If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but crave a fun, handheld twist, you are going to adore this Reuben Tacos Recipe. It takes all the iconic ingredients you know and love—tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, and a creamy Russian dressing—and wraps them up in soft, warm tortillas for an irresistible fusion that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up a casual lunch or impressing friends at a gathering, these Reuben tacos bring a delightful crunch and a punch of flavor in every bite that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Reuben Tacos Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the creamy dressing to the tender corned beef, so let’s dive into these simple but essential components.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base for the Russian dressing that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Ketchup (or ketchup-style chili sauce): Adds a subtle sweetness and tang that enhances the dressing’s depth.
- Prepared horseradish: Gives the dressing a gentle kick, complementing the savory beef perfectly.
- Onion powder: Infuses a mild, savory note without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash adds umami complexity to the dressing.
- Salt: To adjust seasoning and bring all flavors into harmony.
- 8-inch flour taco tortillas: Soft and pliable, these are perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
- Russian dressing: The heart of the taco’s flavor, made fresh as per the recipe to provide a tangy, creamy kick.
- Leftover corned beef (diced): Tender, savory, and the star protein of the dish.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create a luscious, gooey texture.
- Sauerkraut (drained very well): Brings the classic tang and crunch reminiscent of the original Reuben.
- Fresh dill (optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness as a garnish, taking the tacos to the next level.
How to Make Reuben Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Russian Dressing
Start by combining mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauce, prepared horseradish, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a small bowl. Stir this mixture until it’s thoroughly combined. This dressing is what brings together the classic Reuben flavors in a creamy, tangy sauce that makes the tacos truly memorable. Chill it until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Lay out your flour tortillas flat on a baking sheet to gently warm them through. This step ensures the tortillas are soft and pliable and helps the cheese melt properly later without drying out the shells.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chilled Russian dressing down the center of each tortilla. Next, evenly distribute diced leftover corned beef over the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese. This layering lets the flavors meld perfectly once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet with your assembled tacos in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye out as you want the filling warmed through and the Swiss cheese just melted to a gooey, irresistible consistency. Then, carefully remove the tacos from the oven.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Top each warm taco with a good helping of well-drained sauerkraut for that essential tang and crunch. If you like, finish off with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a burst of herby freshness and a lovely pop of green color. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the contrast of warm, melty cheese and crisp sauerkraut.
How to Serve Reuben Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the Reuben Tacos Recipe by adding layers of texture and fresh flavor. Apart from fresh dill, you might consider thin slices of pickles or a light sprinkle of paprika to enhance visual appeal and taste complexity. These simple touches can make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal perfectly, pair these tacos with classic deli-style sides like kettle-cooked potato chips or a crisp pickle spear. A fresh coleslaw or even a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the tacos and keep the meal feeling light and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve these Reuben tacos on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra Russian dressing and sauerkraut for topping. You can also try folding the tacos in different ways for fun, or even stuffing mini taco shells as appetizers for a party. Presentation is your playground here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Reuben tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To keep the tacos from getting soggy, you might store the sauerkraut separately and add it fresh when reheating and serving.
Freezing
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked corned beef and the Russian dressing separately for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing assembled tacos as the tortillas may become soggy on thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the assembled tacos in a 350° Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through and cheese is melted again. Add fresh sauerkraut and dill after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Russian dressing instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought Russian dressing works well if you’re short on time, but making your own allows you to customize the flavors and ensures maximum freshness for this Reuben Tacos Recipe.
What if I don’t have leftover corned beef?
If you don’t have leftover corned beef, you can buy fresh corned beef from the deli, or even use pastrami or roast beef for a slightly different but delicious twist.
Can I substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas?
You can, but flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable, making them easier to hold the fillings without breaking. Corn tortillas might feel a bit stiffer and could crack when folded.
How do I prevent the tacos from getting soggy?
The key is to drain your sauerkraut very well and add it to the tacos after baking. Also, store leftovers with the sauerkraut separate and add it fresh before serving again.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Definitely! The Reuben Tacos Recipe scales nicely and can be prepared in large batches. They’re great for potlucks or casual gatherings where everyone can enjoy assembling their own with extra toppings.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Reuben Tacos Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a fun and flavorful twist on a deli classic. It’s easy to make, delightfully comforting, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So go ahead, dive into these tacos that bring together the best of Reuben sandwiches and taco night in one unforgettable bite!
Print
Reuben Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
Reuben Tacos are a creative fusion dish combining the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich with the fun, handheld convenience of tacos. Featuring tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a zesty Russian dressing, these tacos are baked to perfection and make an easy, flavorful meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Russian Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup (or ketchup-style chili sauce)
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
Reuben Tacos
- 10 8-inch flour taco tortillas
- 1 cup Russian dressing (prepared from above)
- 1 pound leftover corned beef, diced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained very well
- Fresh dill, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup or ketchup-style chili sauce, prepared horseradish, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended. Chill the dressing until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you assemble the tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the 8-inch flour tortillas flat on a baking sheet. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the prepared Russian dressing down the center of each tortilla evenly. Then, layer evenly on top diced corned beef and shredded Swiss cheese over the dressing in each tortilla.
- Bake the Tacos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the corned beef is heated through and the Swiss cheese has melted nicely.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the tacos from the oven and top each with drained sauerkraut. Garnish with a pinch of fresh dill if desired. Serve your Reuben Tacos warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The Russian dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience and improved flavor blending.
- Use leftover corned beef from a previous meal or purchase pre-cooked corned beef for quick assembly.
- Ensure sauerkraut is well drained to prevent soggy tacos.
- For an optional garnish, fresh dill adds a nice herbal brightness complementing the savory savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
