Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
If you’re craving that iconic Reuben sandwich but looking to keep things low-carb and packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat. This Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe takes all the goodness of a classic Reuben—tangy dressing, tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese—and transforms it into a cozy, carb-conscious bowl. I love how quick and fuss-free it is, but still feels like a comforting, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic dish at home without a hitch!
Why This Recipe Works
- Low-Carb Made Delicious: It swaps bread for coleslaw, keeping that crunchy bite without loading on carbs.
- Easy and Fast: Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
- Homemade Russian Dressing: A zesty dressing that’s just as good as your favorite deli but without hidden sugars.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Great as-is or easily adapted with extra veggies or protein for your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients here come together beautifully for that classic Reuben flavor without the bread. Each one plays a specific role—from the buttery richness to the tangy punch of horsradish and mushrooms in the dressing. When you pick your corned beef, look for a nice balance of fat and tender meat for the best texture. It’s the little details like these that make this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe shine.

- Coleslaw Mix: Offers crunch and freshness, plus it soaks up all the buttery beefy juices perfectly.
- Corned Beef: The star protein, providing that signature savory punch; slice or shred it for easy scooping.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients without drying them out.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, tying all the flavors together with creamy goodness.
- Scallions: Fresh and mild onion flavor, sprinkled on last for brightness and color.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the Russian dressing, keeping it smooth and indulgent.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: Adds tomato sweetness without the sugar overload.
- Horseradish: Brings that signature spicy kick that makes Reubens so memorable.
- Hot Sauce: A touch of heat to balance the dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Depth and umami for a rich, layered taste.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to tie everything together just right.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I like to experiment with adding different greens or extra heat depending on my mood, and honestly, it never disappoints. Feel free to dial up the horseradish if you like things spicy or swap out Swiss for provolone if that’s what you have on hand.
- Variation: Once, I threw in some sautéed mushrooms and a little extra garlic powder—it added a depth that my family loved, and it gave the bowl a heartier feel without extra carbs.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped kale or spinach for more color and nutrients—just add them with the coleslaw and give everything a quick steam.
- Dressing Swap: Not a fan of horseradish? Try a creamy mustard dressing instead for a mellow twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Corned Beef Just Right
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the corned beef strips. Cover the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, letting the beef warm through and soak in the butter’s flavor without drying out. This step is key to keeping your corned beef tender and juicy—watch to make sure it’s heated but not crisping up too much.
Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix and Steam
Now, pile in the coleslaw mix right on top of the beef. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes. The coleslaw wilts down nicely, absorbing all those meaty juices, but still keeps a slight crunch. Give everything a good stir after cooking to combine the beef and veggies evenly. Timing here is everything — don’t overcook or your coleslaw will get soggy.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese and Finish with Flair
Sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet again to let it melt. If you want that bubbly, golden finish I adore, pop the skillet under the broiler for just a couple of minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Once melty and inviting, drizzle on your homemade Russian dressing and toss on fresh scallions for that final punch of flavor and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe
- Butter Is Your Best Friend: Don’t skimp on butter—it adds flavor and prevents sticking, making sautéing easier and tastier.
- Keep the Lid On: Covering the pan traps steam, which softens the coleslaw but keeps it from drying out—trust me, this small step makes a big difference.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: If you broil to melt the cheese, it can go from bubbly to burnt in seconds. Set a timer and stay nearby!
- Make the Dressing Ahead: I like preparing the Russian dressing earlier in the day—it lets flavors meld, making your bowl even more flavorful when you’re ready to assemble.
How to Serve Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish this bowl with fresh scallions for a little pop of green and mild onion flavor — it really brightens the rich layers. Sometimes, I add a few pickle slices on the side (if you’re missing the traditional sandwich vibe). A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper and extra horseradish sauce on top can level up the heat if that’s your jam.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough for a meal on its own, but if you want a little something extra, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze. They complement the rich flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve the Keto Reuben Bowl stacked in individual ramekins and broiled so each guest gets perfectly bubbly cheese right at the table. You can garnish with microgreens or place a pickle spear on the side for that classic deli feel. It always sparks conversation and the bowl presentation feels a bit fancy while staying totally approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I carefully store leftover Keto Reuben Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the cheese and dressing, the flavors hold up well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the corned beef.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, I suggest doing so before adding the cheese and dressing—they don’t freeze and reheat well. Freeze just the corned beef and coleslaw mixture in a freezer-safe container, then add fresh cheese and dressing after thawing for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet with a little butter to keep things moist. Once warmed through, I add shredded Swiss cheese on top and cover the pan until melty. This way, it tastes just as fresh as when first served—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
FAQs
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Can I use deli-sliced corned beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Deli-sliced corned beef works well and saves prep time. Just cut the slices into strips or bite-sized pieces before sautéing to ensure even heating and easy eating.
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Is this recipe suitable for strict keto diets?
Yes! With only about 5 grams of net carbs per serving, this Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe fits well into strict keto plans. Just watch the brand of ketchup you use to keep it truly sugar-free.
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Can I make the Russian dressing dairy-free?
Definitely. Most of the dressing is mayo-based, which is usually dairy-free, but check your mayonnaise’s ingredients or swap for an avocado oil mayo to be sure. The rest of the ingredients don’t contain dairy.
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What if I don’t have a broiler—can I melt the cheese another way?
No broiler? No problem. Cover the skillet tightly to trap the heat and let the cheese slowly melt—this usually takes a few extra minutes but still gives you delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Reuben Bowl with Corned Beef Recipe has become one of my go-to “quick but comforting” meals, especially when I want that classic deli flavor without the bread. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and just downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it—and when you do, I hope it becomes as much of a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine. Now, grab your skillet and butter, and let’s make some magic happen!
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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A delicious keto-friendly take on the classic Reuben sandwich, served deconstructed in a bowl with tender corned beef, sautéed coleslaw, melted Swiss cheese, and a tangy Russian dressing. This low-carb dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a 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, chopped
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 Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar free ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until fully melted.
- Cook Corned Beef: Add corned beef strips to the skillet, cover, and sauté for 5 minutes to warm through and infuse with butter flavor.
- Add Coleslaw: Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet with the corned beef, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften while stirring occasionally.
- Melt Cheese: Stir the coleslaw and corned beef mixture once, then evenly layer the Swiss cheese on top. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt, or transfer to the oven and broil briefly until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Drizzle the prepared Russian dressing over the melted cheese mixture and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately in bowls.
Notes
- Use sugar free ketchup to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- If desired, use a broiler to melt and brown the Swiss cheese for added texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce in the Russian dressing.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


