Keto Sausage and Peppers Skillet – A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

If you need a dinner that’s bold, filling, and on the table in under 30 minutes, this Keto Sausage and Peppers Skillet has your back. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but still fits neatly into a low-carb lifestyle. Smoky sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a few smart seasonings do the heavy lifting—no heavy sauces required.

It’s simple enough for busy nights and delicious enough to serve to guests. You’ll love how flexible it is with swaps and add-ins.

Why This Recipe Works

• Low-carb and satisfying: Sausage and peppers are naturally keto-friendly, thanks to protein, healthy fats, and low-carb veggies.
• One pan, minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which keeps dinner easy and cleanup quick.
• Layered flavors: Browning the sausage builds deep, savory flavor, while onions and peppers bring sweetness and balance.
• Flexible and forgiving: You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage, fresh or pre-cooked, and mix any colors of bell peppers.
• Meal-prep friendly: Reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What You’ll Need

• 1 to 1.25 pounds Italian sausage (links or ground; pork or chicken; mild or hot)
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced into 1/2-inch strips)
• 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds great depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or 1/3 cup sugar-free marinara)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) for brightness
• Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan (optional for topping)

How to Make It

1. Prep the veggies: Slice the peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Keep them ready by the stove so the cooking moves fast.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high.

   If using links, slice into 1/2-inch rounds; if using ground, break it up. Cook until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate; leave the flavorful fat in the pan.

3. Sauté peppers and onions: Add the remaining oil if needed.

   Toss in the onion and peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred at the edges, 6–8 minutes.

4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Build a quick sauce: Add tomato paste and cook it for 1 minute to caramelize slightly.

   Stir in chicken broth to loosen any browned bits on the pan. You want a light, glossy coating, not a heavy sauce.

6. Return the sausage: Add the sausage back to the skillet and toss everything together. Simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Finish and brighten: Turn off the heat.

   Stir in red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped basil or parsley. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan if you like.

   Serve hot as-is or over cauliflower rice or zoodles.

Keeping It Fresh

• Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
• Meal prep tip: Keep the garnish (herbs and cheese) separate and add just before serving to keep flavors fresh.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Keto-friendly macros: High in protein and fat, low in carbs, with fiber from peppers and onion to keep you satisfied.
• Budget-conscious: Uses simple, accessible ingredients with lots of flavor payoff.
• Customizable heat level: Choose mild or hot sausage and adjust pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
• Versatile serving options: Great over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a bed of sautéed greens for a complete meal.
• Family-friendly: Bold, familiar flavors that even picky eaters usually enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: If the skillet is packed, the peppers steam instead of sear. Use a big pan or cook in batches for color and flavor.
• Skipping the browning: Browning the sausage is where the flavor starts.

  Don’t rush this step.

• Too much liquid: This isn’t a stew. Add just enough broth to deglaze and create a light coating.
• Under-seasoning: Taste at the end. A pinch of salt and a splash of vinegar can wake up the whole dish.
• Using sugary sauces: Many jarred sauces have added sugar.

  Choose sugar-free marinara or stick with tomato paste to keep carbs low.

Alternatives

• Sausage swaps: Use chicken, turkey, or pork sausage. Try chorizo for a smoky spin or andouille for Cajun flair.
• Veggie variations: Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra volume. Keep onions moderate to maintain keto macros.
• Dairy-free: Skip the cheese and finish with extra-virgin olive oil and herbs.
• Spice profile: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun, taco seasoning (sugar-free), or herbes de Provence.
• Sauce twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons pesto at the end for a rich, herby finish.
• Serve it differently: Spoon into lettuce cups, pile onto cauliflower mash, or top a simple arugula salad.

FAQ

Is Italian sausage keto?

Most Italian sausage is keto-friendly, especially if you choose options without fillers or added sugars.

Check the label for hidden carbs and aim for sausages with clean ingredients.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes. Slice and brown it briefly to add color and flavor before adding the veggies. It won’t need as long to cook, so adjust the timing accordingly.

What can I use instead of tomato paste?

Sugar-free marinara works well.

Use about 1/3 cup and reduce the broth slightly so the skillet isn’t watery.

How do I make it spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage, increase red pepper flakes, and add a pinch of cayenne. A splash of hot sauce at the end is another easy boost.

Can I make this without onions?

Yes. Skip the onion and add extra peppers or sliced fennel for sweetness and crunch with fewer carbs.

How many carbs are in a serving?

Exact numbers depend on your sausage and portion size.

As a general guide, a serving typically lands around 6–9 net carbs when using three bell peppers and tomato paste. Check your labels for precise macros.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet works best for browning. Nonstick is fine, but you’ll get less caramelization.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely.

Mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds a salty bite. Sprinkle on top during the last minute to melt or add just before serving.

How do I prevent soggy peppers?

Cook over medium-high heat, avoid overcrowding, and let the peppers sit undisturbed for a minute between stirs to develop color and keep them crisp-tender.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, especially with mild sausage and no red pepper flakes. Serve it with a side they like, such as cauliflower rice or a simple salad.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Sausage and Peppers Skillet keeps dinner simple without sacrificing flavor.

It’s fast, flexible, and full of satisfying textures, with just enough sauce to bring everything together. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you’ve got a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal ready any night of the week. Whether you make it as written or put your own spin on it, this skillet is one you’ll come back to again and again.