Name: Reuben Tacos with Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ketchup or ketchup-style chili sauce; 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt to taste; 10 8-inch flour taco tortillas; 1 cup Russian dressing (from recipe above); 1 pound leftover corned beef, diced (or 1 pound deli corned beef thickly sliced); 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 1 cup sauerkraut, very well drained; Fresh dill, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 64 reviews

If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but crave something with a fun, fresh twist, you’re going to adore this Reuben Tacos with Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe. This vibrant dish brings together tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a zesty homemade Russian dressing all wrapped up in warm, soft tortillas. It’s the ultimate fusion of comfort and creativity—easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to impress guests. Every bite offers that satisfying, mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors you know and love, but with a playful taco spin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three soft, white tortillas folded in half each hold layers of melted, creamy white cheese on top of bits of cooked pink bacon. The tortillas also have a pale yellow layer of shredded cabbage or sauerkraut, sprinkled with small green herb leaves. The tacos are placed close together on a white marbled surface with a few pale yellow potato chips around them. A woman's hand with silver forks is visible in the corner, about to hold one taco. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but crucial; each one builds on the iconic Reuben flavor profile while adding great balance and texture to the tacos. From the creamy, tangy Russian dressing to the melty Swiss, every element has a role in making this dish shine.

½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Russian dressing, which ties all the flavors together smoothly.
3 tablespoons ketchup-style chili sauce: Adds subtle sweetness and a touch of spice that lifts the dressing.
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish: Gives a signature spicy kick to the dressing, just like the classic Reuben.
1 teaspoon white vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the creamy ingredients perfectly.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami for a rich, savory finish.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the mix.
10 8-inch flour tortillas: Soft, warm, and perfect for folding all those delicious fillings.
1 cup Russian dressing (from above): Ready to spread generously on each taco for authentic flavor.
1 pound leftover corned beef, diced: Tender, savory, and the star protein—perfect for this taco adaptation.
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully onto the warm tortillas, providing creamy, nutty notes.
1 cup sauerkraut, drained well: Adds the essential tangy crunch, completing the classic Reuben taste.
Fresh dill (optional): A fresh aromatic garnish that brightens and elevates the presentation.

How to Make Reuben Tacos with Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Russian Dressing

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup-style chili sauce, prepared horseradish, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until everything is blended smoothly. This dressing is the heart of the recipe and its vibrant flavors will elevate your tacos beautifully. Pop it into the fridge to chill until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 2: Assemble the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to get ready for warming and melting. Lay out the flour tortillas flat on a baking sheet so you have enough space to prepare each taco evenly.

Step 3: Layer the Key Ingredients

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chilled Russian dressing down the center of each tortilla—it’s essential to get this right since it infuses every bite with tangy, creamy goodness. Next, sprinkle diced corned beef evenly on top, followed by a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese. These layers create that classic melty, savory experience with every mouthful.

Step 4: Bake the Tacos

Put the baking sheet with the assembled tacos into the preheated oven. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. This step melds the flavors together and warms the tortillas just enough to be wonderfully soft.

Step 5: Add the Sauerkraut and Garnish

Once out of the oven, top each taco with sauerkraut that has been drained thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Add a pinch of fresh dill on top if you have it on hand—it adds a lovely fresh burst that balances rich flavors. Serve these warm, straight from the oven for the best taste and texture combo.

How to Serve Reuben Tacos with Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe

Reuben Tacos with Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh dill is an elegant and simple garnish that really enhances the vibrant taste. You could also try a few thin slices of pickle or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra crunch and color. The fresh elements contrast beautifully with the warm, melty layers.

Side Dishes

These tacos pair wonderfully with classic accompaniments like crisp potato chips or kettle-cooked fries for some salty crunch. A side of creamy coleslaw also complements the tangy sauerkraut and rich dressing superbly. If you want to keep things light, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette provides a fresh, palate-cleansing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the tacos on a large board with small bowls of extra Russian dressing and sauerkraut for guests to customize their bites. Wrap individual tacos in parchment paper or colorful foil for easy handheld snacking. You can also serve these tacos open-faced on small plates, letting every ingredient shine visually and making them perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the fully assembled tacos without the sauerkraut and dill in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Leave off the sauerkraut because it can make the tacos soggy. Keeping it separate maintains freshness and the perfect texture.

Freezing

Freezing these tacos isn’t ideal due to the delicate nature of the tortillas and sauerkraut, which can become mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze any extra corned beef cooked separately and prepare fresh tacos whenever you want a quick meal.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, place the tacos on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350° Fahrenheit oven until the cheese melts again and the taco is warmed through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add fresh sauerkraut and dill after reheating for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian dressing?

Absolutely! While homemade Russian dressing is traditional and packed with flavor, Thousand Island is a perfectly acceptable shortcut and makes for a quicker assembly without compromising much on taste.

What if I don’t have leftover corned beef?

No worries at all. You can use deli-sliced corned beef that’s cut thicker than usual to mimic that tender, hearty texture. Just dice it up and you’ll be good to go.

Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can swap in corn tortillas if you prefer, but flour tortillas hold up better under the moisture and melting cheese, making them a better choice for these Reuben Tacos.

Can I make the Russian dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing actually benefits from sitting for a few hours in the fridge so the flavors meld beautifully. It’s a great make-ahead step to save time on cooking day.

How can I make these tacos vegetarian?

You can replace the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based deli slice to keep the smoky, savory vibe alive. Pair that with all the classic toppings and dressing for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Reuben Tacos with Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe is a delightful way to put a new twist on a beloved classic. It’s fun, comforting, and packed with that perfect combination of tang, savory, and melty cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to for casual dinners or entertaining friends. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try and share the joy of something truly delicious and a little unexpected.