Marianne Martinez
Corned beef is a salt-cured beef product that is commonly associated with St. Patrick's Day. It can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker and is a great, inexpensive way to make a tender and tasty meal. Corned beef is a popular choice for sandwiches, especially the classic Reuben sandwich, which is made by layering corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese slices on rye bread. The beef can be cooked for 7 to 11 hours, depending on the recipe, and is often served with a side of potato chips, pickles, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 7-11 hours |
| Ingredients | Corned beef, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, Swiss cheese, beef broth, beer, onion, garlic, pickling spice, peppercorns, coriander, mustard seeds, sugar, bay leaves, yellow mustard, ground spices, carrots, red potatoes, cabbage |
| Crockpot temperature | Low |
| Sandwich preparation | Layer corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese slices on rye bread. Place open-faced sandwiches in a toaster oven and toast until cheese is melted. |
| Serving suggestions | Potato chips, sweet peas, pickles, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, bread |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the ingredients
To prep the ingredients for a crockpot Reuben, you'll need to gather the following: corned beef, sauerkraut, bread, cheese, butter, and some additional spices and flavourings.
For the corned beef, it's recommended to use a flat cut, which is easier to find, leaner, and will be tender and flavourful when cooked properly. You can also use a point cut, which is fattier and more marbled. If your corned beef comes with a pickling spice packet, you can use this, or you can make your own spice mix with peppercorns, coriander, mustard seeds, sugar, and bay leaves.
Rinse and drain the sauerkraut before using, and if you want to make your own, simply slice up a cabbage, mash it to release the liquid, then stuff it into a mason jar with salt and seasonings of your choice (caraway seeds, garlic, and jalapenos work well).
For the bread, you can use rye bread, pumpernickel rye, or gluten-free rye, depending on your preference.
Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben, but you can use any cheese you like that melts well.
To make a simple thousand island dressing, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Cooking the beef
Corned beef is a salt-cured beef product that is perfect for making Reuben sandwiches. It is best cooked slowly, which makes a Crock-Pot® an ideal vessel for preparing this cut of meat.
To begin, you will need to select your corned beef. A flat cut is lean and easier to find, making it a good option. Place the corned beef in the slow cooker and sprinkle with the pickling spice packet that comes with it. You can also make your own spice mix by grinding peppercorns, coriander, mustard seeds, sugar, and bay leaves into a coarse mix. Coat the corned beef in mustard and then with the spices.
Add in 4 cups of beef broth and set your slow cooker to low for 8-9 hours. If you want to add vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, add them halfway through the cooking time to prevent them from overcooking. You can also add cabbage, but only during the last hour of cooking.
For a Reuben sandwich, cook the corned beef for 7 to 8 hours, or until the brisket is very tender. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
You can also make a Reuben casserole in the Crock-Pot®. Layer half the cubed gluten-free rye bread at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by half the corned beef. Pour half of the Thousand Island dressing mixture, which you can make yourself by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Repeat the layers and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Making the dressing
If you prefer a more tangy and zesty flavour profile, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Alternatively, for those who enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika can be added to give it a subtle kick.
For those who want to explore different flavour profiles, there are other dressing options that can be used in a Reuben sandwich. Russian dressing, for example, is a popular alternative that offers a slightly different taste experience. It is typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, along with a blend of spices and seasonings.
Additionally, some people choose to use brown mustard as a condiment on their Reuben sandwiches, either as a substitute for the Thousand Island dressing or as an additional topping. This can be a good option for those who prefer a more savoury and tangy flavour.
When preparing the dressing, it is important to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This ensures that the dressing complements the other flavours in the sandwich, such as the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
Finally, it is worth noting that the amount of dressing you make can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and the number of sandwiches you plan to prepare.
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Assembling the sandwich
Once you've cooked your corned beef in the crock pot, it's time to assemble your Reuben sandwich.
First, heat a flat-top griddle to medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread buttered-side down on the griddle. Top half of the bread slices with a slice of cheese and allow to cook for a few minutes.
On the other side of the griddle, add two to three slices of corned beef in two piles. Top the corned beef with some sauerkraut, a spoonful of dressing, and some more cheese. Place a metal bowl over the ingredients and add a splash of water to help melt the cheese. Allow everything to cook until it's melty and warmed through, which should take about two minutes.
Once the cheese has melted, place the corned beef on top of the bread slices and sandwich them together. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread and ingredients to make four sandwiches in total.
If you prefer, you can assemble open-faced sandwiches by layering corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese slices on rye bread. Place the open-faced sandwiches in a toaster oven and toast until the cheese is melted, which should take about five minutes. Serve with Thousand Island dressing as a condiment. You can substitute brown mustard for the Thousand Island dressing if you prefer.
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Serving suggestions
The classic Reuben sandwich is made by stuffing toasted rye bread with corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. The key to success is to keep everything nice and hot.
You can also add sliced onions (either raw or cooked) for more heat. Swap the mayonnaise for butter to grill the sandwich, ensuring it's at a spreadable room temperature so you don't tear the bread.
If you're looking for a heartier meal, try a Reuben casserole made in a crockpot. It's a simple dish that combines corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island (or Russian) dressing, sour cream, rye bread, and Swiss cheese. The crockpot cooking method ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly.
For a traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration, serve your corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. You can also add corned beef to eggs and make a hash.
Some classic deli sides that go well with corned beef include potato chips, sweet peas, pickles, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Corned beef takes between 7 to 11 hours to cook in a crock pot on a low heat setting.
You will need corned beef, sauerkraut, beef broth, and spices. You can also add onion, garlic, and beer.
To assemble a Reuben sandwich, spread dressing on each slice of bread. Top with cheese, sauerkraut, and corned beef. Place the second slice of bread on top. You can cook the sandwich on a pan or griddle until golden and crisp.
