Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion. Sauté the onions for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Sauerkraut and Corned Beef

Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add the sauerkraut to the pot. Stir it in with the onions and garlic, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes to release its flavor. After the sauerkraut has softened, add the chopped corned beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the corned beef to heat through and take on the flavors of the onions and sauerkraut.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Mustard

Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Add the Dijon mustard, which gives the soup a slight tangy depth and enhances the Reuben flavor profile. Stir the mixture well, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Dressing

Once the broth has simmered, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir the cream into the soup to give it a rich, velvety texture. Next, add the Thousand Island or Russian dressing—this will give the soup that signature creamy, tangy element typical of a Reuben sandwich.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Gradually add the shredded Swiss cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. The cheese will enhance the richness of the soup and give it a wonderfully smooth texture. Continue to stir until the soup is well combined.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a bit more tang, you can add extra mustard or dressing. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth or water.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is perfectly creamy and well-seasoned, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with toasted rye bread cubes (similar to croutons) for some extra crunch. The bread cubes add a delightful texture and complement the soup’s creamy, cheesy richness.

For an added touch, you can sprinkle more shredded Swiss cheese on top of each bowl and serve it with a side of pickles—a classic Reuben sandwich companion.

Tips for Making the Best Reuben Soup:

1. Use Good Quality Corned Beef: For the best flavor, use high-quality, well-cooked corned beef. Leftover corned beef from a previous meal works perfectly, but if you're using deli corned beef, make sure it's sliced thick enough to stand up to the soup.
2. Customize the Tang: If you like your soup more tangy, adjust the amount of sauerkraut or mustard. You can even add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to boost the acidity.
3. Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is traditional for a Reuben, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère for a nutty flavor or Provolone for a slightly milder taste.
4. Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk in a bit of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water before adding the cream. Let it simmer for a few extra minutes to achieve the desired thickness.
5. Make It a Meal: This soup is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or crispy potato wedges.

Conclusion:

Reuben Soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but wants a warm, comforting alternative. With tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy cheese, and a broth full of flavor, this soup is a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you're serving it for lunch, dinner, or as part of a festive meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This hearty, creamy, and delicious soup can be made in under an hour, and it’s an excellent way to use leftover corned beef. The best part? It’s easy to customize and makes a perfect meal for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a comforting bowl of Reuben Soup tonight!