Okay, here we go! Time to share my family’s Creamy Reuben Soup obsession with you all! This recipe has been a total dinnertime win for us, turning the classic sandwich into a warm, comforting soup that even my pickiest eater loves. Honestly, I stumbled upon this soup when I was desperately trying to find ways to use leftover corned beef after St. Patrick’s Day.
My family went absolutely crazy for it. The tang of the sauerkraut, the richness of the corned beef, and the creamy broth? It’s pure comfort in a bowl! I was so surprised that they all loved it because sometimes getting everyone on board with a new recipe is a challenge.
The best part? It’s simple enough for even the busiest weeknights. I know how it is – we all need sanity-saving comfort food that doesn’t take all day. This Creamy Reuben Soup has become a staple in our house, especially during the colder months.
I’m sharing this recipe with you fellow busy moms because I know you’re looking for simple comfort food to feed your families. This soup brings everyone together. Let’s get cooking and create some cozy moments around the table!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Reuben Soup a comfort food staple in your home. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- 1 pound corned beef, cooked and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rye bread croutons for topping
If you don’t have heavy cream, don’t worry! I’ve used half-and-half for extra comfort in this soup. My family gets extra comfort when I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Creamy Reuben Soup proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. For a budget-friendly alternative, use leftover corned beef from your Sunday dinner!
For a shortcut, buy pre-shredded corned beef if you’re really in a time crunch. The sauerkraut gives this soup a wonderful tang, cutting through the richness of the cream and corned beef.
Here’s a Creamy Reuben Soup comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy a jar of Thousand Island dressing, which adds the perfect flavor. Now, let’s turn these simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Time to turn those ingredients into a delicious Creamy Reuben Soup. Let’s get cooking together – it’s easier than you think!
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing already! This is the foundation of your Creamy Reuben Soup.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup beautifully. Don’t worry if your Creamy Reuben Soup looks a little clumpy at this stage – it will smooth out soon.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! This soup is so satisfying, you will love the aroma filling your kitchen.
- Add the rinsed and drained sauerkraut and diced corned beef to the pot. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Thousand Island dressing. Heat through, but do not boil. This is where the magic happens, turning this into a Creamy Reuben Soup. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Creamy Reuben Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your liking. Your Creamy Reuben Soup should smell amazing by now, so get ready to serve it!
- Ladle the Creamy Reuben Soup into bowls and top with rye bread croutons. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup!
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Creamy Reuben Soup – I was always worried about the sauerkraut being too sour. Rinsing it really helps! While your soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! For another take on a soup featuring delicious creamy texture, try this chicken parmesan soup.
How We Love to Eat This!
Now for the fun part – serving this delicious Creamy Reuben Soup! Let’s talk about how to make it a complete and comforting meal.
The kids devour this comforting Creamy Reuben Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. They love dipping the sandwiches into the soup! This Creamy Reuben Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
This soup is also great with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this potsticker soup.
I often make a big batch of this Creamy Reuben Soup on Sunday and pack it for lunches during the week. It’s so much better than boring sandwiches! If you want to turn an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary one, give this Mexican street corn soup a try.
This Creamy Reuben Soup is perfect for a casual get-together with friends. It’s easy to make ahead and serve, and everyone always loves it. I love to make rye bread croutons for topping because they add a nice crunch and that authentic Reuben flavor.
For a seasonal variation, try adding some shredded Swiss cheese on top during the winter months. It makes it extra melty and comforting! My guests have been raving about this Creamy Reuben Soup ever since I first made it.
Leftovers are your best friend! This Sauerkraut soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve this Creamy Reuben Soup in your favorite soup bowls for a cozy presentation that makes everyone feel at home.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about making this Creamy Reuben Soup, so let’s get to them! I’m here to help you feel confident in the kitchen.
- Is this Creamy Reuben Soup really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The corned beef and creamy broth make it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, the rye bread croutons add some extra carbs to keep them full.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Creamy Reuben Soup?
Try serving it with a side of their favorite bread or crackers. You can also let them help you make the soup – sometimes getting involved in the cooking process encourages them to try new things!
- Can I meal prep this Creamy Reuben Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
- Can I freeze this Creamy Reuben Soup?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream might change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
- What kind of sauerkraut should I use?
I prefer using regular sauerkraut, but you can use any kind you like. Just make sure to rinse and drain it well to remove some of the excess salt. For this Reuben soup recipe, start with a high-quality base of sauerkraut.
- Can I make this Creamy Reuben Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just add all the ingredients (except the cream and Thousand Island dressing) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and dressing during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Is there an Instant Pot version of this Creamy Reuben Soup?
There is! For an Instant Pot Cream of Reuben Soup see this Instant Pot Cream of Reuben Soup – Pressure Luck Cooking.
I hope these answers help! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Creamy Reuben Soup your own!
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Reuben Soup supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when we need a warm and satisfying meal. I hope this Corned beef soup helps you create some cozy family moments around the table!
My Creamy Reuben Soup Comfort Hacks:
- Rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid it being too sour.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Use pre-shredded corned beef to save time.
Here are some family-tested Creamy Reuben Soup variations:
- Spicy Reuben Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheesy Reuben Soup: Stir in some shredded Swiss cheese during the last few minutes of cooking time.
- Vegetarian Reuben Soup: Use vegetarian corned beef substitutes and vegetable broth.
My son loves the cheesy version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe with extra rye bread croutons. You can easily find a Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe within this article that will suit your needs. This Creamy Reuben Soup Recipe group on Facebook shows a similar recipe. This Facebook group also shares a very popular version of this Reuben soup recipe with corned beef.
I encourage you to make this Creamy Reuben Soup your own way. Add your favorite spices, adjust the ingredients to your liking, and create a recipe that your family will love. This Sauerkraut soup will be a new family favorite.
I hope you and your family enjoy this Creamy Reuben Soup as much as we do! Remember, cooking for your family is an act of love. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Creamy Reuben Soup
This Creamy Reuben Soup transforms the classic sandwich into a comforting and flavorful bowl. With tender corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy broth, it’s the perfect hearty meal for a chilly day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 pound corned beef, cooked and diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rye bread croutons, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the sauerkraut and corned beef.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Swiss cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Stir in the Thousand Island dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Thousand Island dressing and rye bread croutons, if desired.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the soup. You can also use leftover corned beef from a previous meal to make this soup even easier.
