When you’re following a keto diet, finding meals that are both satisfying and low in carbs can be a challenge.
The Reuben sandwich, a classic comfort food, typically doesn’t fit into a keto lifestyle due to its high-carb bread.
But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of a Reuben without the carbs? Here’s the Keto Reuben Casserole—a dish that delivers the savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness you crave, all while keeping you within your keto goals.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a mouthwatering Keto Reuben Casserole that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also help you stay on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
From selecting the right ingredients to tips for making the dish even more keto-friendly, this recipe guide has everything you need.
What is a Reuben Casserole?
A Reuben casserole is essentially a deconstructed version of the classic Reuben sandwich.
Instead of layering corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing between slices of rye bread, these ingredients are combined in a casserole dish and baked to perfection.
For the keto version, we swap out the high-carb bread for a more diet-friendly alternative.
Why Choose a Keto Reuben Casserole?
The Keto Reuben Casserole is an excellent choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet because it offers all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the added carbs.
It’s a hearty and filling meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family, whether they’re following a keto diet or not.
Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish that can be stored in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delicious Keto Reuben Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb corned beef, sliced or shredded
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained well
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sugar-free Thousand Island dressing (recipe included below)
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional, for that classic rye bread flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sugar-Free Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar-Free Thousand Island Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dill pickle relish, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once well combined, set the dressing aside.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced or shredded corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sugar-free Thousand Island dressing to the mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with unsalted butter or non-stick spray. Pour the corned beef mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Make the Keto-Friendly “Bread” Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, eggs, melted butter, and caraway seeds (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will serve as the topping, mimicking the texture of bread.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the almond flour mixture evenly over the top of the corned beef mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 8: Let it Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to slice into portions.
Tips for Perfecting Your Keto Reuben Casserole
- Choose Quality Corned Beef: The quality of your corned beef will significantly impact the flavor of your casserole. Opt for fresh corned beef from the deli counter, or cook your own if you have the time.
- Drain the Sauerkraut: To avoid a soggy casserole, make sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly. You can even squeeze out excess liquid with a clean kitchen towel.
- Adjust the Tanginess: If you prefer a tangier casserole, add a bit more mustard or extra dill pickle relish to the Thousand Island dressing.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: For added texture and nutrition, consider adding sliced pickles, sautéed onions, or even a layer of cabbage.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 3g
Why This Recipe is Keto-Friendly
The Keto Reuben Casserole is a fantastic low-carb alternative to the traditional Reuben sandwich, making it ideal for anyone on a keto diet. By eliminating the bread and using almond flour for the topping, this dish remains rich in fat and protein while keeping the carb count low. The use of sugar-free Thousand Island dressing further reduces unnecessary carbs and sugars, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.
Conclusion
The Keto Reuben Casserole is a game-changer for those who love the flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want to stick to a low-carb lifestyle. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a delicious and keto-friendly way to enjoy a classic dish.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, savory, and tangy flavors of a Reuben without compromising your keto goals.