Delicious Keto Italian Sausage Recipes

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

  1. Melt the butter in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft.
  3. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up as it browns, for about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add the zucchini (if using) and cook along with the sausage.
  5. Stir in the herbs (basil, oregano, bay leaf) and cayenne pepper (if using). Then, add the diced tomatoes.
  6. Pour in three cups of the bone broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  7. In a blender, combine the remaining cup of bone broth and cream cheese. Blend until smooth and lump-free.
  8. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the soup and stir.
  9. Mix in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
  10. 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

  1. In a large, deep skillet, brown the Italian sausage and drain off any grease.
  2. Push the sausage to one side of the skillet (or remove completely if the skillet is too small).
  3. Add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, peppers, and kale.
  4. Toss the vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are tender and the kale has wilted.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and heavy cream until a sauce forms.
  6. 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

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. Place the sausage in the baking dish (cut into bite-sized pieces, if desired).
  3. Bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, stir together the cream cheese, pesto, and heavy cream until well combined.
  5. Remove sausage from the oven. Spread the pesto sauce over the sausage and top with mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sausage is 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
  7. 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

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the diced red pepper and cook until it begins to soften and blister, about 5 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Gradually stir in the cauliflower rice and half of the cheddar cheese until everything is well blended.
  7. Spread into a large casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  8. 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

  1. Sear both sides of your sliced sausages in a cast-iron skillet until golden brown.
  2. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer on low with the lid on for 12 minutes.
  3. Put sausages in a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish.
  4. Pour 24 oz marinara sauce over the top.
  5. Sprinkle 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over top of your sausages.
  6. Sprinkle seasoning on top of cheeses.
  7. 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

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #ground #italian #sausage #recipes