If you are craving those classic Reuben flavors but want to keep it low-carb and quick, this Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe is the ultimate solution. It takes everything you adore about a traditional Reuben sandwich – the tender corned beef, tangy dressing, gooey Swiss cheese, and vibrant cabbage – and turns it into a cozy, satisfying bowl without any bulky bread. Perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep, this dish delivers comforting, bold flavors while keeping your keto goals intact. Get ready to enjoy a warm, delicious meal that feels indulgent but is easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From tender corned beef strips to creamy, zesty dressing, every component harmonizes to create an unforgettable eating experience.
- Coleslaw mix: Provides a crunchy, fresh base that mimics the bite of sauerkraut with less fuss and carbs.
- Corned beef: The star protein packed with rich, savory flavor and perfect texture.
- Butter: Used to sauté the beef, adding richness and helping develop a delicious crust.
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to add a creamy, nutty contrast.
- Scallions: Fresh garnish that brightens the dish and adds a mild onion note.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the dressing, bringing smoothness and fat for keto balance.
- Sugar-free ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang without carbs.
- Horseradish: Packs a spicy punch that’s essential for authentic Reuben flavor.
- Hot sauce: A little heat to awaken the taste buds.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami complexity.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Corned Beef
Start by melting 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the corned beef strips. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice caramelized edge, then stir occasionally for a total of about 5 minutes. This step grants the beef a flavorful crust while keeping it tender inside.
Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix
Next, throw in the coleslaw mix and give it a quick stir to combine with the beef. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes. This softens the cabbage just enough to release its sweetness and meld all those savory flavors, bringing a subtle chew without losing its satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Melt the Swiss Cheese
After the cabbage is slightly wilted, stir to mix everything evenly. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top, then cover again to melt the cheese thoroughly. Alternatively, you can pop the skillet under the broiler just until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This gooey, melty layer is the essence of comfort in this Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Dressing
While the cheese melts, combine mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Drizzle this bold, tangy dressing over your cheesy, beefy bowl and finish with a scattering of fresh scallions for that vibrant, fresh flavor burst.
How to Serve Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate your Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe to restaurant-quality. Fresh scallions provide crunch and a sharp, oniony brightness, while a little extra horseradish on the side can kick things up for heat lovers. Pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of paprika also make fun additions.
Side Dishes
Keep your meal fully keto-friendly with crisp cucumber slices, roasted cauliflower, or a side salad of mixed greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon. These sides add freshness and balance the richness of the bowl while keeping carbs low.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, serve the Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe over crisp baked cheese crisps or in large lettuce leaves for scoop-and-eat finger food. Alternatively, layering this filling inside keto-friendly tortillas makes for a delightful wrap without the bread carbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of this Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely, but the cheese might firm up, so a good stir before reheating helps.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked corned beef strips separately wrapped tightly. Avoid freezing the whole bowl since the cabbage and melted cheese don’t reheat well after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to avoid drying out the beef. Cover to help melt the cheese again and restore that gooey texture. Alternatively, a brief microwave session with a lid works in a pinch, just watch out for uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use sauerkraut instead of coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! Sauerkraut is the traditional Reuben ingredient and adds a tangier, fermented flavor. Just drain it well to avoid extra moisture in the dish.
Is this Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
You can make it dairy-free by substituting the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and using coconut oil in place of butter. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
What type of corned beef should I buy?
Look for pre-cooked corned beef brisket or corned beef slices at your grocery store. If you have fresh corned beef, make sure to cook it fully before adding it to the bowl.
Can I meal prep this dish for the week?
Yes! Prepare the bowl and dressing separately and combine when ready to eat. This keeps the textures fresh and flavors vibrant throughout the week.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat is mild, mainly coming from the horseradish and a touch of hot sauce. You can adjust these ingredients to your personal preference for a spicier or milder bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe is truly a celebration of hearty, comforting flavors without the guilt or carb overload. It’s fast, simple, and perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a classic taste reinvented for keto lifestyles. You owe it to yourself to try it – your taste buds and your waistline will thank you!
Print
Keto Reuben in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Reuben in a Bowl recipe offers a low-carb twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, serving tender corned beef sautéed with a crunchy coleslaw mix and topped with melted Swiss cheese. The dish is completed with a tangy, creamy keto-friendly dressing featuring mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, and savory seasonings, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients
For the Bowl
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 1 pound corned beef, cut into strips
- 2–3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup Swiss cheese
- Scallions, for garnish
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 4 tsp horseradish
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Corned Beef: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the corned beef strips and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they are heated through and slightly browned.
- Cook the Coleslaw Mix: Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet with the corned beef. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage blend to wilt slightly while retaining some crispness.
- Top with Swiss Cheese: Stir the corned beef and coleslaw mixture to combine evenly, then sprinkle Swiss cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again to allow the cheese to melt, or place it under a broiler briefly until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Prepare and Add Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the warm Reuben bowl and garnish with sliced scallions before serving.
Notes
- Use sugar-free ketchup to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- If a broiler is unavailable, covering the skillet with a lid while melting the cheese works well.
- Adjust the horseradish and hot sauce amounts according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover keto Reuben in a bowl can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
