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Slow Cooker Reubens With Corned Beef Brisket

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  • #55434

Everybody knows that a good Reuben needs sauerkraut and Thousand Island, so seeing them in this recipe is no revelation. But slow-cooking the corned beef right along with the 'kraut and dressing to infuse it with all those crucial flavors? That's a breakthrough.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  2-5 hrs
Rating: 5/5

1 review

ingredients

3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
1 jar (16 ounce size) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup bottled Thousand Island salad dressing
16 slices rye swirl bread, toasted
8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
additional bottled Thousand Island salad dressing

directions

Trim any excess fat from the brisket. Place the brisket in the crock pot (cut it if needed to fit).

Sprinkle the meat with the spices in the packet. Evenly spread the sauerkraut over the top. Drizzle the sauerkraut with the Thousand Island dressing.

Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender.

Remove the corned beef from the crock pot and place on a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thin slices. Return the corned beef to the crock pot and mix well with the sauerkraut and dressing.

Remove the sliced brisket from the crock pot using a slotted spoon and pile it on half of the toasted bread slices. Top each with sliced Swiss cheese and drizzle lightly with additional Thousand Island dressing.

Top with remaining toasted bread slices. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.


crock pot notes

Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.

recipe tips


Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.

Toast the bread just before assembling the sandwiches to keep it from becoming soggy.

For a crunchier texture, consider grilling the assembled sandwich like a grilled cheese.

Adding a layer of coleslaw to the sandwich can add a little crunch.

If the sauerkraut is too tangy, mix it with a little sugar before adding to the crock pot to balance the flavors.

Try different types of rye bread, such as marble rye or pumpernickel.

Try adding a layer of pickles for an extra tangy crunch.

To make a creamier dressing, mix in a bit of mayonnaise with the Thousand Island dressing.

Prepare extra corned beef and freeze in portions for quick and easy future meals.

common recipe questions


What is the best way to trim the fat from corned beef brisket?

Trim off the excess fat with a sharp knife, leaving a thin layer for flavor.

How can I make sure the corned beef brisket fits in my crock pot?

If the brisket is too large, cut it into smaller pieces that will comfortably fit in the crock pot. Try to keep the pieces in equal sizes so they cook evenly.

What is the purpose of rinsing and draining the sauerkraut?

Rinsing and draining the sauerkraut removes excess brine, reducing the overall saltiness of the dish.

Can I substitute the Thousand Island dressing?

Yes, you can use Russian dressing or make a homemade version of Thousand Island dressing as a substitute.

How do I know when the corned beef is tender?

The corned beef is tender when it easily flakes apart with a fork, typically after 4-6 hours on low heat in the crock pot.

What does it mean to slice the meat against the grain?

Slicing against the grain means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers, which makes the meat more tender and easier to chew.

Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?

Yes, you can slow cook the corned beef in a covered oven-safe pot at a low temperature (around 300 degrees F) in the oven, but you'll need to adjust cooking times.

How can I serve the Reuben sandwiches if I'm avoiding bread?

Serve the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese as a low-carb bowl, topping it with Thousand Island dressing.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.


nutrition data

676 calories, 41 grams fat, 37 grams carbohydrates, 39 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. VegasGrammie REVIEW:

    This was THE best tasting corned beef EVER!! Thank you so much for this idea! Had such a craving for a deli type Reuben sandwich and will make this again!

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