Perfect Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Zesty Roast Beef Reuben Recipe: A Comforting Twist on Classic

Crafting a mouthwatering roast beef Reuben sandwich brings pure culinary joy to hungry appetites.

Layers of tender meat promise a delightful flavor adventure waiting to unfold.

Crispy rye bread cradles rich, savory ingredients that dance together in delicious harmony.

Swiss cheese melts perfectly against warm, succulent beef slices.

Tangy sauerkraut and zesty russian dressing add unexpected depth to each incredible bite.

Every component tells a delectable story of comfort and satisfaction.

Let’s unlock this irresistible sandwich that will make your taste buds celebrate!

Roast Beef Reuben That Stands Out

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This Roast Beef Reuben delivers mouthwatering satisfaction in minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps.
  • Transform Leftovers Brilliantly: Repurpose roast beef and coleslaw into a gourmet sandwich that feels like a restaurant-quality meal without complex preparation.
  • Master Gourmet Grilling: Create a golden, crispy exterior and melty cheese interior by using basic skillet techniques that even novice cooks can confidently execute.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crossover: Blend classic Reuben sandwich elements with roast beef for a delicious twist that appeals to multiple taste preferences and works perfectly for casual lunches or family gatherings.

Ingredients Behind Roast Beef Reuben

Bread Base:
  • Bread Slices: Soft sandwich bread that provides a sturdy foundation for the sandwich.
Cheese and Protein:
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
  • Roast Beef: Tender, thinly sliced meat that serves as the main protein of the sandwich.
Sandwich Fillings and Enhancers:
  • Coleslaw, Dressing: Creamy, tangy mixture that adds moisture and zesty flavor to the sandwich.
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

How to Prepare Roast Beef Reuben

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Take your bread slices and generously spread Russian dressing on one side of each slice. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor impact.

Step 2: Layer the Cheese

Place a slice of Swiss cheese directly on top of the dressing for half of your bread pieces. The cheese will start to get deliciously soft from the warmth of the bread.

Step 3: Build the Sandwich Filling

Pile on tender roast beef slices and then add a hearty scoop of zesty coleslaw. This combination creates a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Step 4: Complete the Sandwich Assembly

Top the loaded bread slices with the remaining bread pieces, positioning the dressing-side face down to seal in all the delicious ingredients.

Step 5: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter until it’s sizzling and coating the pan’s surface.

The butter will help create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Grill the Sandwiches

Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot skillet.

Gently press down with a spatula to ensure even browning and help the cheese melt. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. Enjoy your mouth-watering Roast Beef Reuben!

Tips to Boost Roast Beef Reuben Flavor

  • Brush butter evenly to ensure golden, crispy exterior for maximum crunch and flavor.
  • Choose high-quality, thinly sliced roast beef for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother spreading and more consistent browning on bread.
  • Consider swapping coleslaw with sauerkraut for a traditional Reuben sandwich twist.
  • Opt for sourdough or rye bread to enhance the classic Reuben sandwich profile and add depth to the overall taste.

Flavor Variations to Enjoy with Roast Beef Reuben

  • Vegetarian Reuben: Replace roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu slices for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients like dressing are certified gluten-free.
  • Turkey Reuben Swap: Substitute roast beef with sliced deli turkey for a lighter protein version.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace bread with large lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps, creating a sandwich-style roll-up without traditional bread.

Side Dishes to Complement Roast Beef Reuben

  • Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these sandwiches in a cooler for a delightful outdoor meal with crisp potato chips and cold drinks.
  • Lunch Box Champion: Wrap the grilled sandwich tightly in parchment paper for an easy-to-transport midday meal that stays warm and delicious.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Cut the sandwiches into smaller triangles for bite-sized appetizers that football fans will devour during watch parties.
  • Dinner Side Kick: Serve alongside a light tomato soup or mixed green salad to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

Proper Storage of Roast Beef Reuben

  • Refrigerate leftover Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent sogginess and preserve texture.
  • Reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a small pat of butter to help crisp the bread and restore its original crunch.
  • Alternatively, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, which helps maintain the sandwich's structural integrity and prevents bread from becoming too soft.

FAQs

  • What makes a Reuben sandwich different from other sandwiches?

A Reuben traditionally includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, but this version uses roast beef and coleslaw for a unique twist that keeps the classic sandwich’s spirit alive.

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

Yes, you can easily substitute roast beef with pastrami, turkey, or corned beef depending on your preference or what you have available in your kitchen.

  • Do I need a special type of bread for this sandwich?

While classic Reuben sandwiches use rye bread, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread that can hold up to grilling and won’t fall apart when heated.

  • How can I make sure my sandwich gets crispy on the outside?
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Perfect Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Perfect Roast Beef Reuben Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent roast beef reuben sandwiches combine classic deli flavors with homemade comfort. Hearty layers of tender meat, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins and Cheese:

  • 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Base:

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 1 cup coleslaw

Condiments and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Generously coat one side of each bread slice with tangy dressing.
  2. Arrange a slice of Swiss cheese directly onto the dressed side of half the bread pieces.
  3. Create a hearty layer of roast beef atop the cheese, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Pile a generous helping of creamy coleslaw onto the roast beef.
  5. Cap the sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning the dressed side facing downward.
  6. Warm a skillet over medium heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and coat the cooking surface.
  7. Carefully position sandwiches in the heated skillet, applying gentle pressure with a spatula.
  8. Grill for 3-4 minutes until bread achieves a golden-brown crispness and cheese melts luxuriously.
  9. Transfer sandwiches from skillet, slice diagonally to showcase layered interior, and serve piping hot.

Notes

  • Spread dressing evenly and thinly to prevent soggy bread and ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Let Swiss cheese sit at room temperature before assembling to help it melt more smoothly and quickly during grilling.
  • Use crisp, well-drained coleslaw to maintain sandwich’s structural integrity and prevent excess moisture.
  • Swap butter with olive oil or mayo for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences like dairy-free cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: SautĂ©ing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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