Hearty Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Easy Roast Beef Reuben Recipe: A Delightful Twist on Classic

Crafting a mouthwatering roast beef reuben sparks memories of deli counters and comfort food classics.

Layers of tender meat nestle between perfectly toasted bread with tangy sauerkraut.

Swiss cheese melts luxuriously, creating a golden blanket of richness.

Homemade thousand island dressing adds a zesty punch that ties everything together.

Crisp pickles provide a sharp contrast to the warm, succulent beef.

Salt and pepper dance across the surface, enhancing each remarkable bite.

Take this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary with our simple, delectable approach.

Flavorful Spins On Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich

  • Veggie Reuben: Replace roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all condiments are gluten-free certified.
  • Turkey Reuben Swap: Substitute roast beef with sliced deli turkey for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace bread with large lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps for a keto-friendly sandwich.

Serving Ideas For Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich

  • Comfort Sandwich Picnic: Pack these delightful Reuben sandwiches for an outdoor lunch with friends, wrapping them individually in parchment paper for easy transport and fresh taste.
  • Deli-Style Lunch Plate: Slice the grilled sandwich diagonally and serve alongside crisp dill pickles, coleslaw, and a small cup of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
  • Game Day Appetizer Twist: Cut sandwiches into small bite-sized quarters, securing with toothpicks to create perfect handheld party snacks that will be a crowd-pleaser during sports events or casual gatherings.
  • Hearty Weeknight Dinner: Pair the warm, golden-crusted sandwich with a light garden salad or hot tomato soup to transform this classic into a complete, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Proper Storage For Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich

  • Refrigerate leftover Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Store sandwiches flat in the refrigerator to prevent ingredients from shifting.
  • Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of roast beef?

Yes, you can substitute roast beef with corned beef, turkey, or pastrami for a similar flavor profile.

  • What if I don't like sauerkraut?

You can replace sauerkraut with coleslaw or pickles for a different tangy crunch.

  • Is there a way to make this sandwich without grilling?

You can use a panini press or toast the sandwich in an oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.

  • Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and grill just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich To Try

  • Quick Comfort Meal: Transform classic sandwich ingredients into a satisfying, hearty meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, lunch with friends, or a simple family dinner that everyone will love and devour instantly.
  • No-Fuss Cooking: Requires basic kitchen skills and just one pan, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious result without complicated techniques.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping roast beef for turkey, adding extra condiments, or adjusting cheese types to suit personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich

Main Ingredients:
  • Bread Slices: Sturdy white or rye bread that provides a crisp and golden base for the sandwich.
  • Roast Beef: Tender, thinly sliced meat that forms the primary protein of the Reuben sandwich.
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that adds creamy richness to the sandwich.
  • Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that brings a sharp and zesty flavor profile.
Condiment and Spread:
  • Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy and slightly sweet sauce that adds moisture and enhanced flavor to the sandwich.
  • Butter: Rich dairy spread that helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

How To Make Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare Sandwich Components

Grab your favorite rye bread and softened butter. Coat one side of each bread slice completely with a smooth, even layer of butter.

This will create a deliciously crispy exterior when grilled.

Step 2: Spread Zesty Dressing

Turn the bread slices over to the unbuttered side.

Generously spread Thousand Island dressing across each slice, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Layer Savory Ingredients

Arrange the sandwich fillings on 4 bread slices (unbuttered side up):
  • Tender roast beef slices
  • Tangy sauerkraut
  • Melty Swiss cheese

Step 4: Complete Sandwich Assembly

Top the layered ingredients with the remaining 4 bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing outward.

Press down gently to compact the sandwich.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Carefully place the sandwiches on the cooking surface. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer the hot, crispy Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches to serving plates. Cut diagonally if desired and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors immediately.

Tips For Roast Beef Reuben Sandwich

  • Choose high-quality roast beef for maximum flavor and tenderness in your sandwich.
  • Pat sauerkraut dry before adding to prevent soggy bread and maintain crispy texture.
  • Use room temperature butter for even spreading and better golden-brown crust on bread.
  • Select good-quality Swiss cheese that melts smoothly and provides creamy consistency.
  • Adjust heat carefully to ensure bread gets crispy without burning, watching sandwich closely during grilling.
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Hearty Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Hearty Roast Beef Reuben Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

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

Description

Classic roast beef reuben sandwiches blend savory meat with tangy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese between perfectly toasted rye bread. Sandwich enthusiasts will savor this hearty deli-style creation rich with traditional flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound roast beef, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Base:

  • 8 slices rye bread

Condiments and Extras:

  • 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained

Instructions

  1. Generously coat one exterior surface of each bread slice with softened butter for optimal golden-brown crispiness.
  2. Apply a smooth, even layer of Thousand Island dressing across the interior side of each bread piece, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Strategically arrange roast beef slices to create a substantial protein foundation on 4 bread pieces.
  4. Position sauerkraut directly atop the roast beef, distributing evenly for balanced tangy flavor distribution.
  5. Layer a single slice of Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut to enhance melting potential and create creamy texture.
  6. Carefully place remaining bread slices on top, ensuring buttered surfaces face outward for grilling.
  7. Preheat skillet or griddle to medium heat, approximately 350°F, creating an ideal temperature for uniform toasting.
  8. Gently place assembled sandwiches onto heated surface, allowing 3-4 minutes per side to achieve golden-brown exterior and completely melted cheese.
  9. Remove sandwiches when bread reaches crisp, caramelized state and cheese becomes luxuriously smooth.
  10. Transfer immediately to serving plate, slice diagonally, and serve while temperature remains hot and inviting.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality roast beef for maximum flavor and tenderness in your sandwich.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy bread and maintain crispy texture.
  • Experiment with different types of Swiss cheese like Emmental or Gruyère for unique taste variations.
  • Customize the sandwich for dietary needs by using gluten-free bread or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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