This Reuben in a Bowl is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! It has all the tasty flavors like corned beef, creamy dressing, and melted cheese, but without the bread.
Perfect for those days when you want comfort food but feel a bit lighter. I love topping mine with some crispy sauerkraut for extra crunch—so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use diced or shredded corned beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey pastrami or a plant-based substitute can work well too.
Sauerkraut: For that signature tang, drained and rinsed sauerkraut is essential. If you’re not a sauerkraut fan, you might use a mix of finely chopped cabbage and pickles for a similar flavor.
Swiss Cheese: I’m a big fan of Swiss for its meltability and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives or skip it for a lighter version.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess. A Greek yogurt or vegan mayo can be a great substitute if you’re looking for something lighter or dairy-free.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. If you’re out, chives can be a lovely replacement, or even a sprinkle of diced red onion for a punchier taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Melted Cheese Without Burning It?
Getting that cheese just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it melts beautifully without overdoing it:
- After adding the cheese to the skillet, keep the heat on low. This allows the cheese to melt gently without burning.
- Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute; this traps heat and helps the cheese melt faster.
- Stir frequently for even melting. You want the cheese to be gooey and well combined with the other ingredients.
Trust me, taking it slow will reward you with a deliciously cheesy dish!
How to Make Reuben In A Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound corned beef, diced or shredded
- 4 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Rye bread or pumpernickel bread for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Reuben In A Bowl recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes sautéing and mixing your ingredients, and then it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Corned Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced or shredded corned beef. Sauté the beef for about 5 minutes until it’s heated through and slightly crispy. This will give your dish a nice flavor!
2. Combine Sauerkraut and Carrots:
Next, add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut and shredded carrots into the skillet with the corned beef. Stir everything well to combine, and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until all the ingredients are heated through and mixed together nicely.
3. Melt the Cheese:
Now it’s time to make it cheesy! Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the mixture in the skillet. Stir it in and let it melt completely, creating a creamy and delicious blend with the other ingredients.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the tasty dressing to drizzle over your dish. Adjust the seasonings to your taste if needed!
5. Combine and Serve:
Transfer the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture to a serving bowl. Drizzle the dressing generously over the top. This will add a wonderful flavor that complements your Reuben.
6. Garnish:
Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. If you like, serve it with slices of rye or pumpernickel bread on the side. Enjoy your Reuben In A Bowl!
Can I Substitute the Corned Beef?
Absolutely! If you’d like a lighter option, you can substitute the corned beef with shredded turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, so you might want to adjust the seasoning to match your taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Reuben in a bowl gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free corned beef and swap the rye or pumpernickel bread for gluten-free bread or omit it altogether. Check that your mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. You can add a splash of broth or water to help revive the flavors!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time! Simply whisk all the dressing ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly while sitting.
