Hearty Keto “Spaghetti” Casserole (Low-Carb, One-Dish & Easy Dinner!)
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of spaghetti and meatballs in a low-carb casserole! This Hearty Keto “Spaghetti” Casserole uses crisp-tender coleslaw mix as a noodle alternative, combined with savory kielbasa sausage, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection in one dish. It’s an easy, satisfying, keto-friendly, and gluten-free meal perfect for a busy weeknight!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil (if needed for frying sausage)
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (KETO NOTE: Check for no added sugar or fillers)
- 1 large (14-16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves, or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 (24-ounce) jar Rao’s Marinara Sauce (or your favorite low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (about 8 ounces)
- Cooking spray (for casserole dish)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Fry Kielbasa: Heat the avocado oil (if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the hot skillet. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy.
- Remove the cooked kielbasa from the skillet and set aside. (No need to drain fat from skillet if you plan to use it for flavor).
- Layer Casserole:
- Place the coleslaw mix evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the coleslaw mix.
- Arrange the fried kielbasa sausage slices over the seasoned coleslaw.
- Pour the entire jar of Rao’s Marinara Sauce evenly over the kielbasa and coleslaw.
- Finally, generously top the casserole with 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. (Reserve ½ cup for the last few minutes of baking if you want super fresh melted cheese).
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the coleslaw is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Optional: If you reserved ½ cup of mozzarella, sprinkle it over the casserole during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for fresh melted cheese on top.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Kielbasa Choice: Like other processed sausages, always check the label for added sugars or starches to ensure it’s truly keto-friendly.
- Coleslaw Mix: While carrots have some carbs, the amount in a typical coleslaw mix is usually negligible when divided per serving for keto. The cabbage holds up well.
- Rao’s Marinara: Rao’s is a popular choice for keto because it’s typically sugar-free. Always double-check the label of any marinara sauce to confirm no added sugars.
- Seasoning: Don’t skip seasoning the coleslaw layer directly, as it helps build flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: The goal is tender, not mushy, coleslaw. The baking time should achieve this.
- Customization:
- Add some cooked, crumbled ground beef or pork alongside the kielbasa for extra protein.
- Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the kielbasa layer before baking.
- A dollop of ricotta cheese could be added to the layers for an even creamier “lasagna” feel.
Storage: Store any leftover Keto “Spaghetti” Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The coleslaw will soften further upon reheating.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, from the kielbasa and mozzarella cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using coleslaw mix as the noodle replacement.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the following crucial ingredient checks are made:
- Kielbasa Sausage: Absolutely essential to choose a brand with no added sugars or fillers.
- Rao’s Marinara (or other): Crucial to use a low-carb, no-sugar-added marinara.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided the kielbasa and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to check).
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