Reuben Meatballs
Reuben Meatballs combine savory ground beef with tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and classic Reuben flavors, making a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for comfort food lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2/3 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cups sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons caraway seeds ⓘ
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the egg, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked rice.
- Crumble the ground beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into 15 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in an ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until browned; drain any excess fat.
- Arrange the rinsed and well-drained sauerkraut over the meatballs; sprinkle with caraway seeds.
- In a bowl, combine the undiluted condensed cream of mushroom soup and thousand island dressing; spread over the sauerkraut.
- Cover and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
- Uncover, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, optionally with rye bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried herbs like dill or oregano can work as substitutes. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs and make sure the dressing and soup are also gluten-free. Pairing these meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables complements the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Reuben meatballs hot, drizzled with extra thousand island dressing on the side. They pair wonderfully with rye bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving them alongside a creamy potato salad or some crispy coleslaw to complement the flavors. Browse more American recipes for a complete meal plan.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you're in a hurry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Reuben Meatballs contains roughly 390 calories, with 17g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1101mg per serving (48% 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 use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the lean ground beef if you prefer. Each option will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will all work well with the other ingredients. Adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if using a leaner meat to ensure they stay moist.
How can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatballs and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I serve with Reuben meatballs?
Reuben meatballs are versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider pairing them with a light cucumber salad or sweet potato fries for a contrast in flavors. For a comforting meal, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of hearty baked beans, which complement the rich flavors of the meatballs.
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).