My family loves Corned Beef and Cabbage, also known as New England Boiled Dinner. Many Americans serve this dinner on St. Patrick‘s Day thinking the dish is Irish, although the Irish don’t serve it as the holiday meal on March 17th. There are always leftovers, and since my husband refuses to eat leftovers, I have to disguise them in new dishes so he doesn’t know I’m using them up. Reuben sandwiches (also not of Irish origin, but were developed in Jewish delis), are a great way to use up the Corned beef in a totally different way. Quick & Easy Reuben Bake is reminiscent of a good Reuben sandwich, but the components are layered in a casserole dish which eliminates the need to grill and makes it easy to serve.

I always cook a huge corned beef so I have leftovers for this yummy casserole. It is always a good way to use up whatever kind of rye or pumpernickel bread I have around so it doesn’t go to waste.

8 Servings


1 16 oz. jar sauerkraut

6 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small onion, halved and sliced

3 to 4 cups leftover cooked corned beef, trimmed of any fat and cut into small dice
1/2 cup chile sauce
1/2 cup light mayonnaise

2 cups Swiss cheese, grated

6 cups cubed rye bread, or pumpernickel or marble rye

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place the sauerkraut in a strainer over the sink. Rinse with cold water and press as much liquid as possible through the strainer. Spread the sauerkraut over the bottom of a 7" x 11" shallow baking dish.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a small skillet; add the onions and stir-fry until the onions are softened. Spread the onions over the sauerkraut.
4. Mix the corned beef with the chile sauce and mayonnaise. Spread the mixture over the onions. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the Swiss cheese.
5. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter; toss in the bread cubes so they are evenly coated. Cover the cheese with the bread cubes.
6. Bake 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and return to the oven for 15 minutes.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 603 Calories from Fat 279
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 46% Protein 18% Carb. 36%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 31 g
Saturated Fat 15 g
Cholesterol 109 mg
Sodium 1887 mg
Total Carbohydrate 54 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 27 g

Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 34% Calcium 0% Iron 24%