Name: Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag coleslaw mix; 1 pound corned beef, cut into strips; 2-3 tbsp butter; 1 cup Swiss cheese; Scallions, for garnish; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 10 reviews

If you’ve been craving that classic Reuben sandwich but want to keep things low-carb and waistline-friendly, you’re going to love diving into this Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of a Reuben, without the bread, and seriously, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. I’ve made this one for busy weeknights and weekend treat days alike—it’s quick, cozy, and completely satisfying. Ready to make a keto meal that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out? Let’s get into it!

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy Weeknight Meal: Ready in just 15 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Classic Flavors, Keto-Fied: It captures that iconic Reuben combo—corned beef, sauerkraut vibes, tangy dressing—without the carbs from bread.
Creamy, Melty Goodness: Swiss cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a rich, gooey layer that holds everything together.
Customizable and Comforting: Easy to tweak and perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re craving something reassuring.

Keto Reuben Bowl, Reuben Bowl, Low-Carb Reuben, Keto Sandwich Alternative, Keto Dinner Ideas - A black cast iron pan filled with a layered dish that has a base of shredded white and purple cabbage, topped with small pieces of pinkish cooked meat, and melted patches of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses scattered evenly across the surface. Bright green chopped spring onions are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. The texture looks soft and gooey with the melted cheese blending into the cabbage and meat. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let me walk you through the key ingredients for this Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe and explain why each is essential. These components balance taste, texture, and that perfect keto-friendly profile you’re after. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips on what to look for when shopping so you get the best results.

Keto Reuben Bowl, Reuben Bowl, Low-Carb Reuben, Keto Sandwich Alternative, Keto Dinner Ideas - Flat lay of a crisp heap of fresh coleslaw mix with vibrant green and white cabbage shreds and orange carrot strands, neatly arranged slices of pinkish-red corned beef strips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white mayonnaise, another bowl holding smooth red sugar-free ketchup, a third bowl with bright white horseradish paste, a tiny bowl containing deep amber Worcestershire sauce, a small heap of fresh green scallions with crisp stalks and delicate white bulbs, a wedge of pale yellow Swiss cheese with characteristic holes, a few tablespoons of rich golden butter neatly cut into pats, a scattering of coarse salt crystals and cracked black peppercorns artfully placed, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Coleslaw mix: This is your sauerkraut stand-in here—fresh, crunchy, and slightly tangy. I like the pre-shredded bag for convenience but picking fresh cabbage to shred yourself works brilliantly too.
Corned beef: The star protein. Choose good-quality, sliced corned beef to get those savory, salty flavors that make this dish unmistakably Reuben.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the beef and veggies beautifully without drying anything out.
Swiss cheese: Melts to a creamy, dreamy layer that’s gooey and indulgent—Swiss is classic in Reubens!
Scallions: They add a fresh, slightly sharp bite on top, balancing the richness and adding color.
Russian dressing: This homemade version—mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, and Worcestershire—is tangy and zippy, giving you that classic Reuben punch without sugar overload.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe is super forgiving, so I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you want it tangier, cheesier, or a little spicier, I’m all for personal tweaks. Here’s how I typically switch things up when I want a new twist or to suit different diets.

Variation: When I crave extra veggies, I throw in some sautéed mushrooms or even diced pickles—they boost texture and taste without knocking you out of ketosis.
Dietary modifications: If you avoid dairy, you can swap Swiss cheese with a dairy-free melty cheese, and use avocado oil instead of butter for sautéing. Still delicious!
Spice it up: Feel free to add more horseradish or a dash of cayenne to the dressing for a fiery kick—I love how that wakes up the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Corned Beef

Start by melting 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the corned beef strips and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the beef warms through and its flavors start to mingle—it’s important not to rush this step for juicy results.

Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix

Once the beef is warmed and sizzling gently, add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet. Cover again and let it cook for another 5 minutes to soften the cabbage slightly while keeping some crunch—that texture contrast is everything here.

Step 3: Melt the Swiss Cheese

Stir the coleslaw and corned beef together so they’re well combined. Then, pile on the Swiss cheese. You can either cover the skillet to let the cheese melt or slide the whole pan under the broiler for a couple of minutes until bubbly and golden. I sometimes broil for that extra ooey-gooey top, watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Step 4: Drizzle Russian Dressing & Garnish

Finish by drizzling the homemade Russian dressing over the top and sprinkling chopped scallions for freshness and a pop of color. This last step pulls everything together into that iconic Reuben flavor profile.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Quality Corned Beef: I’ve learned that fresher, thicker-cut corned beef gives you better texture and flavor; deli slices can sometimes be too thin and dry.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: You want it tender but still a little crisp—overcooking makes it soggy and sogginess kills that satisfying bite.
Broil Cheese for Best Melt: Covering the skillet works but broiling adds a nice golden crust on the cheese that is irresistible.
Make Dressing Ahead: Making the Russian dressing in advance lets the flavors meld, so it tastes even better when drizzled on.

How to Serve Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe

Keto Reuben Bowl, Reuben Bowl, Low-Carb Reuben, Keto Sandwich Alternative, Keto Dinner Ideas - The dish is shown in a black cast iron skillet filled with layers of shredded white and purple cabbage, small pieces of thinly sliced reddish meat, melted creamy white and orange cheeses drizzled on top, and sprinkled with bright green chopped onions. The cabbage forms the base with soft, thin textures, scattered evenly across the skillet. The meat pieces are scattered between the cabbage layers, adding a touch of reddish brown color. The cheese layers blend smoothly over the top with thick drips of orange sauce and melted white cheese covering the surface. Bright green onion pieces are spread on top in small round slices for a fresh look. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always garnish mine with plenty of chopped scallions because they bring a fresh, mild oniony zing that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I add a few dill pickle slices on the side for an extra tang that screams Reuben vibes. If you like, a sprinkle of paprika or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds nice color.

Side Dishes

Since this bowl is already packed with flavor and filling, I usually keep sides light. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus works wonderfully. If you want more crunch, keto-friendly pork rinds or some roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Reuben bowl in mini cast iron skillets—everyone loves an individual portion that stays warm. Another fun idea is layering it in a glass bowl for a beautiful “deconstructed” look, showing off all those colorful layers. It turns a humble supper into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—usually, this Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Because the cheese and meat hold up pretty well, reheating in a skillet keeps the texture nice without drying it out.

Freezing

While freezing is doable, I’ve found the coleslaw mix’s texture can get a bit mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider making the components separately—freeze the corned beef portion and the dressing, then freshen up with cabbage and cheese when you’re ready.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I prefer warming the bowl gently in a skillet over low heat or using the oven at 300°F to avoid overheating. This way, the cheese melts gently and the dish warms evenly without turning rubbery or dry.

FAQs

Is this Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe suitable for strict keto diets?

Absolutely! This recipe keeps net carbs low by using coleslaw mix instead of traditional rye bread and sugar-free ingredients in the dressing, making it perfectly keto-friendly without compromising on the classic Reuben flavors.
Can I use sauerkraut instead of coleslaw mix?

You sure can. Sauerkraut will add more tang and authenticity, but watch your phosphates and sodium if you’re keeping close tabs on those. Mixing some fresh coleslaw with sauerkraut can balance texture and flavor nicely.
How do I make the Russian dressing sugar-free?

The key is swapping regular ketchup for sugar-free ketchup and skipping any added sugars. This recipe uses sugar-free ketchup and relies on horseradish and hot sauce for flavor, keeping the dressing tangy and keto-compatible.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Russian dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld, and even chop scallions in advance. Cook the corned beef and cabbage fresh for the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, reheating leftovers is just fine.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Reuben Bowl Recipe has quickly become a favorite comfort food in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes—warm, cheesy, tangy, and hearty—without weighing me down on carbs. I genuinely think you’ll fall for it just like I did on the first bite. So next time you want a no-bread Reuben fix, whip this up and savor every satisfying mouthful. Trust me, your taste buds and keto goals will both thank you!