Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
If you adore the classic flavors of a Reuben but want to keep things low-carb and super simple, then this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I’m talking all the savory, tangy, much-loved Reuben components combined into a cozy bowl without the bread — and it’s downright fan-freaking-tastic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat whether you’re in keto mode or just craving something hearty and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Keto-friendly Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find keto staples like corned beef, coleslaw mix, and Swiss cheese for effortless shopping and prep.
- Quick One-Pan Cooking: You can actually whip this up in about 15 minutes using just one skillet — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Russian Dressing Magic: The homemade sugar-free Russian dressing adds that perfect tang and creaminess that ties every bite together.
- No Bread Required: Perfectly suits a keto or low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing any of that classic Reuben taste you love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe is chosen not just for flavor, but also for how well they keep the dish low-carb and easy. The mix of crisp coleslaw and savory corned beef gives it texture, while the Russian dressing brings a rich, tangy punch. Let me break down why each one’s so important and share a couple shopping tips to make your life easier.
- Coleslaw Mix: Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots save tons of prep time and give you that perfect crunchy base without any extra carbs.
- Corned Beef: I recommend getting a good quality deli-style or packaged corned beef, sliced into strips — this is where all your meaty, salty flavor shines.
- Butter: Keeps everything silky while sautéing and boosts the fat content which is key on keto.
- Swiss Cheese: Its mild nuttiness complements the corned beef perfectly and melts beautifully over the hot bowl.
- Scallions: Fresh scallions add just the right crisp, oniony bite at the end.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a good quality, preferably sugar-free mayo, as the creamy base of your Russian dressing.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: Be sure it’s sugar-free to keep the carbs low but still get that classic ketchup sweetness.
- Horseradish: Adds heat and zing, just like in a traditional Reuben.
- Hot Sauce: A little extra kick that I love personalizing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Rounds out the dressing with that classic umami depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that bring the whole dish together.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best parts about this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it according to your own taste or what you have in your kitchen. I personally love adding a little extra horseradish because it wakes up the flavors — but feel free to go milder or spicier. This recipe plays well with substitutions and additions.
- Variation: If you’re a fan of a heartier meal, I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or swap coleslaw for sautéed spinach for a different twist.
- Dressing Alternatives: Not a fan of horseradish? Simply reduce the amount or swap for Dijon mustard for a smooth, tangy dressing.
- Cheese Choices: Gruyère or cheddar work great here if you want a different cheesy vibe — just melt it to your liking.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
Step 1: Sizzle Your Corned Beef in Butter
Start by melting 2-3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your corned beef strips. Cover the skillet and let it saute for about 5 minutes — this helps warm the meat through and locks in the flavor without drying it out. Keep an eye on it so the beef doesn’t brown too much; you want it tender and juicy here.
Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix and Cook Until Slightly Tender
Next, toss in your coleslaw mix right on top of the corned beef. Give it a quick stir, then cover again and cook for 5 more minutes. The goal here is to soften the cabbage just enough, so it’s not crunchy but still has a little bite — that contrast is part of what makes this bowl so darn tasty. Stir once or twice to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Melt the Swiss Cheese and Top with Dressing & Scallions
Now comes the fun part. Sprinkle a full cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the corned beef and coleslaw mixture. Cover the skillet once more to let the cheese melt, or if you want that bubbly browned top, pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes — watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Once melted, drizzle your homemade sugar-free Russian dressing over the top, then scatter fresh chopped scallions to finish it off. That pop of freshness is a must!
Pro Tips for Making Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Corned Beef: Keep it covered but limit it to 5 minutes to avoid drying the meat. Juicy corned beef makes all the difference.
- Use Pre-Shredded Coleslaw Mix: Saves prep time and ensures uniform cooking. Avoid coleslaw dressings or additions—keep it plain for best results.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: If your skillet is oven-safe, broiling the cheese gives a gorgeous bubbly top that screams “restaurant quality.”
- Make the Dressing Ahead: Russian dressing tastes even better when it sits for a few hours or overnight, so plan ahead for max flavor.
How to Serve Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, I’m a big fan of fresh scallions because they add that crisp, mild bite that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra horseradish or mix in some fresh dill if I’m feeling fancy. If you love pickles, serve some alongside or chopped on top for that salty crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this bowl with a simple keto-friendly side like roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic butter green beans for a balanced meal. If you want to keep things super easy, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, festive kickoff to St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy dinner party, serve this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe in small ramekins or mason jars layered with cheese and dressing on top. I once added a dollop of extra Russian dressing whipped with sour cream to make it look like a creamy topping, and everyone loved the elevated feel without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure everything cools down before sealing to keep the cabbage from getting soggy. When I make this recipe for meal prep, I portion it out in single servings for grab-and-go convenience.
Freezing
Freezing works okay for this bowl, but keep in mind the coleslaw texture will soften after freezing. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last up to a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer the stovetop to keep textures intact — just gently warm over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry. For quick reheats, a microwave on medium power works fine, but watch not to overcook.
FAQs
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Can I use other meats instead of corned beef?
Absolutely! While corned beef is classic for this recipe, you can use pastrami, roast beef, or even sliced deli ham if you’re looking for a twist. Just make sure to choose high-quality, low-carb options with no added sugars.
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Is the Russian dressing difficult to make?
Not at all! It’s a simple blend of mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Whisk it all together in one bowl and adjust the heat to your liking. It’s much tastier and healthier than store-bought versions.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap Swiss cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Also, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for sautéing. The overall texture will be a bit different but still delicious and keto-friendly.
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What if I don’t have a broiler-safe skillet?
No worries! Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and melt the cheese on the stovetop over low heat. It won’t be bubbly, but the cheese will still be deliciously melted.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it captures the heart of a Reuben sandwich without the carbs or guilt. It’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting, nostalgic meal that fits your keto lifestyle. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Now, go ahead and give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A low-carb, keto-friendly version of the classic Reuben sandwich served in a bowl with sautéed corned beef, coleslaw, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy Russian dressing, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag coleslaw mix
- 1 pound corned beef cut into strips
- 2-3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup Swiss cheese
- Scallions for garnish
Russian 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
- Prepare the Russian Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar free ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter thoroughly.
- Sauté the Corned Beef: Add the corned beef strips to the skillet, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the beef to warm through and release its flavors.
- Add and Cook the Coleslaw: Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet with the corned beef, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the coleslaw softens.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Stir the coleslaw and corned beef together, then top evenly with Swiss cheese. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt. Alternatively, place the skillet under a broiler until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared Russian dressing over the top and garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Notes
- Use sugar free ketchup to keep the dish keto-friendly and low-carb.
- You can substitute the Swiss cheese with another melting cheese like Gruyère if desired.
- Broiling the dish to melt cheese adds a nice bubbly texture but covering the skillet also works well.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of caraway seeds to the coleslaw while cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese at its best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
