The Reuben is by far my favorite sandwich. It has always perplexed me because I don’t particularly enjoy any of the components individually, but when corned beef, sauerkraut, rye bread, and Russian dressing are combined, magic happens. It’s a messy sandwich, but it’s well worth it. If you’re managing your carb consumption, it may not seem worth it, but that’s where this ‘Reuben in a Bowl’ comes in.

It has all of the flavor of a Reuben without the bread. The dressing is an essential component of a great Reuben, and we’re producing our own. But don’t worry; it’s straightforward. Simply whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt & pepper. That’s it; the ideal dressing. There have been debates about whether corned beef or pastrami belong on a Reuben, but you are free to use either.

Simply brown it in a pan… Then add some coleslaw mix to soften, as well as some sauerkraut and green onions. The cabbage adds a crunch that the bread may lack, while the sauerkraut provides the necessary traditional flavor. Some melted Swiss cheese on top completes this warm cheesy supper. So, what about rye bread? A thin sprinkle of caraway seeds pulls that flavor in nicely. It might not appear that a simple touch will resolve the issue, but it does.

And the dressing drizzled over everything brings all of the flavors together, albeit in a less messy way than with the sandwich. It’s one of those situations where each item brings out the best in the others, much like the sandwich, although this version feels a little more appropriate for dinnertime.