For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and flavorful recipes can sometimes be a challenge. Italian sausage, with its rich flavor and high-fat content, is a fantastic ingredient for creating delicious and keto-friendly meals. This article explores several keto ground Italian sausage recipes, offering a variety of options for any palate.
Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Imagine a cold, snowy evening, a roaring fire, and a comforting bowl of creamy soup. This keto Italian sausage soup recipe brings that picture to life. It's a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- Butter
- Chopped onion
- Minced garlic
- Zucchini (optional, as a pasta replacement)
- Basil
- Oregano
- Bay leaf
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Diced tomatoes
- Bone broth
- Cream cheese
- Spinach
- Shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up as it browns, for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini (if using) and cook along with the sausage.
- Stir in the herbs (basil, oregano, bay leaf) and cayenne pepper (if using). Then, add the diced tomatoes.
- Pour in three cups of the bone broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- In a blender, combine the remaining cup of bone broth and cream cheese. Blend until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the soup and stir.
- Mix in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve topped with shredded parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra creamy texture, blend cream cheese with broth before adding to the soup.
- Substitute spinach with kale or bratwurst slices for variety.
- Consider adding other vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms.
Italian Sausage and Kale Skillet
This one-pan meal is a quick and easy way to get a hearty and healthy dinner on the table. The combination of Italian sausage, kale, and other vegetables makes for a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Kale
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet, brown the Italian sausage and drain off any grease.
- Push the sausage to one side of the skillet (or remove completely if the skillet is too small).
- Add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, peppers, and kale.
- Toss the vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are tender and the kale has wilted.
- Stir in the tomato paste and heavy cream until a sauce forms.
- Serve and enjoy this simple and delicious skillet meal.
Baked Keto Sausage with Creamy Basil Sauce
For a super simple and flavorful dish, this baked keto sausage recipe with creamy basil sauce is a winner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Sausage links (sweet Italian, spicy Italian, turkey, or chicken)
- Cream cheese (room temperature)
- Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Heavy cream
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Place the sausage in the baking dish (cut into bite-sized pieces, if desired).
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together the cream cheese, pesto, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Remove sausage from the oven. Spread the pesto sauce over the sausage and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sausage is 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to toast the cheese on top, watching it constantly.
Tips and Variations
- For a more golden topping, broil for a minute or two at the end.
- Add cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, or diced tomatoes for a complete meal.
- Use your favorite type of sausage to suit your taste preferences.
Italian Sausage Casserole
This spicy, cheesy casserole combines Italian sausage, riced cauliflower, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying and flavorful dish. It's a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free meal that's perfect for a comforting dinner.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- Italian sausage (sliced or ground)
- Olive oil
- Diced red pepper
- Cream cheese
- Cauliflower rice
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced red pepper and cook until it begins to soften and blister, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pan and cook until it's no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Place the cubes of cream cheese in a large bowl and pour the hot sausage mixture over them. Allow to sit a minute or so to soften the cheese, then stir.
- Gradually stir in the cauliflower rice and half of the cheddar cheese until everything is well blended.
- Spread into a large casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- Use ground Italian sausage for a different texture.
- Shred cheddar cheese from a block for the best melting and texture.
- Freeze before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Easy Keto Baked Italian Sausage Dinner
This oven-baked Italian sausage casserole is made without pasta, making it a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional Italian dishes. Searing the sausages before baking adds a ton of flavor.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage links
- Low carb marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Basil
Instructions
- Sear both sides of your sliced sausages in a cast-iron skillet until golden brown.
- Add 1/2 cup water and simmer on low with the lid on for 12 minutes.
- Put sausages in a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish.
- Pour 24 oz marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over top of your sausages.
- Sprinkle seasoning on top of cheeses.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 18 minutes, then move to the top rack of the oven for the last 2 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute pork sausages with turkey, beef, or chicken sausages.
- Use different kinds of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey, Cheddar, Fontina, or Gouda.
- Add fresh basil and/or thyme to the sauce or as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Italian Sausage Recipes
When serving these keto Italian sausage recipes, consider the following side dishes to complement the flavors and keep the meal low-carb:
- Keto Bread: Red Lobster Copycat Keto Rolls or Three Cheese Biscuits.
- Vegetables: Keto Mashed Cauliflower, Air Fryer Green Beans, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, Brussel sprouts, or zucchini.
- Salad: Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a keto-friendly dressing.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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