How to Make Slow Cooker Reuben Sandwiches with Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

Hungry for a hearty, down-home meal that’s easy as pie and full of flavor? These Slow Cooker Reuben Sandwiches sure hit the spot. We’re talkin’ tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, all tucked between slices of good ol’ rye bread. Top it off with a spoonful of homemade Thousand Island dressing, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s downright unforgettable. Best part? Your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. So let’s get to cookin’, y’all!

Ingredients You Will Need

Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup yellow onion, minced

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  
  

For the Slow Cooker

• 1 pickling spice packet (included with corned beef)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 package (2-3 lbs) corned beef brisket

  
  

For the Sandwich Assembly

• Rye bread

• Swiss cheese

• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained

• Toothpicks (optional, for securing sandwiches)

• Pickles or pickled okra (for serving)

  
  

With these ingredients in hand, you’re just steps away from a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Preparing the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

First up, make your homemade Thousand Island dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced yellow onion, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, paprika, and kosher salt.

Mix thoroughly until everything is combined, then refrigerate the dressing while you cook the corned beef. Allowing it to chill helps meld the flavors together, enhancing your sandwich's overall taste.

Slow Cooking the Corned Beef

Now it’s time to get your corned beef ready. Place it into your slow cooker, and sprinkle on the pickling spice packet, along with the brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika.

Next, pour in the beef broth until the brisket is almost submerged. Cover the cooker and let it cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.

Assembling the Reuben Sandwiches

Once your corned beef is ready, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches! Start with slices of rye bread laid flat on a clean surface.

Pile on the Swiss cheese, lay down those slices of corned beef, add a good helping of sauerkraut, and don’t be shy with that homemade Thousand Island dressing—go ahead and slather it on thick.

Finish with another slice of rye bread.

Toasting the Sandwiches

With your sandwiches assembled, it’s time to get that glorious crunch. Heat a non-stick skillet or sandwich press over medium heat.

Add a little butter to the skillet for a golden crust, and place the sandwiches carefully on the skillet.

Toast each side for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serving Suggestions

Once toasted, serve your Reuben sandwiches with some pickles on the side. The bright, tangy flavor of the pickles balances the richness of the sandwich, creating a satisfying bite with each mouthful.

You can also provide extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. This option allows everyone to customize their sandwich just the way they like it!

Time to Enjoy Your Creation

Slow Cooker Reuben Sandwiches are a great pick for a laid-back dinner or when you’re having friends over. That homemade Thousand Island dressing gives it just the right touch, making this classic sandwich even more delicious.

With just a little prep and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending all day in the kitchen. So gather up your ingredients, set it and forget it, and get ready to dig into a homemade Reuben that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!