Hearty Reuben Bake

Hearty Reuben Bake

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I can probably count on my fingers the number of times I've eaten a Reuben sandwich.  I like them but it's just not something I seek out and they aren't offered at Subway.  They are definitely not for everyone and I knew making this recipe was risky.  

I didn't have Bisquick so I used the Pioneer version.

I made the full recipe but split it in two so I could make one without cheese.

Since the dough had only two ingredients I knew I'd better get the measurements right so measured the mix into a measuring cup I could level off instead of just eyeballing it in my Tupperware Mix 'n Pour that does have measurements marked on the side but is more accurate for liquid than dry measuring.  (Not that I don't often eyeball dry ingredients in it...)

I made a well in the middle and poured the water in then started mixing by hand with a silicone spatula.

It took some effort to get all the dry powder mixed in.  Once I had a ball of dough I mushed it around for 20 strokes with the spatula - sort of like kneading it.

I did not use floured hands but just used the spatula to spread the dough around the bottom of the pan.

I really wasn't sure what kind of corned beef the recipe was asking for - perhaps in a can.  It seemed rather expensive so I got a corned beef brisket and cut about 1 lb. into strips.  (Now I have the rest of it in the freezer to use another day.)  I cut the strips a day ahead of time.

The meat was raw.  Perhaps I should've browned it.  It was mostly cooked after 30 mins. in the oven but I wasn't 100% sure.  It was a little chewy and rubbery too.

My can of sauerkraut was 15 oz so I weighed the whole thing and scooped out 7 ounces then drained and used what was left.

We don't usually have 1000 Island in my house but when I eat a McDonald's fish sandwich I mix ketchup with the tartar sauce which my sister commented years ago when I was a kid that it was like putting 1000 Island on it.  One person in my home doesn't like mayo - don't tell them it's part of 1000 Island (they didn't like this dish anyway).

There was plenty to spread around.

I didn't measure the cheese but made a thick layer.

Pretty much like a reuben sandwich.  I didn't care for the crust - it really didn't add anything to it.  And I'd use different meat if I ever made this again.  I'd only make it for a group of people that really like Reuben's.  Now I'll have to make some fish sandwiches to use up the dressing.

This was on the back of the "Barbecue Cups".  It is a perforated card that appears to be part of a General Mills promotion. (They probably make Bisquick.)