If you're a corned beef lover, this Reuben sandwich, after enjoying a traditional St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner, is one of the absolute best ways to use the leftovers.
Hot, crispy grilled Reuben is an amazing, flavorful, hearty sandwich.
This deli classic stacks tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted Swiss cheese between slices of buttery grilled rye bread.
The result is a savory, melty sandwich with the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and rich flavors—just like you’d find at a great deli or restaurant.
We love this sandwich all year long and especially after we have slow-cooked our Corned Beef in Guinness Beer, which truly makes the best-tasting Reuben sandwiches.
Why You Will Love This Reuben Sandwich
- Perfect for leftover corned beef or deli meats – transforms corned beef into something completely different
- Quick and easy – ready in about 15 minutes
- Restaurant-quality in your own kitchen – crispy bread and gooey melted cheese
- Great combination of flavors – salty beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing
- Perfect lunch or casual dinner
Helpful Tips When Making a Simple Reuben Sandwich
- Drain the sauerkraut well to avoid soggy bread
- Warm the corned beef slightly first for even melting
- Cook on medium heat so the bread crisps without burning
- Use a panini press if you want evenly pressed sandwiches
- Add extra cheese if you want a more indulgent sandwich
Additional Variations and Breads to Use
- Turkey Reuben: Replace corned beef with sliced turkey and use coleslaw instead of sauerkraut.
- Spicy Reuben: Add spicy mustard or sliced pickled jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve the fillings grilled in a skillet and wrap in lettuce leaves.
- Marble rye – classic deli flavor Sourdough – tangy and extra crisp
- Pumpernickel – deep, earthy flavor
- Pretzel bread – fantastic with corned beef, Jewish rye with caraway seeds – traditional deli styl
- Texas toast – thick slices for a hearty sandwich
Pin for Later
Leftover Corned Beef
Although we just love leftover corned beef in a Cabbage, Potato and Corned Beef Soup, this Reuben sandwich is the first recipe we make after having an Old Fashioned St. Patrick's Day feast of plain Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage meal.
One other delicious sauce/dressing to try on this sandwich, and so easy to make yourself, homemade Thousand Island Dressing, it will definitely bring your sandwich to a complete 10 in flavors!
Just follow these easy instructions to make this simple classic Reuben sandwich below.
Simple Reuben Sandwich
Yield: 4
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 25 Min
A delicious sandwich packed with loads of corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, then dressing with a Thousand Island sauce. This simple sandwich is celebrated and popular on St. Patrick's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of Deli sliced corned beef, more if needed for a larger family this makes around 4 thick sandwiches
- (or use leftover Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe)
- 1 can of bavarian style sauerkraut, drained
- 1 package of sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 bottle of Thousand Island dressing or homemade
- 1 loaf of seeded or seedless rye bread or marbled rye bread
- Irish butter at room temperature or whipped butter
Instructions
- First place two slices of rye bread and butter each one on just one side.
- In a large frypan, lay one slice buttered side down.
- Layer starting with cheese, drained and pat dry sauerkraut next,
- Thousand Island Dressingthen add the meat and end with more cheese.
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large electric frypan or griddle.
- Place another slice of bread on top to make a sandwich.
- I cover it so the cheese melts faster.
- Toast on both sides on low heat until both sides are browned evenly.
- Serve with more thousand island dressing to dip the sandwich in.
Calories
587.11Fat (grams)
38.76Sat. Fat (grams)
15.72Carbs (grams)
25.46Fiber (grams)
3.18Net carbs
22.28Sugar (grams)
4.11Protein (grams)
32.80Sodium (milligrams)
1740.99Cholesterol (grams)
151.11Pin for Later
More Recipes To Try
Best St. Patrick's Day Roundup
Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2010. It was edited and re-published in 2021.
