maintain the perfect crispy texture of the grilled sandwich.
• For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil or use a non-stick spray to reduce calories while keeping the golden-brown crispness.
• Consider gluten-free rye bread or lettuce wraps for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic Reuben-style creation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg