Comforting Low Carb Keto Reuben Casserole
Dive into a comforting, keto-friendly twist on the classic Reuben sandwich with this Low Carb Reuben Casserole. Featuring layers of mashed cauliflower, seasoned cabbage, corned beef, and gooey Swiss cheese, this dish offers all the flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich without the carbs. It's perfect for those on a low-carb diet or anyone simply looking for a hearty, satisfying meal.
8
Servings
310
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
large head cauliflower
1 (about 2 lbs, chopped)
sour cream
1/3 cup (none)
grated Swiss cheese
2 1/2 cups (divided)
sliced green onion
1/2 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
medium head green cabbage
1 (4-5 packed cups sliced)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
caraway seed
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
leftover corned beef
2 cups (shredded and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
lite house thousand island dressing
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill a pot halfway with water, season with salt, and bring to a boil.
2
While waiting for the water to boil, remove leaves and stems from the cauliflower and coarsely chop it. Once boiling, add the cauliflower to the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 10-11 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain the cauliflower well in a colander for 5 minutes.
3
Return the drained cauliflower to the pot. Add the sour cream and blend using an immersion blender or hand mixer until mostly smooth but slightly chunky. Stir in 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese and the green onions.
4
Prepare the cabbage by discarding any wilted leaves, cutting into quarters, and removing the core. Slice it into approximately 3/8-inch thick pieces. Shred the corned beef and chop into bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add cabbage and cook, seasoning with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if desired. Sauté for about 4 minutes until it starts browning at the edges. Add shredded corned beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6
Remove pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the Thousand Island dressing until well combined.
7
Coat a large 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Layer half of the mashed cauliflower at the bottom and spread evenly. Add the cabbage and corned beef mixture on top, sprinkle with 3/4 cup of Swiss cheese, and cover with the remaining mashed cauliflower. Top the casserole with the remaining 3/4 cup of Swiss cheese.
8
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until it's bubbling and the cheese begins to brown lightly on top. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
21.9g
Fat
11.5g
Carbs
19.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Low Carb Reuben Casserole?
It is a keto-friendly dish that replicates the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich using layers of mashed cauliflower, cabbage, corned beef, and Swiss cheese instead of bread.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly, containing approximately 11.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the primary ingredients in this casserole?
The main ingredients include a large head of cauliflower, sour cream, Swiss cheese, green cabbage, leftover corned beef, and Thousand Island dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 310 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 21.9 grams of fat per serving.
Is this Reuben casserole gluten-free?
Yes, by using low-carb vegetables instead of rye bread, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes until it is bubbling and the cheese is lightly browned.
Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
Yes, pastrami can be a delicious substitute for corned beef if you prefer its smokier flavor.
What type of cheese is used?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 1/2 cups of grated Swiss cheese.
Do I need to cook the cauliflower before mashing?
Yes, the cauliflower should be boiled for 10-11 minutes until tender before being blended with sour cream and cheese.
How should I prepare the cabbage?
Remove the core and slice the cabbage into approximately 3/8-inch thick pieces, then sauté it until the edges start browning.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A large 9 x 13-inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
Are caraway seeds necessary?
Caraway seeds are optional, but they provide the traditional flavor associated with rye bread found in a standard Reuben.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
While Thousand Island is traditional, you can use Russian dressing if you prefer a spicier profile.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Ensure you drain the boiled cauliflower in a colander for at least 5 minutes to remove excess moisture before mashing.
What equipment do I need to mash the cauliflower?
An immersion blender or a hand mixer works best to achieve a mostly smooth but slightly chunky texture.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid adding extra water to the casserole.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 19.6 grams of protein.
Is the corned beef cooked before adding to the pan?
The recipe calls for leftover corned beef, which is already cooked, then shredded and warmed in the pan with the cabbage.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
No, bake the casserole uncovered to allow the cheese to brown and the sauce to bubble.
Can I add sauerkraut?
While this recipe uses fresh cabbage, you can add sauerkraut for extra tang, though you should drain it well first.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to serve.
What can I serve as a side dish?
Since it is a hearty meal, a simple green salad or roasted low-carb vegetables pair well with it.
How do I shred the corned beef?
You can use two forks to pull the meat apart or simply chop it into bite-sized pieces with a knife.
Can I use light sour cream?
Yes, but full-fat sour cream is usually preferred for keto diets to maintain the necessary fat macros.
Is the Thousand Island dressing keto?
You should check the label for added sugars; using a sugar-free or 'lite' version like Litehouse helps keep the carbs lower.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You can freeze it, but the texture of the cauliflower and cabbage may become slightly softer upon thawing.