There is nothing quite like the cozy, tangy goodness of a Reuben sandwich transformed into a warm, comforting bake. This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe takes all the beloved flavors of the classic deli favorite—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and zesty Russian dressing—and layers them into a rich, melty casserole that melts in your mouth. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends with minimal effort, this dish delivers nostalgia and keto-friendly comfort food bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few but mighty ingredients are the foundation of this recipe’s incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role—from the salty richness of corned beef to the creamy tang of Swiss cheese and the punchy zip of Russian dressing—that creates this delicious keto casserole.
- 1 pound corned beef: The star protein with that classic cured, savory flavor that anchors the dish.
- 8 oz sauerkraut: Adds a bright, tangy bite and moisture, so be sure to drain it well!
- 12 oz Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, lending a creamy, nutty richness that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles: Gives a crunchy texture and sharp acidity, balancing out the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Russian dressing: A creamy and slightly spicy sauce that ties all the components together with its bold flavor.
- Butter or cooking spray: To grease your casserole dish and prevent sticking while adding a hint of buttery flavor.
How to Make Easy Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This high heat ensures the casserole cooks quickly while melting the cheese perfectly and allowing the layers to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Drain the Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut can be quite juicy, which is great for flavor but not for sogginess. Put it into a mesh strainer and let it drain thoroughly—this keeps your casserole’s texture just right and prevents any watery mess.
Step 3: Grease the Casserole Dish
Use butter or a good cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides of your casserole dish. This small step ensures your masterpiece won’t stick and gives a lovely golden edge as it bakes.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Begin with half the corned beef, evenly spread across the dish to create a savory base. Next, add a layer of drained sauerkraut and sprinkle the diced dill pickles, which contribute that much-needed crunch and tang.
Step 5: Add Russian Dressing and Cheese
Drizzle half of the Russian dressing over your layers, then scatter one-third of the Swiss cheese atop, adding a dreamy, melty dimension. Repeat the layering steps with the remaining corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles, dressing, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover your casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to bubble and the ingredients to heat through so all the flavors marry deliciously.
Step 7: Broil for a Golden Finish
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown with those irresistible crispy edges. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
How to Serve Easy Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or some extra diced dill pickles makes for pretty, fresh garnishes that brighten the dish’s rich flavors. If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños add a fun kick without overpowering the classic taste.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed low-carb veggies like broccoli or asparagus complement the casserole well to keep things balanced, healthy, and keto-friendly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for personal portions. You could also serve it alongside crispy keto-friendly crackers or toast points for extra texture and a playful twist on the traditional sandwich vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying as freshly baked.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers to keep it fresh for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for convenience. Reheating gently will help maintain that gooey cheese texture and savory goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese gives the classic Reuben flavor, cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella can offer a nice twist with great melting qualities.
Is this dish suitable for other diets?
This recipe is perfect for keto, but it’s also gluten-free. Just be sure your Russian dressing and pickles are free from added sugars or gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I substitute corned beef with another meat?
You can try pastrami or roast beef, but keep in mind the iconic Reuben taste comes from corned beef’s distinctive flavor. Experiment and find what you like best!
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Russian dressing or sprinkle chopped jalapeños over the layers. It adds a nice heat without overwhelming the savory base.
What if I don’t have Russian dressing?
You can mix mayonnaise with ketchup and a little horseradish or pickle juice to mimic a similar tangy, creamy dressing that works wonderfully in this casserole.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a keto champion, this Easy Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe would definitely take the crown. It’s packed with flavor, super simple to throw together, and hits all those cravings reminiscent of a classic Reuben sandwich but without the carbs. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become a regular in your recipe rotation—warm, satisfying, and just pure deliciousness. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Easy Keto Reuben Casserole is a low-carb twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, layered with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, dill pickles, creamy Russian dressing, and melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a comforting, quick keto-friendly meal that can serve a family or group of six.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound corned beef
Vegetables and Condiments
- 8 oz sauerkraut, drained
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/2 cup Russian dressing
Dairy
- 12 oz Swiss cheese
Others
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing casserole dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Drain Sauerkraut: Use a mesh strainer to thoroughly drain the sauerkraut to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Grease Dish: Grease your casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to help browning.
- Layer Ingredients: Place half of the corned beef evenly in the casserole dish, then layer with drained sauerkraut and diced dill pickles.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Drizzle half of the Russian dressing over the layered ingredients and sprinkle one-third of the Swiss cheese on top. Repeat the layering with remaining corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles, Russian dressing, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden brown top with melted cheese.
Notes
- Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to keep the casserole from becoming watery.
- You can substitute Russian dressing with Thousand Island dressing if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of caraway seeds to the sauerkraut layer.
- Use a casserole dish size around 8×8 inches for best layering.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven; watch closely to avoid burning.
