The Ultimate Juicy Reuben Skillet Recipe – Your Favorite Sandwich Just Got a Skillet Makeover!
Craving that classic Reuben sandwich flavor but don’t want to deal with all the bread and mess?
Meet your new obsession: The Juicy Reuben Skillet.
It’s cheesy, meaty, tangy, and insanely satisfying — all made in one skillet. And yes, we’re talking about melty Swiss cheese, warm sauerkraut, tender corned beef, and a homemade Thousand Island dressing that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the spoon.
Whether you’re prepping for St. Patrick’s Day, feeding a crowd, or just want to treat yourself to a deli-style dinner at home — this skillet version of the iconic sandwich hits every single craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Skillet:
- 2–3 lb corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 (16 oz) jar sauerkraut, drained
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
For the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1 small dill pickle, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3–4 hours (for brisket)
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 hearty portions
- Calories: ~560 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Corned Beef
Start by preparing your corned beef brisket.
Place it in a large pot and cover with water. Add the included seasoning packet, 1 tablespoon brown mustard, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 3–4 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
Pro Tip: For an even deeper flavor, cook the brisket in beef broth or beer instead of water.
2. Slice It Up
Once cooked, remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice it thinly against the grain — this keeps the meat juicy and tender.
3. Sauté the Sauerkraut
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the drained sauerkraut and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps mellow the tanginess and adds warmth to the dish.
4. Build the Reuben Skillet
Add the sliced corned beef to the sauerkraut in the skillet. Toss gently to combine, then cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors start to come together.
5. Add the Cheese (The Best Part!)
Lay the Swiss cheese slices evenly across the top of the beef and sauerkraut mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Want it bubbly? Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Make the Thousand Island Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, brown mustard, finely chopped dill pickle, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until well combined and creamy.
This homemade dressing is leagues better than store-bought — tangy, creamy, with a little crunch.
7. Serve & Devour
Serve the Reuben skillet hot with a generous drizzle of the Thousand Island dressing on top.
You can enjoy it as-is, or serve it with toasted rye bread, crispy potatoes, or even over a bed of cabbage for a low-carb version.
Customize It!
- No corned beef? Use pastrami or roast beef.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle crispy onions on top before serving.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Low-carb option: Skip the bread and enjoy it bowl-style.
Storage & Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully!
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
- Freezing? Skip it — sauerkraut and cheese don’t freeze well together.