Reuben Meat Loaf(Makes 8 Servings)
A savory meat loaf combining corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, offering a flavorful twist on traditional comfort food. Its tangy and cheesy profile makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings that appreciate hearty, nostalgic flavors with a touch of deli-inspired goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) can sauerkraut ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can corned beef ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 4 oz. Swiss cheese shredded ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Rinse, drain, and coarsely chop the sauerkraut.
- Crumble the ground beef into a large bowl.
- Add the sauerkraut, bread crumbs, corned beef, egg, parsley, and garlic to the bowl.
- Mix until well blended.
- Pat half of the mixture into a shallow 1 1/2-quart round baking dish, forming a slight rim along the outer edge.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as pork or turkey, in place of the beef. You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with Gouda or mozzarella for a different taste. If you find the mixture too dry, add a splash more water or a bit of beef broth. Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Reuben Meat Loaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. A dollop of additional horseradish sauce on the side adds a nice kick. This dish pairs beautifully with a hearty rye bread or is perfect as a sandwich filling for a delicious lunch. For more ideas, explore other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Reuben Meat Loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and place in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Reuben Meat Loaf(Makes 8 Servings) contains roughly 510 calories, with 26g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the Reuben Meat Loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meat loaf before or after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How do I know when the meat loaf is cooked through?
To ensure the meat loaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F. Additionally, the meat should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear when pierced.
What can I substitute for the corned beef?
If you don't have corned beef, you can use shredded cooked brisket or even chopped deli corned beef. This will still provide the characteristic flavor while giving you some flexibility with ingredients. Just ensure it's well-drained before adding to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).