Keto Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Introduction

If you’re looking for a hearty, low-carb dish that requires minimal effort but packs a punch in flavor, this Keto Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe is just what you need! The rich, savory sausages combined with the sweetness of bell peppers, cooked low and slow, make this dish a perfect keto-friendly dinner or meal prep option. The best part? It’s made in the crockpot, so you can set it and forget it, allowing all the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the work, so all you have to do is toss everything in and let it cook to perfection.
• Perfectly Flavorful: The sausages cook slowly, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the bell peppers, garlic, and spices.
• Keto-Friendly: With no sugar or hidden carbs, this recipe fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
• Versatile: Enjoy this dish on its own or serve it with a side of cauliflower rice or over zucchini noodles for a filling meal.

My Personal Experience

I absolutely love how easy and flavorful this recipe is. I’ve made it so many times for family gatherings, and everyone always raves about it. The slow cooking process really enhances the flavors, and the sausages turn out so juicy and tender. Whenever I’m craving something savory and filling, I turn to this recipe. It’s perfect for busy days when I don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but still want a delicious, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, and the flavors seem to deepen as it sits!

Required Equipment

To make this recipe, you will need:

• Crockpot: The crockpot is essential for slow cooking the sausages and peppers, allowing them to become incredibly tender and flavorful. I use mine all the time because it’s so easy to just throw everything in and let it cook while I focus on other things.
• Tongs: A good pair of tongs will help you handle the sausages when you place them in the crockpot and stir them around.
• Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need a sharp knife to slice the bell peppers and onions. Make sure the cutting board is large enough to chop everything quickly and safely.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For precise seasoning, you’ll need measuring spoons and cups to get the right balance of spices.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Italian Sausages (4 links): These sausages add amazing flavor to the dish. Make sure to choose sausages without added sugar or carbs. If you prefer, you can use turkey or chicken sausages as a leaner alternative.
• Bell Peppers (2, any color): A classic keto vegetable. Feel free to mix up the colors for a beautiful presentation—green, red, yellow, and orange all work perfectly.
• Onion (1, medium): Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor. If you’re sensitive to carbs, you can reduce the onion or substitute with leek for a milder taste.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Garlic is a must-have for flavor. You can use minced garlic if you prefer, but fresh garlic gives the best taste.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing and adding richness to the dish. You can substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp): This seasoning blend ties the whole dish together. You can also use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out the flavors.

How to Make Keto Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips. The thinner you slice them, the more they will caramelize and absorb the flavors.
   • Mince the garlic cloves.
   • If using whole sausages, pierce them a few times with a fork to allow the juices to release as they cook.
2. Sauté the Sausages (Optional):
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausages and sear them on each side for 2-3 minutes. This step adds a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a rush.
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
   • Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Place the sausages on top of the vegetables.
4. Cook the Dish:
   • Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The sausages should be fully cooked, and the peppers should be tender.
   • If you sautéed the sausages, you can add the rendered sausage fat to the crockpot for extra flavor.
5. Stir and Serve:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, give the dish a quick stir to ensure the sausages are well coated in the juices and the vegetables have absorbed all the flavors.
   • Once ready, serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for This Recipe

• For a richer flavor: Consider adding a splash of red wine or chicken broth to the crockpot for extra depth.
• For crispy sausages: After the sausages cook in the crockpot, you can place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, caramelized crust.
• Adjust spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, skip the crushed red pepper flakes. If you love heat, feel free to add extra!

Optional Additions

• Keto-friendly cheese: Shredded mozzarella or parmesan can be sprinkled on top of the sausages for a cheesy, keto-approved twist.
• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for a savory, umami flavor boost.
• Zucchini: If you want to add more veggies, zucchini slices or zucchini noodles are a great addition.

Serving Ideas

• Cauliflower Rice: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice to absorb the juices, making for a hearty and filling keto meal.
• Zucchini Noodles: Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles, which are a perfect low-carb substitute for pasta.
• Simple Salad: A side of leafy greens with a light vinaigrette makes a great accompaniment to this meal.

Storage Recommendation

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better the next day!
• Reheating: You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If you prefer to keep it warm in the crockpot, set it on low for 30 minutes to an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other types of sausage? Yes! Feel free to use chicken or turkey sausage, or even a different flavor like bratwurst or chorizo. Just check for carb content if using flavored sausages.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the cooked sausage and peppers in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Total Carbs: 6g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 22g

I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, delicious recipes, and all the support you need to crush your goals. If you’re new to keto, don’t forget to check out our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide—it’s the perfect resource to help you start your low-carb journey with confidence!