Amazing Keto Italian Crockpot Sausage & Peppers (Low-Carb & Easy!)
Get ready for a burst of authentic Italian flavor with this incredibly simple Keto Italian Crockpot Sausage and Peppers!This dish tastes like a delicious Italian sausage pizza without the crust, packed with tender peppers, sweet onions, and savory sausage in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a fantastic, easy, and satisfying low-carb, no-sugar, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Yields: 5 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours (on high) or 6-7 hours (on low)
Ingredients:
- 1 package (5 count) Italian sausages, uncooked (mild or hot, check label for no added sugar/fillers)
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce (Rao’s Homemade brand recommended for keto, or any other sugar-free, low-carb brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ to ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded recommended, not pre-shredded, for better melt)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Large crockpot (slow cooker, 6-quart or larger recommended)
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions:
- Sear Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Add the Italian sausages and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they are nicely browned all over. You’re not cooking them through, just building flavor and color on the outside.
- Layer in Crockpot: Lay the seared Italian sausages in a single layer on the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add Vegetables & Seasoning: Place the uncooked, sliced onions and bell peppers evenly on top of the sausages.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the top of the vegetables.
- Add Marinara: Spread the marinara or pasta sauce evenly over the onion and pepper mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, or until the peppers are very soft and the Italian sausage is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F for pork sausage).
- Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, about 10-15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sausage and peppers. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Serve the Italian sausages and peppers straight from the pot. For a “pizza without the crust” experience, you can broil individual servings with cheese on top for a few minutes until golden.
Serving Suggestions:
- Keto-Friendly: Serve as is, over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles (zoodles), palmini noodles, or with a side of steamed green beans.
- On a Bun: For non-keto guests, serve on a sub roll or hoagie bun.
Tips for Success:
- Sausage Choice: Ensure your Italian sausages are low in carbs and have no added sugars or fillers. Read labels carefully.
- Marinara Sauce: This is crucial for keto. Rao’s Homemade is an excellent option, but always double-check the nutrition label for any brand to confirm it’s sugar-free and low-carb.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts much better and has a superior texture compared to pre-shredded cheese (which often contains anti-caking agents).
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This Italian Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe is an excellent, flavorful, and highly compliant option for your app!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein due to the sausages and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients (with correct choices for sausage/sauce) are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Italian Sausages & Marinara Sauce: As specified, these are the most crucial ingredients to check for hidden sugars, starches, or fillers. The recommendation for Rao’s is good for keto.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming gluten-free sausages and marinara sauce are used.