Hearty Reuben Soup Recipe

Ever wished you could eat a Reuben sandwich with a spoon? Oh boy, do I have something for you! This Hearty Reuben Soup takes all that melty, tangy goodness and turns it into a cozy bowl of comfort.

I first made this on a chilly night, craving that classic corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut combo. But instead of a sandwich, I wanted soup—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. And wow, did it hit the spot!

Imagine rich, savory corned beef, gooey Swiss, and a creamy, slightly tangy broth. Each spoonful gives you that perfect bite of Reuben magic. And the best part? It’s so easy to make!

Grab your pot and your appetite—this soup is calling your name. Let’s get cooking and turn a deli favorite into the ultimate comfort food. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: This hearty Reuben soup brings all the delicious flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a warm, comforting soup form.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of beef broth, creamy evaporated milk, and shredded Swiss cheese creates a rich, velvety base.
• Perfect for All Seasons: Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a cozy night in, this soup will hit the spot.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this soup is quick and easy to make for any day of the week.
• Satisfying: It’s a filling soup that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied, just like your favorite Reuben sandwich!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Hearty Reuben Soup, you’ll need the following tools:

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: For simmering the soup ingredients and creating the base.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To chop up the veggies and corned beef.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and combine the ingredients as they cook.
• Soup Ladle: To serve up the soup once it’s ready.
• Soup Bowls: For enjoying this delicious, hearty dish!

Ingredients for Hearty Reuben Soup

This rich and savory soup is made with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Below is a list of the ingredients you will need for the base of the soup:

• Canned Low Sodium Beef Broth: This forms the rich base of the soup and adds depth of flavor.
• Canned Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The combination of beef and chicken broth creates a balanced, savory base for the soup.
• Chopped Celery: Adds crunch and freshness, and balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Chopped Onion: A classic aromatic vegetable that brings sweetness and flavor to the soup.
• Chopped Green Bell Pepper: Adds a bit of brightness and a subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
• Fat-Free Evaporated Milk or Half-and-Half Cream: Adds creaminess and richness without being too heavy.
• Shredded Corned Beef: The star of the soup! This adds the delicious, tender, and savory meat flavor typical of a Reuben.
• Canned Sauerkraut: A classic Reuben sandwich topping, it adds tanginess and depth to the soup.
• Shredded Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup, adding a gooey and delicious cheese element.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning and a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started with making this amazing soup! The steps are easy to follow, and I promise you’ll be enjoying this dish in no time.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Chop up the celery, onion, and green bell pepper into small pieces. Make sure your corned beef is shredded (you can use leftover corned beef or pre-packaged shredded corned beef). This helps everything cook quickly and evenly.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.

3. Add the Broth and Corned Beef

Next, pour in the beef broth and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add the shredded corned beef into the pot, stirring it in with the broth and vegetables. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will take about 10 minutes.

4. Thicken the Soup

Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to thicken it. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the soup while stirring to ensure it doesn’t form lumps. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, and you’ll notice it thickening up to a creamy, velvety consistency.

Part 2: Bringing It All Together

5. Add the Sauerkraut

Now that your soup has thickened up, it’s time to add that signature Reuben flavor with sauerkraut. Stir in the canned sauerkraut, making sure it’s well distributed throughout the soup. The tangy, sour flavor from the sauerkraut really enhances the overall taste of the soup, giving it that true Reuben sandwich vibe. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauerkraut to warm up and infuse the soup with its distinct flavor.

6. Add the Creaminess

Next, it’s time to add a creamy element to your soup. Pour in the fat-free evaporated milk or half-and-half cream, stirring it in gently. The cream will help to mellow out the tangy flavors of the sauerkraut and give the soup a rich, comforting texture. Let the soup simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow all the ingredients to meld together.

7. Melt in the Swiss Cheese

Here comes the magic – Swiss cheese! Add the shredded Swiss cheese to the soup and stir it in slowly. The cheese will melt beautifully into the soup, adding a gooey, delicious texture that you can’t get enough of. Once the cheese is fully melted, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding freshly ground black pepper as needed for that little bit of spice.

8. Let It Simmer

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat. This helps all the flavors to come together and gives the cheese plenty of time to fully melt and infuse the soup with its rich flavor.

How to Serve Hearty Reuben Soup

Now that your Hearty Reuben Soup is ready, it’s time to serve up this delicious meal! This soup is so hearty and filling that you could enjoy it on its own, but here are a few ideas for how to elevate your serving experience:

• With Rye Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of toasted rye bread on the side to complete the Reuben experience. You could even dip the bread into the soup for added texture.
• With a Dollop of Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the soup.
• In a Bread Bowl: For a fun and extra indulgent serving style, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This makes for a great presentation and an extra treat once you finish the soup!
• With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light salad (perhaps a simple mixed greens salad) for a well-rounded meal.

Storing Hearty Reuben Soup

This soup stores wonderfully and makes for excellent leftovers!

• Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
• Freezing: If you want to make this soup in advance, you can freeze it! Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop.

Variations for Hearty Reuben Soup

While the classic recipe is delicious, there are several ways you can make this soup your own:

• Add Caraway Seeds: For a bit of extra flavor, add a pinch of caraway seeds to the soup when sautéing the vegetables. Caraway seeds are a classic Reuben sandwich flavor, and they’ll enhance the overall taste.
• Use Gruyère or Monterey Jack Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to bring some heat to the soup.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, you can swap out the corned beef for tempeh or another plant-based protein. You could also double up on the veggies to keep it hearty without the meat.

Part 3: Final Touches and Nutrition Information

9. Final Adjustments and Taste Test

Once your Hearty Reuben Soup is fully prepared, it’s always a good idea to give it one last taste. This is the moment where you can adjust the seasoning if needed:

• Add more pepper: If you like a little extra kick, feel free to add a pinch more freshly ground black pepper.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit more evaporated milk or half-and-half cream. Just keep in mind that adding more liquid may thin out the soup a little, so you can also add a touch more cornstarch slurry to thicken it back up.
• Add more sauerkraut: For those who love the tangy flavor, you can add more sauerkraut to taste. Keep in mind that it’s a strong flavor, so adjust according to your preferences.

Once you’ve made your adjustments, give everything one final stir, and your Hearty Reuben Soup is ready to be served!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for one serving of Hearty Reuben Soup (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300 kcal
Protein	20g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	7g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	900mg
Potassium	400mg
Calcium	15% of Daily Value
Iron	10% of Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values are estimated and will vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Conclusion

This Hearty Reuben Soup is a wonderful and comforting dish that brings the classic Reuben sandwich flavors into a cozy bowl of soup. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—everything you love about a Reuben sandwich, but in soup form!

If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Make sure to serve it with a side of rye bread or a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate experience. I’m sure this will be a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!