Skillet Reuben – Low Carb & Easy!

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You know those moments when you’re craving something hearty and comforting, but you also want to keep it low carb? This Skillet Reuben is exactly what you need! Picture this: crispy, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a punch of creamy, dreamy dressing—all without the bread! Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s like your classic Reuben sandwich, but with a twist that’ll make you feel like you’re getting all the flavor, without the guilt. It’s simple, quick, and totally satisfying—whether you’re on a low-carb journey or just want something tasty and easy to make on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love Skillet Reuben – Low Carb & Easy!

This dish isn’t just about satisfying cravings; it’s about creating moments of pure joy at the dinner table. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day, preparing a meal for the family, or impressing friends with something unique, this Skillet Reuben is sure to steal the show. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Versatile: This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick dinner at home to a delicious and filling lunch. It’s low-carb but hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this dish proves that healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

Quick and Easy: You can have this comforting meal ready in no time. No complicated steps here—just throw everything into a skillet, and you’re good to go!

Customizable: Add your own twist! If you’re craving something spicy, throw in a few jalapeños. Want it a little extra cheesy? Go ahead and add more Swiss cheese. This recipe is super flexible to suit your tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a low-carb group or just looking for a dish that’s satisfying for everyone, this Skillet Reuben will please both carb-conscious eaters and those who just love a good, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this skillet dish—just a few ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:

Corned Beef: The heart of a classic Reuben! The tender, salty corned beef gives this dish its savory base.

Swiss Cheese: Smooth and melty, the Swiss cheese brings just the right amount of richness and creaminess.

Sauerkraut: That perfect tanginess we all love in a Reuben, but without the bread. It adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.

Low-Carb Dressing: A tangy, creamy dressing that mimics the classic Russian or Thousand Island dressing. It brings everything together and gives that classic Reuben taste.

Butter: To sauté and bring all those wonderful flavors together in the skillet.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to create this simple, flavorful masterpiece? Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add a generous amount of butter to get it nice and sizzling. The butter gives the dish a delicious, rich flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Brown the Corned Beef

Once your skillet is hot, toss in the corned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s nice and crispy, stirring occasionally. You want it to get a little bit of color and that extra bit of crispiness on the edges.

Step 3: Add the Sauerkraut

Now, throw in the sauerkraut and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together. The sauerkraut will heat through and get a bit of caramelization from the skillet, making it even more flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Dressing and Cheese

Stir in your low-carb dressing and spread it evenly over the corned beef and sauerkraut. Then, pile on the Swiss cheese. Let it melt for a minute or two, stirring occasionally so everything becomes gooey and irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is melted and everything’s well combined, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy this dish straight from the skillet or serve it up on a plate with a side of veggies. Either way, you’ve got yourself a winner.

How to Serve Skillet Reuben – Low Carb & Easy!

This dish is already packed with flavor, but here are a few ideas to make it even more delicious:

Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the skillet. Think mixed greens with a lemony dressing for a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Veggies: Pair your Skillet Reuben with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. They’re light, healthy, and the perfect way to add more flavor to the meal.

Pickles: No Reuben is complete without a good pickle! Serve some dill pickles or pickled cucumbers on the side to add that crunchy, tangy bite.

Zucchini Noodles: If you’re really feeling the low-carb vibe, zucchini noodles make a great, light side to pair with your Skillet Reuben.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make this dish even more amazing:

Prep Ahead: You can chop your corned beef and sauerkraut ahead of time. This makes the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready to eat.

Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing, or throw in some sliced jalapeños with the corned beef for a spicy kick.

Dietary Adjustments: Need to make this dairy-free? Simply swap out the Swiss cheese for a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. For a gluten-free option, ensure your dressing is gluten-free!

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet for best results.

Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for doubling. Make extra and enjoy it for lunch the next day—just as tasty, if not better!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different meat instead of corned beef?
A1: Absolutely! Pastrami would work great, or even some roasted turkey if you’re looking for something a little lighter.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the corned beef and sauerkraut ahead of time to speed things up when it’s time to cook.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet to keep everything crispy and fresh.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish since the cheese and dressing don’t reheat well, but you can freeze the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture separately and then quickly reheat when needed.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter to keep everything nice and crispy. The microwave can make it soggy, so stick to the stove if you can.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Q7: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A7: A simple green salad, roasted veggies, or pickled vegetables would complement this dish wonderfully.

Conclusion

The Skillet Reuben is a game-changer. It’s all the delicious flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, but without the carbs, and it’s made in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just in the mood for something new, this dish is a sure-fire winner. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s rich, tangy, savory, and totally satisfying. Enjoy!

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Skillet Reuben – Low Carb & Easy!

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Craving a Reuben sandwich but want to skip the carbs? This Skillet Reuben is the perfect solution! Packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and homemade Thousand Island dressing, it’s all the flavor you love in a low-carb format. Only 1 net carb per serving, making it a delicious and healthy choice for those on a low-carb diet.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (for corned beef) + 10 minutes for skillet sauté
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Low Carb, Keto, Comfort Food
  • Method: Slow Cooker, Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Skillet Reuben:

    • 1 corned beef brisket
    • 1 jar sauerkraut, drained
    • 4 slices Swiss cheese
    • 2 tbsp butter
    • 1 tbsp brown mustard
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • Seasoning packet (included with corned beef)

    For the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:

    1. ½ cup mayonnaise
    2. 1 tbsp brown mustard
    3. 1 small dill pickle, finely diced
    4. 1 tbsp pickle juice
    5. ½ tsp garlic powder
    6. ½ tsp paprika

Instructions

  • Cook the Corned Beef:
    Place the corned beef brisket in a slow cooker. Mix brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the seasoning packet. Spread this mixture over the brisket. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the beef is tender. Once done, shred or chop the beef.

  • Sauté the Sauerkraut:
    In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the drained sauerkraut and cook until it’s slightly golden. Stir in the cooked corned beef and a few spoonfuls of its juices.

  • Melt the Cheese:
    Lay Swiss cheese slices over the beef and sauerkraut mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt.

  • Make the Thousand Island Dressing:
    In a small bowl, mix the mayo, brown mustard, diced pickle, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika.

 

  • Serve & Enjoy:
    Scoop the skillet Reuben onto a plate and drizzle with the Thousand Island dressing. Enjoy as-is or with low-carb bread for an extra treat!

Notes

  • Serve with low-carb bread for a full Reuben sandwich experience.

 

  • Adjust the amount of mustard and Worcestershire sauce based on your taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: ~400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1300mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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