Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
7. Place 2 slices of rye bread in the skillet and top each slice with a slice of Swiss cheese.
8. Add a patty on top of the cheese on one slice of bread and top it with another slice of Swiss cheese.
9. Place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese on the other slice of bread.
10. Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
11. Repeat the process with the remaining bread, cheese, and patties.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 620
Fat: 41g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 1140mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Russian dressing can be used instead of Thousand Island dressing.
- Marble rye bread can be used instead of rye bread.
- Provolone cheese can be used instead of Swiss cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced corned beef to the sandwich for a classic Reuben flavor.
- Use a grill pan or outdoor grill to cook the patties for a smoky flavor.
- Add sliced avocado or tomato to the sandwich for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid a soggy patty melt.
- Use a spatula to press down on the sandwich while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Serve with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a classic deli-style meal.
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate any leftover patties and bread separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the patties in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Toast the bread in a toaster or oven until crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Reuben patty melt on a plate with a side of pickles and coleslaw. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, sliced pickles, or a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
Pairings:
Serve with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Pickles, coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the patties are falling apart while cooking, add a beaten egg to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the patties to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
The Reuben sandwich is believed to have originated in Omaha, Nebraska in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, and cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Reuben patty melt hot and fresh from the skillet.
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