Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Tangy Roast Beef Reuben Recipe: A Bold Twist on Classic Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering roast beef Reuben sandwich combines classic deli flavors with homemade comfort.

Layers of tender, succulent meat promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Swiss cheese melts perfectly between rye bread slices, creating rich textures.

Tangy sauerkraut adds a zesty crunch that complements the savory beef.

Creamy russian dressing brings everything together with its signature bold taste.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make sandwich magic happen!

What Goes Into Roast Beef Reuben

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Roast Beef: A tender, flavorful meat that serves as the protein base for this classic sandwich.
  • Swiss Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to the sandwich.
  • Bread: A sturdy slice that provides the perfect crispy exterior and holds all the ingredients together.
For the Condiments and Spreads:
  • Thousand Island Dressing, Sauerkraut: Classic Reuben sandwich toppings that provide tangy and zesty flavor profiles.
For the Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilled and adds a rich, smooth taste to the bread.

How To Make Roast Beef Reuben

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Activate your skillet or griddle by setting it to medium heat, allowing it to warm up evenly for the perfect sandwich sear.

Step 2: Butter the Bread Slices

Take each slice of bread and generously spread softened butter on one side, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Layer the Delicious Ingredients

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

Step 4: Create the Sandwich Sandwich

Top the layered ingredients with another slice of bread, positioning the buttered side facing outward.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the assembled sandwich onto the heated cooking surface, allowing it to transform into a crispy, golden delight for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Finish

Skillfully turn the sandwich to the other side, continuing to cook until the cheese becomes wonderfully melted and gooey.

Step 7: Repeat and Serve

Duplicate the process for additional sandwiches, then plate these hot, crispy Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches and prepare to indulge in a flavor explosion.

Helpful Hints For Roast Beef Reuben

  • Choose lean, high-quality roast beef for maximum flavor and tender texture.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms and maintain crispy bread.
  • Toast bread slowly over medium heat to achieve golden-brown color without burning the edges.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar for unique taste variations.
  • Press sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling to help ingredients meld together and create a compact, delicious meal.

Creative Twists For Roast Beef Reuben

  • Spicy Southwest Reuben: Replace Thousand Island dressing with chipotle mayo, add sliced jalapeños, and swap Swiss cheese for pepper jack for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Roast Beef Reuben: Use olive tapenade instead of sauerkraut, add roasted red peppers, switch to provolone cheese, and spread herb-infused aioli for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Smoky BBQ Reuben: Layer roast beef with smoky barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, and smoked gouda cheese for a rich, tangy profile.

Best Pairings With Roast Beef Reuben

  • Deli-Style Lunch Platter: Arrange sliced Roast Beef Reuben sandwiches on a wooden board with dill pickles, extra sauerkraut, and crispy potato chips for a restaurant-inspired presentation.
  • Game Day Party Bites: Cut sandwiches into smaller triangles, securing with toothpicks for easy finger food during sports watching or casual gatherings. Serve with tangy dipping sauce.
  • Picnic Perfect Wrap: Wrap the warm sandwich in parchment paper, pack with cold drinks and fresh coleslaw for an easy outdoor meal. Ideal for park lunches or beach trips.
  • Comfort Food Combo: Pair the sandwich with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, creating a classic comfort food duo that warms and satisfies hungry diners.

Keeping Roast Beef Reuben Fresh

  • Store leftover roast beef Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Warm sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for a Roast Beef Reuben?

The key ingredients are roast beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese, and buttered bread slices.

  • Can I use a different type of meat if I don't have roast beef?

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

  • How do I know when the sandwich is perfectly grilled?

The sandwich is ready when the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Reasons To Love Roast Beef Reuben

  • Create Gourmet Restaurant Experience: Recreate the famous Olive Garden classic right in your kitchen, delivering restaurant-quality flavors without stepping outside.
  • Master Simple Culinary Skills: Learn an easy technique to cook tender chicken and create a creamy, rich sauce that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking expertise.
  • Perfect Crowd-Pleaser Meal: Satisfy everyone's comfort food cravings with a classic pasta dish that combines juicy chicken and velvety sauce, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy households looking for a fast and flavorful dinner option.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Roast Beef Reuben Recipe

Roast Beef Reuben Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Roast beef reuben sandwiches blend classic deli flavors into a mouthwatering meal. Melted swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty russian dressing create a perfect combination you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb roast beef, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sauerkraut, drained
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Thousand Island dressing
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Warm the skillet or griddle to medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface.
  2. Generously coat one side of each bread slice with softened butter for a golden, crispy exterior.
  3. Arrange roast beef slices on the unbuttered side of the bread, creating an even layer of meat.
  4. Distribute tangy sauerkraut over the roast beef, ensuring balanced coverage.
  5. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing across the sauerkraut for added zesty flavor.
  6. Layer Swiss cheese on top of the dressing, allowing it to melt and bind the ingredients.
  7. Carefully place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing outward.
  8. Transfer the assembled sandwich to the heated skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns a rich, golden brown.
  9. Gently flip the sandwich using a spatula, pressing lightly to encourage even browning and cheese melting.
  10. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the second side achieves a crisp, golden texture and the cheese becomes completely melted.
  11. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

  • Rotate the sandwich occasionally to ensure even browning and prevent burning during grilling.
  • Choose high-quality deli roast beef for maximum flavor and tenderness in the sandwich.
  • Consider using rye bread for an authentic Reuben-style experience with deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil spray and use low-fat Swiss cheese to reduce overall calories.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 555 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star