9 Must-Try Variations of the Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a mouthwatering twist on the classic burger, combining juicy corned beef with melted cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and rich thousand island dressing, all sandwiched between a toasted bun. This creative delight brings bold flavors together in a way that’ll make your taste buds dance and leave you craving more.

Classic Corned Beef Patty

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a delightful twist on the classic burger. This recipe features a juicy corned beef patty that's packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. If you love the iconic taste of a Reuben sandwich, you'll enjoy this unique burger that combines all those delicious elements into one bite.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings. With just a few ingredients and steps, you'll have a burger that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a fun twist to your usual grilling routine.

Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

This Homemade Thousand Island Dressing brings a creamy tang to your Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger. It balances the savory flavors of the burger beautifully with its slight sweetness and zesty kick. Making it at home is simple and rewarding, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

The secret to a good Thousand Island is the right mix of ingredients. It’s not just about mayonnaise; the addition of sweet pickle relish and a splash of vinegar gives it that classic taste we all love. Pairing this dressing with your burger will elevate it to a whole new level!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until fully blended.
2. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more relish or vinegar if desired for extra flavor.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving with your burger.

Toasted Rye Bread Bun

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich with the irresistible essence of a cheeseburger. This makes for a hearty meal packed with savory goodness. Using toasted rye bread for the bun adds a unique twist, bringing a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness that perfectly complements the rich ingredients inside.

Making this burger is simple and fun. The toasted rye not only holds the burger together but also elevates the overall taste experience. When paired with corned beef, Swiss cheese, a dollop of creamy dressing, and fresh toppings, you get a delicious bite every time. Let’s get into how to make those perfect toasted rye bread buns for your Reuben burger!

Ingredients

• 4 slices of rye bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup thousand island dressing
• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Cooked corned beef slices

Instructions

1. Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
2. Toast the Bread: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the slices of bread, butter side down, in the skillet. Toast until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Cheese: Flip the bread slices over and sprinkle Swiss cheese on top of two of the slices. Allow the cheese to melt slightly.
4. Assemble the Burger: On the non-cheese slices, spread a generous amount of thousand island dressing. Layer the corned beef, lettuce, and tomato on top.
5. Top and Serve: Place the cheese-topped slices over the assembled ingredients, press down lightly, and serve warm!

Tangy Sauerkraut Layer

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a fun twist on traditional flavors that brings together the heartiness of a burger with the zesty notes of a classic Reuben sandwich. This burger packs a punch with the tangy sauerkraut layer, which not only adds a burst of flavor but also complements the rich corned beef and melty cheese perfectly.

Making this burger is simple and enjoyable, making it a great choice for a casual cookout or a weeknight dinner. The layers of flavor, from the savory beef to the sharpness of the cheese and the zesty sauerkraut, create a deliciously satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground corned beef
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce and tomato slices for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauerkraut: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Burgers: Shape the ground corned beef into burger patties and season with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry the patties over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through. In the last minute, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese to melt.
3. Assemble the Burger: On the bottom half of each bun, place a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato. Add the cheesy burger patty followed by a generous layer of the tangy sauerkraut.
4. Serve: Top with the other half of the bun, serve immediately, and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors!

Crunchy Fried Onions

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a unique twist on classic flavors, bringing together the hearty taste of a burger with the tangy goodness of a Reuben sandwich. This recipe features juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and the crunch of fried onions, creating a satisfying bite that's full of flavor. It's a fun and straightforward recipe that anyone can whip up, making it perfect for a casual gathering or a weeknight treat.

Crunchy fried onions add that extra crunch and depth to each bite, elevating your burger to new heights. They're easy to make at home and can be stored for future use, making them a great addition to not only burgers but salads and casseroles too. Try this recipe, and you'll find these crispy bits hard to resist!

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Soak the thinly sliced onions in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize them and adds flavor.
2. Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge them in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot.
5. Fry the Onions: Fry the coated onions in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Use the crunchy fried onions as a topping for your Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger or store them for later use!

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods. Imagine the juicy goodness of a burger topped with savory corned beef, gooey cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. This burger is loaded with flavor and has a delightful crunch from the fresh toppings, making each bite a satisfying experience.

This recipe is straightforward and perfect for a casual weekend cookout or a weeknight dinner. It combines familiar ingredients in an unexpected way, offering a burst of taste that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz corned beef, sliced
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 4 sesame seed burger buns
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Form the patties: In a bowl, shape the ground beef into 4 equal patties. Season each side with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until desired doneness.
3. Add the toppings: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
4. Assemble the burgers: Spread Thousand Island dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, a cheeseburger patty, corned beef, sauerkraut, and tomato slices.
5. Finish and garnish: Place the top bun on each burger, secure with a toothpick, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Freshly Pickled Jalapeños

Freshly pickled jalapeños add a delightful kick to the Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger. Their tangy flavor paired with a hint of spice perfectly complements the richness of the burger. Not only do they enhance the overall taste, but they also bring a nice crunch that elevates every bite.

Making these pickled jalapeños is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. It’s a quick process that transforms fresh jalapeños into a zesty topping, making them a must-have for your burger creation!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh jalapeños, sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, minced garlic, and black peppercorns. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
2. Pack the Jalapeños: Place the sliced jalapeños in a clean glass jar, packing them tightly.
3. Pour the Liquid: Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the jalapeños, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave a little space at the top of the jar.
4. Seal and Cool: Seal the jar with a lid and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator.
5. Pickle Time: Allow the jalapeños to pickle for at least 24 hours before using. They will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Melted Swiss Cheese Topping

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a delightful twist on classic flavors, bringing together juicy beef patties, tangy sauerkraut, and the rich taste of melted Swiss cheese. This burger is not just a meal; it's a satisfying experience that bursts with flavor in every bite. Even better, it’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and gatherings with friends.

Melted Swiss cheese tops this burger like a creamy blanket, complementing the savory elements beautifully. Its nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the corned beef, while the gooey texture adds a delightful richness. Whether you're a cheese lover or just looking to spice up your burger night, this topping is sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• Thousand Island dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape into four even patties.
2. Cook the Patties: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness.
3. Add the Sauerkraut: In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a generous amount of sauerkraut and a slice of Swiss cheese. Cover to melt the cheese.
4. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Place each patty on a bun and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately, savoring the delicious combination of flavors!

Accompanying Side of Sweet Potato Fries

The Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger is a delightful twist on a classic. Combining savory corned beef with melted cheese and tangy toppings, it creates a robust flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Pairing this burger with sweet potato fries makes for a perfect meal that balances rich and sweet tastes.

Making sweet potato fries is simple and quick. Their natural sweetness and crispy texture complement the hearty burger. You can easily whip them up in the oven or air fryer, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin, even strips.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well coated.
4. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm alongside your Reuben Corned Beef Cheese Burger and enjoy!