Welcome back to the kitchen, low-carb friends! Today, we are taking one of the most iconic, mouthwatering deli sandwiches ever created and giving it a total guilt-free makeover. If you’ve been craving the salty, savory goodness of a classic Reuben—complete with warm corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and that undeniable Thousand Island kick—but want to skip the heavy rye bread, you are in the right place.
Say hello to The Un-Sandwiched Reuben! It packs every single drop of that authentic, melty deli flavor into an easy skillet meal, served right over your choice of crisp cauliflower, zucchini, or low-carb toast. Grab your favorite pan and a can of sauerkraut, because dinner is about to get ridiculously good (and impressively low-carb). Let’s cook!
Low Carb | The Un-Sandwiched Reuben
All the rich, tangy flavors of a classic deli Reuben—warm corned beef, melted Swiss, and sauerkraut—transformed into a quick, low-carb skillet meal.
Equipment
- Non-Stick Skillet or Cast Iron Frying Pan
- Pan Lid
- Can Opener
- Colander or Mesh Strainer
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Paper Towels Crucial for squeezing out excess moisture from the drained sauerkraut (and frozen veggies, if using) so the skillet doesn't get watery.
- Cutting Board & Chef's Knife
- measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups To measure out your serving base (like $2text{ cups}$ of cauliflower rice).
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Microwave For preparing frozen cauliflower or zucchini for your base.
- Toaster If using Sara Lee Delightful bread as your base.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Lb. corned beef lunch meat chopped
- 1 14.5 oz can sauerkraut thoroughly drained and squeezed dry (to prevent soggy dishes)
- 4 Slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (adds that distinctive rye bread flavor without the carbs)
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 3 – 4 Tbsp low-carb Thousand Island dressing (or sugar-free dressing)
- Your choice of base: 2 cups microwaved and drained frozen cauliflower rice, Frozen Zucchini, or toasted Sara Lee Delightful bread
Instructions
- Prep the Base: Prepare your chosen base (toast the bread, or microwave the frozen cauliflower rice and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel or paper towels). Divide onto serving plates.
- Toast Seeds & Beef: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the caraway seeds and chopped corned beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Warm the Sauerkraut: Stir in the drained 14.5 oz can of sauerkraut. Mix well with the corned beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Dress & Melt: Reduce the heat to low. Drizzle 3–4 tablespoons of low-carb Thousand Island dressing (or sugar-free dressing) evenly over the skillet mixture and combine, then layer the Swiss cheese slices flat across the top. Cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Reuben mixture directly over your prepared base and serve immediately.
Notes
- Squeeze the Sauerkraut Dry: The absolute secret to a rich, non-watery skillet is removing as much liquid from the sauerkraut as possible. After draining the can, wrap the sauerkraut in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out all remaining juice.
- The Rye Factor: Don’t skip the caraway seeds! That tiny half-teaspoon is what gives this dish its unmistakable, classic rye bread aroma and flavor without adding extra carbs.
- Cheese Selection: Delicatessen-style Swiss cheese melts beautifully, but baby Swiss or Gruyère also work wonderfully for an extra creamy texture.
- Soft & Tender Texture: For an extra-tender bite, let the corned beef ribbon strips simmer in the butter with the sauerkraut for an extra minute or two with the skillet lid on before adding the cheese.
- Dressing Options: You can use your favorite store-bought sugar-free Thousand Island dressing, or whip up a quick homemade version by mixing sugar-free mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, a dash of horseradish, and a splash of pickle juice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Keep leftover Reuben mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Store your serving base (cauliflower rice or low-carb bread) separately to keep things fresh.
To Reheat:
- Stovetop (Best): Warm the skillet mixture in a small pan over low heat until hot and bubbly.
- Microwave: Heat on high in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Here is a list of base ideas to pair with The Un-Sandwiched Reuben:
Bread & Toast Alternatives
- Sara Lee Delightful Bread: Lightly toasted to hold up under the warm, melty toppings.
- Low-Carb / Keto Wraps: Warmed in a dry skillet and served open-faced, or folded like a soft taco.
- Chaffels (Keto Cheese Waffles): Made with mozzarella, egg, and a pinch of caraway seeds for a chewy, “rye-style” waffle base.
Veggie Bases
- Cauliflower Rice: Microwaved and squeezed completely dry for a warm, rice-bowl style meal.
- Sautéed Zucchini: Diced or spiralized into zoodles, cooked quickly over high heat to remove moisture.
- Roasted Cabbage Steaks: Thick slabs of green cabbage roasted until tender with caramelized edges.
- Spaghetti Squash: Baked and shredded into warm strands.
- Sautéed Turnip Noodles or Cubes: A mild, root-vegetable alternative that mimics potatoes.
Salad & Bowl Bases
- Chopped Romaine or Crisp Greens: Serve the warm skillet toppings directly over cold greens for a warm-and-cool Reuben salad bowl.
- Shredded Raw Cabbage / Coleslaw Mix: Adds a fresh, crunchy element that pairs naturally with sauerkraut.
Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for The Un-Sandwiched Reuben (recipe yields 2 servings).
Note: Calculations reflect the base skillet mixture (corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, butter, caraway seeds, and 3–4 tbsp low-carb Thousand Island dressing). Be sure to add the nutrition for your chosen base (such as Sara Lee Delightful bread or cauliflower rice). Per Serving (1/2 of recipe): Calories: ~310 kcal- Total Carbs: ~4g
- Dietary Fiber: ~2g
- Net Carbs: ~2g
- Protein: ~20g
- Fat: ~23g
- Sodium: ~1,150mg
- 1 Slice Sara Lee Delightful Bread (Toasted): 45 calories, 9g Total Carbs, 3g Fiber (6g Net Carbs), 2.5g Protein, 0.5g Fat
- 1 Cup Microwaved & Drained Cauliflower Rice: 25 calories, 5g Total Carbs, 2g Fiber (3g Net Carbs), 2g Prot
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