This Reuben in a bowl is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! You get all the tasty layers like corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all in a hearty bowl.
It’s perfect for when you want comfort food without the fuss of bread. I love topping mine with a drizzle of thousand island dressing—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef: This is the star of the dish, but if you want a healthier option, diced turkey or lean roast beef work well too. You could also try using plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian twist!
Sauerkraut: Don’t have sauerkraut? You can use coleslaw mix with a bit of vinegar to mimic that tangy flavor. My personal tip is to make sure it’s well-drained to avoid a soggy dish.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss gives the classic flavor, but you can swap it for Gruyère or Provolone if you prefer something different. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well!
Thousand Island Dressing: If you’re not a fan, try using Russian dressing or even a homemade mix of mayo and ketchup with a splash of pickle juice. Just keep it creamy!
How Do I Make Sure the Cheese Melts Perfectly?
The key to melting cheese just right is to cover your skillet! This helps to trap steam, allowing the cheese to melt evenly. Here’s how to get it perfectly gooey:
- Once the mixture is heated through, sprinkle the cheese evenly across the top.
- Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted but not overcooked.
- If you like a bit of crisp on top, you can briefly put it under the broiler—just watch it closely!
How to Make Reuben In A Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb corned beef, diced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Rye or marble rye bread, toasted and cut into strips (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Reuben Bowl in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Corned Beef:
Start by heating a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced corned beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and slightly crispy. This will give a nice texture to your dish!
2. Mix in the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the sauerkraut, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and red onion into the skillet. Mix everything well and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
3. Melt the Cheese:
Once your mixture is nice and hot, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully. You want it gooey and melty!
4. Add the Dressing:
Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the cheesy mixture. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your Reuben mixture! Spoon it into bowls, then top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Don’t forget to offer toasted rye or marble rye bread strips on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of corned beef, you can substitute it with pastrami or even turkey for a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Sauerkraut?
No worries! If you don’t have sauerkraut, you can use coleslaw mix for a different twist. Simply skip the step of draining and rinsing, and just toss it in with the other vegetables without additional cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the textures nice. You can also add a little splash of water to the pan to prevent it from drying out while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, skip the corned beef and add more vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You might also want to include some plant-based cheese to keep the creamy texture, along with the Thousand Island dressing as is!
