Reuben Bowls: A Speedy and Delicious Twist on a Classic

Reuben Bowls have been my go-to comfort food for as long as I can remember. There’s just something so satisfying about the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. It all started when I was a little kid and my grandma would make them for me on special occasions. I can still picture myself sitting at her kitchen table, eagerly watching as she layered the rye bread, juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese into a towering masterpiece. The smell would fill the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When I got older and started cooking for myself, Reuben Bowls quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation. They’re just so easy to throw together, yet they always feel like an indulgent treat. Plus, I love that you can customize them to your own taste preferences. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of creamy Russian dressing, other times I’ll sprinkle on some crunchy sautéed onions for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Why This Reuben Bowls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The secret behind these perfect Reuben Bowls is all in the technique. I’ve perfected a method that ensures the corned beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauerkraut is perfectly tangy, and the cheese gets deliciously melty and gooey. Plus, I’ve developed a special sauce that ties all the flavors together in the most incredible way. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

The Secret Behind Perfect Reuben Bowls

What sets this Reuben Bowls recipe apart is the way I build the flavors. Instead of just throwing everything together, I take the time to sauté the corned beef to get it nice and crispy on the edges. Then, I mix the sauerkraut with a touch of vinegar and sugar to balance out the acidity. And the secret sauce? Let’s just say it’s the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and a little bit sweet.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

• Corned beef: Look for high-quality, thinly sliced corned beef for the best texture.
• Sauerkraut: Opt for a refrigerated brand for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Swiss cheese: Thinly sliced or shredded works best for melting.
• Rye bread cubes: Toasting the bread gives it a nice crunch.
• Thousand Island dressing: I like to make my own, but you can use a store-bought version too.
• Onion: Sautéing the onion adds a lovely sweetness.
• Butter: For sautéing and assembling the bowls.

Step-by-Step Reuben Bowls Instructions

Preparing Your Reuben Bowls

These Reuben Bowls come together in just 30 minutes, making them the perfect easy weeknight meal. You’ll need a large skillet and a mixing bowl to get started. Let’s dive in!

1- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and the sliced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

2- Next, add the corned beef to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Remove the corned beef from the skillet and set it aside.

3- In the same skillet, add the sauerkraut and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauerkraut is heated through and has absorbed the flavors.

4- While the sauerkraut is cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing together the Thousand Island dressing, a tablespoon of the sauerkraut liquid, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5- To assemble the Reuben Bowls, start by dividing the toasted rye bread cubes among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the crispy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese.

6- Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top, making sure to coat all the ingredients. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

The key to perfectly balanced Reuben Bowls is to make sure all the components are cooked and seasoned properly. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the flavors as you go. Additionally, be sure to toast the rye bread cubes until they’re crisp, as this will help them hold up to the wet ingredients.

One common mistake to avoid is overcooking the corned beef. Keep a close eye on it and don’t let it get too dry or tough. And if you find that your sauerkraut is too acidic, a touch of sugar can help balance it out.

Serving and Storing Your Reuben Bowls

Perfect Pairings for Reuben Bowls

These Reuben Bowls are a meal in themselves, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. I love serving them with a crisp green salad, some roasted potatoes, or even a creamy coleslaw. And don’t forget a cold, refreshing beverage – a classic deli-style iced tea or a crisp lager would be the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Reuben Bowls are super versatile when it comes to storage and meal prep. You can make the components ahead of time and assemble them right before serving. The corned beef, sauerkraut, and sauce can all be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the corned beef and sauerkraut, then assemble the bowls. The toasted bread cubes can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week, so you can have them on hand anytime.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Reuben Bowls

Creative Reuben Bowls Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a unique spin on Reuben Bowls. Try swapping out the corned beef for shredded roasted turkey or pulled pork for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or provolone.

For a seasonal twist, consider adding some roasted root vegetables or sautéed mushrooms to the mix. And if you’re a fan of spice, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can really take these Reuben Bowls to the next level.

Making Reuben Bowls Diet-Friendly

Craving Reuben Bowls but looking to keep things a little lighter? No problem! There are plenty of easy substitutions you can make to adapt this recipe for various dietary needs.

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the rye bread cubes for gluten-free croutons or diced cauliflower. To make it vegan, use plant-based corned beef or tempeh, and opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative. And for a low-carb take, try serving the Reuben ingredients over a bed of lettuce or zucchini noodles instead of the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked corned beef instead of sautéing it?
A: While pre-cooked corned beef will work in a pinch, I highly recommend taking the extra step to sauté it. The crispy edges and caramelized texture make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the Reuben Bowls.

Q: How long do the Reuben Bowls take to make?
A: From start to finish, this Reuben Bowls recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. The active prep time is around 15 minutes, with the remaining time spent on cooking the components.

Q: Can I make the Reuben Bowls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The individual components – the corned beef, sauerkraut, and sauce – can all be prepared in advance and stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the fillings and assemble the bowls.

Q: How many people does this Reuben Bowls recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 4 generous servings of Reuben Bowls. If you’re serving it as a main dish, it should be enough for 4 people. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.

Q: What if my sauerkraut is too sour?
A: If you find the sauerkraut to be overly acidic, try adding a teaspoon or two of sugar to balance out the flavor. You can also mix in a bit of the Thousand Island dressing to mellow out the sourness.

Print

Conclusion

I hope this Reuben Bowls recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty cheese, and that irresistible sauce is simply unbeatable. Give it a try and let me know what you think – I’m sure you’ll be hooked after the first bite!