Easy Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe The Low-Carb Deli Favorite You’ll Love

Craving a classic Reuben but looking to keep your carb count low? Look no further! This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole brings all the mouth-watering flavors of the beloved deli sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a tangy dressing—without the bread. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, low-carb dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. And the best part? It’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

The classic Reuben is known for its perfect balance of flavors: the rich, salty corned beef, the sharp tang of sauerkraut, and the creamy richness of Swiss cheese. But traditional Reubens are made on rye bread, which is high in carbs. This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole eliminates the bread while keeping all the other delicious components intact. It’s a hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

• Low-carb: Only 4.3g net carbs per serving, compared to 40g in a traditional Reuben sandwich.

• Quick and easy: You can have this hearty casserole ready in just 25 minutes.

• Full of flavor: With corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, it tastes just like your favorite deli sandwich.

• Versatile: Make this dish as an easy weeknight dinner or as a keto-friendly option for your next meal prep.

In the next sections, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making this delicious Easy Keto Reuben Casserole, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions and expert tips to ensure a perfect casserole every time.

Ingredients for Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

To make this Easy Keto Reuben Casserole, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. They are simple yet flavorful and will create that traditional Reuben taste in every bite. Here’s what you need:

Keto Russian Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The base of your dressing. For the healthiest option, use avocado oil-based mayonnaise.

• Dill pickles: Chop them finely for that signature tang and crunch.

• Tomato paste: This replaces ketchup, giving the dressing a rich flavor.

• Sweetener: Just a little bit of your favorite keto-friendly sweetener helps balance the tang of the dressing.

• Caraway seeds: These are essential for that rye bread flavor without the carbs.

• Ground cumin and ground cloves: These spices add a warm, aromatic note to the dressing.

Casserole:

• Salted butter: This will be used for toasting the caraway seeds and sautéing the cabbage.

• Caraway seeds: Toasted to add flavor depth.

• Shredded cabbage: The star of this casserole, replacing the bread base. It adds bulk, nutrition, and texture.

• Sauerkraut: Drained well, so it doesn’t add too much moisture.

• Corned beef: Either leftover cooked corned beef or deli-sliced corned beef works perfectly.

• Swiss cheese: Adds that creamy melt. You can substitute it with cheddar, muenster, or mozzarella if you prefer.

How to Make Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

Ready to dive into the recipe? Here’s how you can make this Easy Keto Reuben Casserole step by step. Don’t worry—it’s quick and straightforward.

Step 1: Make the Dressing

• In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, tomato paste, sweetener, caraway seeds, cumin, and cloves. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and fully incorporated. Set the dressing aside for now. This is the secret to that Reuben flavor.

Step 2: Toast the Caraway Seeds

• Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the caraway seeds and toast them for about 30 seconds. This will bring out the flavor and give the casserole that “rye” note.

Step 3: Sauté the Cabbage

• Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and toss it in the buttery caraway seeds. Sauté the cabbage for about 3-5 minutes until it’s tender but still has a little crunch. The cabbage will soak up all the flavors, making each bite delicious.

Step 4: Add the Sauerkraut

• Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly and add it to the skillet. Toss the sauerkraut with the cabbage, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Spread this mixture across the bottom of the skillet.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

• Layer the corned beef on top of the cabbage-sauerkraut mixture, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the Easy Keto Reuben Casserole with the Keto Russian dressing generously, making sure to coat it well.

• Finally, layer the Swiss cheese slices over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

Making the perfect Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is all about small details that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure yours turns out just right:

• Shred or finely chop the cabbage: This makes it easier to serve and ensures every bite has an even mix of cabbage and other ingredients.

• Use leftover corned beef: If you have leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day, this casserole is the perfect way to use it up! Alternatively, you can buy pre-sliced corned beef from the deli counter.

• Melted cheese is key: Be sure to cover the casserole while it cooks to melt the cheese perfectly. You want that creamy, gooey Swiss cheese throughout.

• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices and sweetener in the dressing to suit your personal taste. Want a little more sweetness or tang? Just add more sweetener or pickles.

Nutritional Information for Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s not only delicious but also low in carbs and packed with protein. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

As you can see, this Easy Keto Reuben Casserole has just 4.3g of net carbs per serving, making it a perfect meal for anyone following a keto diet. Plus, it’s high in protein, which makes it both filling and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Reuben made of?
A classic Reuben sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all sandwiched between slices of rye bread. This casserole takes all those ingredients and makes them into a keto-friendly, bread-free version.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dressing and assemble the casserole in the skillet, but don’t cook it until you’re ready to eat. When you’re ready, just heat it up, melt the cheese, and enjoy!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until the cheese is bubbly again.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with other keto-friendly sides like Creamy Mashed Cauliflower, Keto Zucchini Fritters, or Keto Focaccia for a full meal.

Tips for Customizing Your Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

While this Easy Keto Reuben Casserole recipe is fantastic as it is, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. The beauty of casseroles is that they are highly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

1. Add More Veggies

If you want to sneak in more veggies, feel free to add some to the casserole. Zucchini, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers can make excellent additions. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the cabbage in step 3.

2. Use a Different Meat

While corned beef is the traditional choice, you can switch it out for other keto-friendly meats like turkey pastrami or even roast beef. Both of these will add their own unique flavors to the casserole.

3. Make it Spicier

If you like a little heat, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the Keto Russian dressing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. This will give your casserole a nice kick and enhance the overall flavor.

4. Use a Different Cheese

Swiss cheese is the classic option for a Reuben, but if you’re not a fan or simply want to try something different, there are plenty of substitutes. Muenster, mozzarella, or provolone cheese would work wonderfully in this casserole.

5. Keto Crust Option

For those missing the “crust” of a Reuben sandwich, you can add a keto-friendly “crust” to your casserole. Try topping the casserole with crushed pork rinds for an extra crunchy layer or make a simple keto biscuit dough and drop spoonfuls of it on top of the casserole before baking.

6. Make it Dairy-Free

If you need to make this casserole dairy-free, it’s easy to do! Simply swap the Swiss cheese for a dairy-free alternative like a vegan mozzarella, and replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version. The other ingredients remain the same, so you’ll still get all the Reuben flavor you love.

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

When it comes to serving your Easy Keto Reuben Casserole, you have plenty of options. Since the casserole itself is rich and filling, it’s a great standalone dish, but here are some keto-friendly sides to make it a complete meal:

1. Keto Garlic Bread

If you’re missing bread, a side of Keto Garlic Bread can be the perfect complement. You can make it with almond flour, coconut flour, or even by using cloud bread for a soft and chewy texture.

2. Keto Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy keto-friendly coleslaw can be the perfect contrast to the rich and creamy casserole. Simply swap out the sugar for a low-carb sweetener and use a low-carb dressing to keep it keto-approved.

3. Cauliflower Mash

For a creamy and comforting side, serve this casserole with Keto Mashed Cauliflower. The smooth texture and subtle flavor of cauliflower mash pair wonderfully with the richness of the casserole.

4. Sauteed Greens

To add some more green to your plate, try sautéing spinach, kale, or collard greens. These leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients and can help balance out the richness of the casserole.

5. Keto Fries or Zucchini Fries

For a fun, crispy side, try making some Keto Zucchini Fries or Keto Fries made from turnips, radishes, or even cauliflower. They’re crispy, satisfying, and low in carbs—perfect for dipping in the leftover Russian dressing!

6. Avocado Salad

An avocado salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a simple olive oil dressing is another great side. The creamy avocado and fresh vegetables are a great way to lighten up the meal while keeping it keto-friendly.

Meal Prep Ideas for Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

One of the best things about the Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is that it’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to make it work for your weekly meal prep:

How to Store the Casserole:

• Once the casserole has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• It can also be frozen for longer storage. Divide it into individual portions and store in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Reheating Tips:

• To reheat the casserole, simply microwave it for a few minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Perfect for Lunch or Dinner:

• This casserole makes an excellent lunch option for work or school. Just pack it in a lunchbox with a side of fresh veggies or a small salad for a well-rounded meal.

• If you’re making it for dinner, add a keto-friendly side or dessert to complete the meal.

Bulk Cooking for the Week:

• Want to make a larger batch? This casserole scales well. Simply double or triple the recipe, and you’ll have enough to last several days. Plus, it’s just as tasty the next day!

Nutritional Breakdown of Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

To help you stay on track with your keto goals, let’s take a look at the nutritional information for Easy Keto Reuben Casserole. This breakdown will give you a clearer understanding of what’s in the dish and how it fits into your daily macros.

Here’s a detailed table of the nutrition per serving:

As you can see, this dish is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, it’s packed with protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Why This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is a Game-Changer

Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is more than just a tasty dish; it’s a low-carb twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re craving the flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the bread or you need a quick, satisfying meal that fits your keto macros, this recipe delivers.

Here are a few reasons why this casserole will become your new go-to:

1. Quick & Easy

This casserole comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hot, delicious meal on the table in no time.

2. Family-Friendly

The flavors are so familiar, even the pickiest eaters will love it. It’s a great way to introduce low-carb options to the whole family without them even realizing it’s keto!

3. Meal Prep Friendly

As mentioned, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a batch in advance and have several meals ready to go. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, so it’s a great option for busy days.

4. Packed with Flavor

With the perfect balance of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a zesty homemade Russian dressing, this casserole is bursting with flavor. It’s the comfort of a sandwich without any of the carbs!

5. Versatile & Customizable

As you’ve seen, this casserole can be easily modified to suit your tastes. From switching up the meat or cheese to adding more veggies, the options are endless. You can make it exactly how you like it every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of your favorite deli sandwich, then Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is exactly what you need. With minimal carbs and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win for anyone on a ketogenic diet. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner for the family, or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole will satisfy your cravings without derailing your keto goals.

Give it a try today and experience the rich, savory flavors of a Reuben without the bread!

Recipe Card: Easy Keto Reuben Casserole

Ingredients:

• For the Keto Russian Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup (74.67 g) mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp finely diced dill pickles

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tsp Swerve Brown (or other preferred sweetener)

  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin

  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• For the Reuben Casserole:

  • 2 tbsp salted butter

  • 1/2 tsp caraway seeds

  • 4 cups (280 g) finely shredded cabbage

  • 1 cup (142 g) sauerkraut, drained

  • 12 oz (340.2 g) corned beef, coarsely chopped

  • 6 oz (170.1 g) Swiss cheese (sliced)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Russian Dressing:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, finely diced dill pickles, tomato paste, sweetener, ground cumin, and ground cloves until well combined. Set aside.

2. Toast the Caraway Seeds:

   • In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the caraway seeds and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Sauté the Cabbage:

   • Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the butter. Sauté until the cabbage is tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Add Sauerkraut:

   • Stir in the drained sauerkraut and toss to combine. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Layer the chopped corned beef over the sauerkraut, then drizzle the Russian dressing evenly over everything. Top with slices of Swiss cheese, covering the entire casserole.

6. Melt the Cheese:

   • Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve:

   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

• Corned Beef: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day. Alternatively, you can use deli-sliced corned beef.

• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute with cheddar, muenster, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor.

• Sauerkraut: Be sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid extra liquid in the casserole.

• Caraway Seeds: These seeds are key for that classic Reuben flavor, but feel free to skip them if you prefer.

• Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, 1/6th of the recipe):

• Calories: 386 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 6.4g

• Fiber: 2.1g

• Net Carbs: 4.3g

• Protein: 19.1g

• Fat: 29.2g

• Sodium: 906mg

• Cholesterol: 95mg

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Method: Stovetop

• Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, American

• Servings: 6

• Calories: 386 kcal per serving

• Yield: 1 casserole (6 servings)