Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Try This Zesty Roast Beef Reuben Recipe Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering roast beef Reuben takes skill and passion that transforms an ordinary sandwich into a culinary adventure.

Layers of tender meat, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese create a symphony of flavors.

Deli-style perfection emerges when quality ingredients meet thoughtful preparation.

Rye bread provides the perfect canvas for this classic combination.

Rich, savory roast beef pairs wonderfully with zesty russian dressing.

Our carefully developed technique ensures each bite delivers maximum deliciousness.

Come hungry and ready to experience a sandwich that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Roast Beef Reuben Recipe Features

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this delicious Reuben sandwich in minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings.
  • Transform Leftovers Creatively: Repurpose leftover roast beef into a gourmet sandwich that feels like a restaurant-quality meal without extensive preparation.
  • Master Classic Deli Flavors: Enjoy the iconic combination of tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and zesty Thousand Island dressing that captures traditional deli sandwich magic.
  • Perfect for Casual Gatherings: Impress friends and family with a crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to make and guaranteed to please different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Roast Beef Reuben

Main Ingredients:
  • Roast Beef: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the protein base for this classic sandwich.
  • Rye Bread: A hearty bread with a distinctive tangy flavor that provides the perfect foundation for the Reuben.
  • Swiss Cheese: A mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to the sandwich.
  • Sauerkraut: A tangy, fermented cabbage that brings a zesty and traditional element to the Reuben.
Condiments and Spreads:
  • Thousand Island Dressing, Butter: A creamy dressing that adds tang and richness, with butter providing a golden, crispy exterior to the bread.
Seasonings and Optional Extras:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that can enhance the overall flavor of the sandwich if desired.

How to Prepare Roast Beef Reuben

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat, creating the perfect cooking surface for your delicious sandwich adventure.

Step 2: Butter the Bread Beauties

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

Step 3: Layer the Flavor Explosion

On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, create a mouthwatering stack with:
  • Tender roast beef
  • Tangy sauerkraut
  • Melty Swiss cheese
  • Creamy Thousand Island dressing

Step 4: Crown with Bread

Top the loaded slices with the remaining bread pieces, buttered side facing upward.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the sandwiches in the heated skillet, cooking until the bottom turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Melt

Gently flip the sandwiches, allowing the other side to crisp up and the cheese to melt into gooey deliciousness.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove from the skillet, slice the sandwiches diagonally, and serve piping hot for an irresistible meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips for Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

  • Spread butter smoothly and consistently on bread to ensure perfect golden-brown crispiness and even toasting.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly crispy exterior while melting cheese thoroughly.
  • Place roast beef and cheese close to bread surface for optimal melting and flavor distribution.
  • Use fresh, high-quality roast beef, authentic Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut for maximum flavor impact.
  • Allow sandwich to sit for a minute after grilling to help cheese set and flavors meld together.

Variation Ideas for Roast Beef Reuben

  • Vegetarian Reuben: Replace roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread instead of rye bread and ensure all condiments are gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap bread with large lettuce leaves and wrap ingredients inside for a lighter meal.
  • Turkey Reuben: Substitute roast beef with sliced turkey breast for a leaner protein option.

Pairing Suggestions for Roast Beef Reuben

  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange sandwich halves on a rustic wooden board with pickles, extra dressing, and fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer spread.
  • Sides That Shine: Serve alongside crispy potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad to complement the rich, savory sandwich.
  • Beverage Pairing Perfection: Match the robust roast beef Reuben with a cold beer, crisp pilsner, or a zesty craft ale that cuts through the sandwich's richness.
  • Picnic-Ready Option: Wrap individually in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go lunch that travels well and maintains its delicious warm flavor.

Best Storage for Roast Beef Reuben

  • Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Carefully wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Place in freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • Unwrap sandwich and reheat in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread turns crispy.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap, place sandwich on baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

  • What makes this different from a classic Reuben sandwich?

This version uses roast beef instead of traditional corned beef, giving it a unique twist while keeping the classic Reuben flavor profile.

  • Can I make this sandwich without a skillet?

While a skillet is ideal, you can use a griddle or panini press to achieve similar golden-brown results and melted cheese.

  • Is it okay to substitute ingredients?

Yes, you can swap rye bread for sourdough, use pastrami instead of roast beef, or choose a different cheese like provolone if Swiss isn’t available.

  • How can I ensure the sandwich doesn't fall apart while cooking?

Use medium heat, press gently with a spatula, and make sure to butter the bread’s exterior for better structural integrity and even browning.

Print
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Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Roast Beef Reuben Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Hearty roast beef reuben sandwiches showcase classic deli flavors with tender meat, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese. Diners and home chefs can savor this comforting midwestern classic that brings robust flavor to lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced roast beef
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Base:

  • 4 slices rye bread

Condiments and Toppings:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sauerkraut, drained
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Thousand Island dressing
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet to medium heat, preparing for a crispy sandwich transformation.
  2. Generously coat one side of each rye bread slice with smooth, rich butter.
  3. Arrange roast beef in a tender layer on the unbuttered side of two bread slices, creating a savory foundation.
  4. Distribute tangy sauerkraut evenly over the roast beef, adding a zesty crunch to the sandwich.
  5. Drape Swiss cheese across the sauerkraut, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
  6. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing to infuse the sandwich with creamy, tangy flavor.
  7. Crown the layered ingredients with the remaining bread slices, buttered exterior facing outward.
  8. Carefully transfer sandwiches to the heated skillet, allowing the first side to develop a golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes.
  9. Gently flip the sandwiches, continuing to cook until the second side achieves a similar rich, crispy texture.
  10. Verify the Swiss cheese has melted completely, creating a luscious, gooey interior.
  11. Remove from skillet, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality deli roast beef for the most tender and flavorful sandwich experience.
  • Toast bread slowly to achieve a perfect golden-brown crispness without burning the edges.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich syndrome and maintain a delightful crunch.
  • Consider using a cast-iron skillet for an even, beautiful golden-brown exterior and enhanced heat distribution.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 730 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1500 mg
  • Fat: 46 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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