This article explores a flavorful and satisfying keto Reuben casserole recipe that incorporates coleslaw mix for a unique twist. If you're looking for a way to enjoy the classic Reuben sandwich flavors without the carbs, this recipe is a perfect choice. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it a great addition to your keto meal plan.
What is Keto Reuben Casserole with Coleslaw Mix?
Keto Reuben Casserole with Coleslaw Mix is a dish that combines the traditional flavors of a Reuben sandwich - corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing - with the crunch and freshness of coleslaw. This innovative approach eliminates the need for rye bread, making it a low-carb and Trim Healthy Mama (THM) friendly option. This dish is perfect for those following a keto diet or anyone looking for a lighter, more creative way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben sandwich.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Corned Beef
Corned beef is a key ingredient in this casserole, providing a savory and salty flavor. Corned beef brisket is salt-cured. Homemade corned beef can be made in an Instant Pot using the seasoning packet that typically comes with it. This packet usually contains spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, dill seeds, and mustard seeds, which are similar to pickling spices.
Cuts of Corned Beef:
- Flat Cut: This cut is leaner and more uniform in size.
- Point Cut: This cut has more fat and flavor.
Either cut can be used for this coleslaw. Alternatively, cooked deli corned beef can be used for convenience. If corned beef is unavailable, roast beef can be substituted, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Coleslaw Mix
Coleslaw mix provides the base for this casserole, adding a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
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Using a bag of coleslaw mix is a quick and easy way to prepare the dish. Although coleslaw mixes typically contain carrots, the carb count remains low due to the small quantity. For a homemade alternative, finely chop green and red cabbage. Anywhere from 2 to 4 cups of sliced cabbage can replace the bagged coleslaw mix.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese adds a nutty and slightly tangy flavor that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut. It can be cubed or shredded, depending on personal preference.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, with its tangy and fermented flavor, is a crucial component of the Reuben flavor profile.
Thousand Island Dressing
The dressing ties all the ingredients together, providing a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. A homemade keto Thousand Island dressing is recommended to keep the carb count low.
Keto Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients:
- Keto Mayonnaise (such as Chosen Foods avocado oil mayonnaise)
- Keto Ketchup (such as Primal Kitchen ketchup)
- Unsweetened Dill Relish
- White Wine Vinegar
- Finely Diced Onion
- Keto Granulated Sugar (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
If you can find a store-bought Russian dressing that is keto-approved you can use so you don't have to make your own dressing.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Making the Keto Thousand Island Dressing
To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well combined. Adjust the seasonings to taste. This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Reuben Casserole
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix. Cut or tear up any large pieces to ensure they are manageable.
- Add the corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut to the bowl. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Set the mixture aside.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the keto mayonnaise, keto ketchup, unsweetened dill relish, white wine vinegar, finely diced onion, keto granulated sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir all the ingredients together until the dressing is creamy and well mixed.
Combining and Refrigerating
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl.
- Toss everything together until the coleslaw, corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This keto Reuben coleslaw can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great option for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping. Consider serving it with other keto-friendly sides or as part of a larger spread.
Variations and Additions
- Turkey Rachel: Substitute the corned beef with turkey breast and skip the sauerkraut for a Turkey Rachel variation.
- Hot Version: For a hot version, consider making a Reuben Egg Roll Bowl.
- Additional Toppings: Add a bit of sauerkraut into your bowl to top for added flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the coleslaw mix, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the Thousand Island dressing.
- Whisk: For mixing the dressing until creamy.
- Skillet: Using a bit of a larger skillet works great.
- Express Chop: Consider an Express chop for using to shred up a head of cabbage if you opt to skip the pre-shredded cabbage.
Meal Prepping Tips
This recipe is great for meal prepping for the week. Store the prepared coleslaw in sealable containers in single servings. This makes it easy to grab for lunch or a quick reheat.
Hot Skillet Version
For a hot skillet version of this recipe:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour olive oil and add corned beef. Cover and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drain the corned beef.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add butter. Stir until melted.
- Add coleslaw to the corned beef and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Adjust heat to low and add Swiss cheese. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt until it’s bubbly.
- Optionally, move the skillet to the oven and set the oven to BROIL until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Common Misconceptions
Corned Beef and Cabbage is Traditional Irish Fare
Corned beef and cabbage is not traditional Irish fare. Beef was a more affordable alternative to pork for Irish/Americans, who substituted it for salted pork. The corned beef was served with cabbage and became a traditional Irish American dish served on holidays.
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Storage Instructions
Keep the Reuben Coleslaw in a sealed container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended.
Recipe Alternatives
Some people prefer to use turkey instead of corned beef, while others like to use pastrami. You can substitute the meat or cheese if you want to try out something different.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is calculated with the assistance of a third-party service. Values are approximate, can’t be guaranteed, and should be considered as estimates only. Values differ according to types and brands of foods used. When used in a recipe, erythritol has been removed from the carb count as it is a sugar alcohol.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto Reuben casserole is a great way to get all your favorite flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but without the carbs. The combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for those following a keto diet. It is also a quick and easy recipe to make, taking just 15 minutes to prepare.
Other Keto Bowl Recipes to Try
- Eggroll in a Bowl: Loaded with slaw, ground pork sausage, ground ginger, and more.
- Pesto Salmon Bowl: Salmon served over a bed of cauliflower rice.
- Cajun Chicken Eggroll In A Bowl: Uses cajun chicken for added flavor.
- Pizza In A Bowl: A version of pizza without the heavy carb crust, loaded with sauce, cheese, and more.