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12 Keto Italian Sausage Recipes - Low-Carb & Delicious!

Written by Sara Nelson on May 24, 2019

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Have you been looking for delicious keto Italian sausage recipes? If so, you've come to the right place! We are sharing our favorite low-carb Italian sausage recipes that are full of flavor and low in carb content. So, for those of you who follow a keto diet, you're going to want to bookmark this post!

Low-Carb Italian Sausage

Before we look at the recipes in this list, we need to first discuss what types of sausage you should be buying when following a ketogenic diet. You may be surprised to learn that companies regularly add unwanted ingredients to their Italian sausage that aren't the best option for a healthy keto diet; these ingredients can range from sugar to wheat, to a variety of forms of soy.

First and foremost, check the nutrition label to ensure the product is low in carbs; any sausage product that contains less than 2 grams of net carbs per serving is typically a good option. Then, double-check that it's gluten-free Italian sausage. By making sure the sausage is gluten-free, you'll know with certainty that high-carb and inflammatory wheat is not used to prepare the sausage.

How to Cook Italian Sausage

If you have never cooked with Italian sausage before, you may not know that virtually all Italian sausage is pork-based, so it's important to be aware of proper cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). The individual recipe instructions will indicate if the meat should be cut before or after cooking and, be sure to follow that instruction exactly, because cutting the sausage too early could yield dry meat - unless another liquid ingredient is added.

How Long Will it Keep in the Fridge?

Like other meat, it's important to consume cooked Italian sausage within a short time frame so it stays fresh and flavorful. In general, it's best to refrigerate your keto Italian sausage recipe in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days, unless otherwise noted in the individual recipe.

Pork Italian Sausage Substitutes

If you prefer to not eat pork, at most grocery stores and butcher shops, there is an option for beef- and chicken-based sausage. If you decide to substitute beef or chicken sausage for pork Italian sausage, be sure to note that cook time will likely change and the flavors will be slightly different than the originally developed recipe, but the resulting dish should still be successful and will taste delicious!

Keto Italian Sausage Recipes

All of these keto recipes with Italian sausage highlight this tasty protein and are sure to satiate you and satisfy your cravings for something spicy and mouthwatering!

1. Italian Sausage Soup

This simple and nutrient-dense Italian sausage soup is a perfect meal option for chilly fall or winter days! Each ingredient is warming and comforting and the resulting meal will leave you full and energized. Enjoy a bowl of this soup when you are looking for an easy and quick keto recipe that will yield plenty of leftovers to eat throughout the week.

Per serving: 365 calories, 20g fat, 9g net carbs, 33g protein

Get the recipe from Keto in the City.

2. Keto Zuppa Toscana

This keto zuppa toscana is bursting with flavor. In each bite, you'll enjoy spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tasty broth, wilted kale, and radishes that taste exactly like potatoes. This keto Italian soup is a favorite of many and is perfect for a keto diet as each serving contains less than 3 grams of net carbs.

Per serving: 334 calories, 31g fat, 2.8g net carbs, 12g protein

Get the recipe from Real Balanced.

3. Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

How fun is this keto appetizer?! Bite-sized proportions make this recipe the ultimate choice for game day parties or holiday gatherings! Made with only 7 simple ingredients, you can quickly whip up these mushrooms featuring Italian sausage in less than one hour.

Per serving: 225 calories, 16g fat, 10g net carbs, 10g protein

Get the recipe from The Spruce Eats.

4. Fat-Head Sausage Rolls

Made with the ever-popular "fat-head dough", these sausage rolls are such a great option for a party appetizer or a snack that the whole family is sure to love. At only 3.6 grams of net carbs per serving and requiring only 45 minutes of work, you are going to want to keep this recipe handy for those times you are craving something comforting and delicious.

Per serving: 470 calories, 39.1g fat, 3.6g net carbs, 26g protein

Get the recipe from Ditch the Carbs.

5. Spicy Italian Stuffed Peppers

Did you know that stuffed peppers are keto-friendly? They sure are! This keto ground Italian sausage recipe is low in carbs and each bite is so flavorful and comforting. Baked in a casserole pan for complete ease and easy clean-up, you will have these keto stuffed peppers prepared and ready to eat in just 35 minutes.

Per serving: 298 calories, 18g fat, 8g net carbs, 27g protein

Get the recipe from Perfect Keto.

6. Italian Sausage Kale Soup

If you are looking for Instant Pot keto recipes, this is the one for you. This soup is as nutrient-dense and nourishing as any keto meal gets. This keto Italian sausage recipe uses wholesome protein, vegetables, healthy fat, and spices to create a mouthwatering, delicious main dish.

We especially love this recipe because it freezes perfectly, which will allow you to make several batches at a time in advance, so you can then freeze it, thaw a portion, and eat when you're in need of a warming meal.

Per serving: 400 calories, 33g fat, 9g net carbs, 16g protein

Get the recipe from Two Sleevers.

7. Sweet Italian Sausage and Spinach Quiche

Italian sausage recipes

Italian sausage isn't solely for dinner meals. Whip up this low-carb spinach quiche recipe that features an almond flour crust, spinach, grape tomatoes, and sweet Italian sausage. Plus, as an added flavor component, goat cheese, and grated parmesan cheese are used in the filling. Yum! Breakfast doesn't get much better than this.

Per serving: 331 calories, 27g fat, 5g net carbs, 17g protein

Get the recipe from Keto Cooking Christian.

8. Keto Sausage Balls

What could be better than a recipe that yields an incredible meal and that takes only 30 minutes to make?! Simply mix the ingredients together in a mixing bowl, roll into balls, bake, and that's it! Dinner on the table in no time at all. This Italian sausage soup contains minimal net carb content and is made with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen right now.

Per serving: 124 calories, 11g fat, 1g net carbs, 6g protein

Get the recipe from Keto Size Me.

9. Italian Sausage and Cauliflower Salad

Sausage and Cauliflower Salad

If you're looking for a way to incorporate Italian sausage into a salad, this is the recipe for you! In this recipe, you'll find sausage, riced cauliflower, and delicious vegetables that will result in a flavorful bite. You can serve this recipe as a main dish or even as a side dish at family dinner or for parties.

Per serving: 585 calories, 51g fat, 6g net carbs, 22g protein

Get the recipe from Step Away From The Carbs.

10 Italian Sausage and Eggplant Casserole

Casseroles are an excellent meal option when you don't want to cook in a kitchen for hours on end. Prep your ingredients, pour them into a casserole dish, bake, then enjoy! This keto casserole recipe is especially great because it contains flavorful eggplant and Italian sausage, along with a melty cheese sauce that makes each bite mouthwatering.

Per serving: 280 calories, 21g fat, 6g net carbs, 12g protein

Get the recipe from Diethood.

11. Instant Pot Italian Sausage Soup

An Instant Pot recipe for the books, this low carb Italian sausage soup is so zesty and flavorful. The soup is made with ground sausage, broth, chopped vegetables, and spices and we think you'll be quite surprised by how little effort the meal requires, yet how tasty it is! If you are looking for a recipe to make and eat for weekday meals throughout your busy week, double this recipe and you'll have plenty to enjoy.

Per serving: 294 calories, 20g fat, 7g net carbs, 20g protein

Get the recipe from Simply So Healthy.

12. Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

This flavorful medley of ingredients results in the most satisfying meal that requires little effort in the kitchen. Made with a combination of sweet and spicy Italian sausage, this savory meal can be successfully made in a skillet or sheet pan and is ready to serve and eat in just one hour.

Per serving: 351 calories, 27g fat, 10.3g net carbs, 15.4g protein

Get the recipe from Savor the Flavor.

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✍️ ABOUT THE AUTHOR 📚

Sara Nelson

Sara Nelson

Sara Nelson is the food blogger behind realbalanced.com, a site dedicated to sharing low-carb, keto, paleo, and primal recipes. Since 2017, Sara has shared delicious, nutritious, and allergy-friendly recipes with her thousands of blog readers and social media followers. Sara lives in Milwaukee, WI with her husband, Ryan, and their Boston Terrier, Rowsdower.