Zippy Skillet Reuben Low Carb & Easy Recipe for Beginners

Crafting a delightful skillet reuben that’s low carb demands creativity and smart ingredient choices.

Corned beef, swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut make this dish a winner for health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Deli-style flavors merge beautifully without excess carbohydrates.

Skilled home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum satisfaction.

Traditional reuben elements shine through every bite, proving that nutrition doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.

Layers of rich, savory ingredients create a memorable meal you’ll want to repeat.

Dive into this guilt-free culinary adventure that proves eating smart can be seriously delicious.

Skillet Reuben Low Carb & Easy to Make

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Crafted for busy home cooks, this skillet Reuben recipe requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for anyone craving a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Satisfying Low-Carb Option: Designed for health-conscious food lovers, this recipe eliminates traditional bread, transforming the classic Reuben into a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate delight that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adjusting ingredients, adding extra spices, or serving with alternative sides, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Utilizing a slow cooker for the corned beef ensures tender, flavorful meat with minimal hands-on cooking time, perfect for meal preppers and those seeking hassle-free cooking methods.

Ingredients for Low Carb Skillet Reuben

• Corned Beef Brisket: A tender and flavorful cut of beef that provides the main protein for this hearty skillet dish.

• Swiss Cheese Slices: Adds a creamy and mild flavor that melts beautifully over the meat and sauerkraut.
• Butter: Helps to sauté the sauerkraut and adds richness to the dish.

• Sauerkraut: A tangy fermented cabbage that brings a zesty and traditional flavor to the Reuben skillet.
• Diced Pickle: Provides a crunchy texture and additional tangy flavor to the dressing.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the Thousand Island dressing.
• Brown Mustard: Adds a sharp and slightly spicy flavor to both the corned beef and dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor in the corned beef.
• Pickle Juice: Adds extra tanginess to the dressing.

• Seasoning Packet: Provides additional flavor to the corned beef during slow cooking.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the dressing.
• Paprika: Gives a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color to the dressing.

Stepwise Cooking Guide for Skillet Reuben

Step 1: Slow Cook the Corned Beef

• Brown mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasoning packet

Spread this zesty mixture over the beef.

Let it simmer on low for 8 hours until incredibly tender. Shred or chop the beef into bite-sized pieces once cooked.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sauerkraut

Heat butter in a skillet over medium flame. Toss in drained sauerkraut and cook until it develops a golden hint.

Fold in the shredded corned beef along with a splash of its savory juices.

Step 3: Create the Cheesy Topping

Drape Swiss cheese slices over the beef and sauerkraut mixture.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket of deliciousness.

Step 4: Whip Up Thousand Island Magic

• Mayonnaise
• Brown mustard
• Diced pickle
• Pickle juice
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Mix until the dressing reaches a creamy, tangy perfection.

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Transfer the skillet Reuben onto a plate. Generously drizzle with the homemade Thousand Island dressing.

Enjoy solo or pair with low-carb bread for an extra satisfying meal.

Tips to Balance Flavors in Reuben

• Select a high-quality brisket and cook slowly in the slow cooker to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Remove excess liquid completely to prevent a watery skillet and achieve a perfect golden texture when sautéing.
• Use low heat and cover the skillet to help Swiss cheese melt evenly without burning or becoming rubbery.
• Experiment with mustard and pickle ratios to create a personalized tangy and creamy sauce that complements the rich corned beef.
• Swap traditional bread with lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter, carb-conscious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Variations to Make Reuben Your Own

• Reuben Stuffed Peppers: Replace the skillet with bell peppers, filling them with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, then baking until peppers are tender and cheese melts.
• Mediterranean Corned Beef Skillet: Swap sauerkraut for roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini and eggplant, use feta cheese instead of Swiss, and add oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Reuben: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, mix in some chipotle sauce with the Thousand Island dressing, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Breakfast Reuben Hash: Transform the recipe into a morning meal by adding scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, and serving the corned beef mixture over a bed of hash browns.

Pairings to Enjoy with Skillet Reuben

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet, chilled Riesling that cuts through the rich, tangy flavors of the corned beef and sauerkraut, balancing the dish's intense saltiness.
• Serve with Dill Pickle Spears: Add cold, crunchy dill pickle spears on the side to enhance the briny sauerkraut notes and provide a refreshing textural contrast to the warm, melted cheese skillet.
• Match with Hearty Dark Beer: Choose a robust German-style dark lager or stout that complements the deep, savory corned beef and stands up to the bold Thousand Island dressing's zesty profile.

How to Store Skillet Reuben Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the Thousand Island dressing separate to maintain its freshness.
• Pack the cooled corned beef and sauerkraut mixture in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the cheese and dressing.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add fresh cheese after reheating.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this Skillet Reuben unique?

The combination of slow-cooked corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and homemade Thousand Island dressing creates a flavor-packed low-carb meal that’s both easy and delicious.

• Is this recipe good for people following a low-carb diet?

Yes, this Skillet Reuben is perfect for low-carb dieters. It skips traditional bread and focuses on protein-rich corned beef and nutrient-dense sauerkraut, making it a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• Can I prepare the corned beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the corned beef in the slow cooker in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Skillet Reuben Low Carb & Easy! Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Skillet Reuben delivers classic deli flavors without carb overload, melding corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut in one irresistible pan. Sizzling simplicity meets delicious nutrition, letting you savor comfort food without guilt.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 corned beef brisket
• 4 slices Swiss cheese

Vegetables and Condiments:

• 1 jar sauerkraut, drained
• 1 small dill pickle, finely diced
• 1 seasoning packet (included with corned beef)

Seasonings and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons (tbsp) butter
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) Worcestershire sauce

Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) pickle juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the corned beef by placing the brisket in a slow cooker. Create a flavorful glaze by combining brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the seasoning packet. Thoroughly coat the brisket with this mixture. Slow cook on low temperature for 8 hours until meat becomes fork-tender and easily shredded.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and melt butter. Drain sauerkraut completely and add to the skillet. Sauté until slightly caramelized and golden, developing rich flavor profiles.
3. Incorporate the freshly shredded corned beef into the sauerkraut. Add a few spoonfuls of cooking juices to enhance moisture and taste. Distribute the meat evenly across the skillet.
4. Layer Swiss cheese slices directly over the beef and sauerkraut mixture. Cover the skillet, allowing cheese to melt completely and create a creamy, smooth coating.
5. Craft the Thousand Island dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, brown mustard, finely diced pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, and paprika in a small mixing bowl. Ensure ingredients are thoroughly combined for a consistent, tangy sauce.
6. Transfer the skillet contents onto serving plates. Generously drizzle the homemade Thousand Island dressing over the top. Optionally serve with low-carb bread for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Select high-quality corned beef for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent excess liquid making the dish watery and soggy.
• Use fresh Swiss cheese slices for optimal melting and creamy texture in the skillet.
• Customize the Thousand Island dressing by adjusting spice levels or adding extra herbs for personal preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg