Forget the Bread – Keep the Flavor!
Hey, hey, food fam! 👋
If you’re anything like me—someone who loves bold flavors, fast meals, and living that low-carb life—you’re in for a treat today. I’m talking about the legendary sandwich gone Keto: the Reuben in a Bowl. That’s right—no bread, no guilt, all the goodness.
This bad boy comes together in just 15 minutes—we’re talking a total weeknight warrior meal, and even better? It’s Keto-friendly, low-carb approved, and game-day ready. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, prepping for a potluck, or feeding the crew during the big game, this dish delivers every time.
Let’s jump into it—because once you try this, you’ll never crave the rye again!
Keto Reuben in a Bowl
💡 What Is a Reuben in a Bowl?
First things first—what is this bowl of magic, exactly?
Well, if you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a traditional Reuben sandwich, you know it’s got that unbeatable combo: salty corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut (or in our case, coleslaw mix), and creamy Russian dressing—all stacked between grilled rye bread.
Now, toss the bread aside and keep everything else, layer it in a skillet, let it bubble into gooey goodness, and boom—Reuben in a Bowl is born. We’re keeping the flavor party and ditching the carb crash.
🛒 Ingredients That Make the Magic
Let’s talk about the building blocks of this comfort food bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb Finely Sliced Corned Beef – Grab it fresh from the deli or use leftovers!
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1 Tablespoon Olive Oil – For that sauté magic.
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1 Bag (16 oz) Coleslaw Mix – Think shredded cabbage and carrots, the perfect crunchy base.
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2 Tablespoons Salted Butter – Flavor booster. Period.
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2 Cups Grated Swiss Cheese – Melty, nutty, and the real MVP here.
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½ Cup Chopped Green Onion – For that pop of freshness.
Russian Dressing (Homemade, Baby!):
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1 Cup Mayonnaise
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¼ Cup Sugar-Free Ketchup
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4 Teaspoons Horseradish – Don’t skip it, it’s the secret kick.
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2 Tablespoons Diced Dill Pickles
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1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
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Salt & Pepper to taste
👨🍳 Let’s Get Cooking – Step-by-Step
Seriously, y’all—this is one of the easiest recipes in my weeknight playbook. Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. Sauté the Corned Beef
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the corned beef, cover, and let it sizzle for 5 minutes. You’re waking up those flavors!
Once heated through, remove the skillet from heat and drain any extra liquid or grease. (Nobody wants soggy Reuben vibes.)
2. Butter & Veg
Return the skillet to medium-high, drop in the butter, and let it melt. Then add the coleslaw mix and stir it into the buttery goodness. Cook this combo for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to soften but still keeps a bit of crunch.
3. Cheese Me, Baby
Turn the heat to low and sprinkle that glorious Swiss cheese all over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into a dreamy, gooey blanket. If you’re feeling wild, move the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese gets golden and bubbly. 😍
4. Dressing Time
While your cheese is melting, whip up the Russian dressing. Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Give it a little taste test. Want more kick? Add an extra dash of horseradish. Want more tang? A splash more pickle juice does the trick.
5. Drizzle & Top
Now comes the best part—drizzle that Russian dressing all over your hot, cheesy skillet, then sprinkle on those fresh green onions. And voilà—you’re done!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
How to Serve:
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Scoop it into bowls and serve hot.
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Pair with pickle spears or low-carb bread on the side.
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Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed caraway seeds for a rye-inspired twist.
Leftovers?
You’ll be lucky if you have any! But if you do:
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the microwave or back in a skillet until warm and cheesy again.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Keto Reuben in a Bowl
There’s a lot to love here. Let me break it down:
✅ Quick & Easy – 15 minutes flat. That’s faster than takeout.
✅ One Skillet Meal – Fewer dishes = happy chef.
✅ High-Protein – 18g per serving.
✅ Low-Carb Friendly – Just 6g net carbs per serving.
✅ Customizable – Toss in mushrooms, swap cheeses, or try turkey pastrami.
✅ Meal Prep Gold – Great for reheating!
This is the kind of dish that makes Keto feel indulgent. You’re not missing out on anything—except maybe the bloat. 😏
📊 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – ⅛ of recipe)
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Calories: 514
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Total Fat: 46g
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Net Carbs: 5g (6g carbs – 1g fiber)
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Protein: 18g
Whether you’re deep into keto or just trying to lighten up your meals, this bowl hits that sweet spot between comfort food and clean eating.
🌟 Reader Reviews (4.5 Stars – 17 Reviews)
Here’s what some of y’all have been saying:
🗣️ “My husband didn’t even realize this was low-carb. He just asked for seconds!” – Maria L.
🗣️ “Tastes like my favorite deli sandwich—without the crash. Love it.” – Greg T.
🗣️ “I meal prep this for lunch every week. The Russian dressing is to die for.” – Jenna K.
Keep those reviews coming—tag me on Instagram @CoolChefLowCarb when you make it!
🤯 Chef’s Tips & Variations
Want to level up? I got you:
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Add Sauerkraut: Want that real-deal deli flavor? Swap some coleslaw mix for sauerkraut!
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Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
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Go Air Fryer Style: Heat your corned beef in the air fryer for crispy edges.
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Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to scale up for meal prepping or guests.
🧑🍳 Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Chef
Listen, keto doesn’t have to mean boring chicken breast and plain greens every day. You deserve food that’s flavorful, fun, and fast—and this Reuben in a Bowl is just that. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish brings the deli home in a guilt-free way.
So grab a skillet, shred some cheese, and make yourself a bowl of pure Reuben bliss. And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me when you do. I’ll be drooling right along with you.
Until next time, stay crispy and cheesy, my friends. 😎🧀
— Chef Cool
