Keto Italian Sausage & Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe For Dinner

If you’ve ever walked into an Italian grandma’s kitchen, you know exactly what good food should smell like. That mix of sizzling sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic? That’s what we’re making today—except this time, we’re keeping it low-carb without losing an ounce of flavor.

This Keto Italian Sausage & Bell Pepper Skillet is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if all you did was toss everything into a pan. It’s easy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights when you just can’t deal with complicated meals.

So, tie on that apron (or don’t—who’s judging?), grab a pan, and let’s get cooking.

What You’ll Need

This is a one-pan meal, so don’t worry about a pile of dishes afterward. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your call)
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green—mix them for color)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (look for no-sugar-added)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, but why not?)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Get a large skillet (cast iron if you have one) and place it over medium heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

If you’re using sausage links, remove the casings. If you’ve got bulk sausage, just crumble it straight in. Now, let it cook—no constant stirring! Let the sausage brown on one side for a couple of minutes before breaking it up with a spatula. This is where the magic starts.

Once the sausage is fully browned (about 6-8 minutes), remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t wipe the pan—those little bits stuck to the bottom? That’s where the flavor is.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Listen to that sizzle! That’s how you know you’re doing it right.

Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften a bit but still have some bite.

Now, add in your garlic. Stir it around for 30 seconds—just until it smells like heaven. Be careful not to burn it, or you’ll have to start over, and no one wants that.

Step 3: Bring in the Tomatoes and Spices

Time to add some moisture and flavor. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), along with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.

By now, your kitchen smells like an Italian trattoria, and you’re probably getting hungry. Hang in there—it’s almost done.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Take your cooked sausage and add it back into the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the sausage soaks up all that herby, garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Finish It Off

If you’re feeling extra fancy (or just love cheese), sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet for 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey layer of perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve straight from the skillet.

What to Eat With It?

This skillet is a full meal on its own, but if you want to stretch it out or serve it differently, here are a few low-carb ideas:

• Cauliflower Rice – Soaks up all the flavors like regular rice, minus the carbs.
• Zucchini Noodles – Toss some zoodles in at the end for a pasta-like vibe.
• A Side of Greens – A simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon pairs beautifully.

Make It Your Own

This dish is super forgiving. You can swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.

• Want it spicier? Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Prefer chicken sausage? Go for it!
• No canned tomatoes? Use fresh diced tomatoes with a splash of chicken broth.
• More cheese? Always a good idea. Try Parmesan or provolone.

How to Store Leftovers

This skillet reheats beautifully, so don’t be afraid to make extra.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• To Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Conclusion

This Keto Italian Sausage & Bell Pepper Skillet isn’t just another low-carb meal—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re eating something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, hearty, and loaded with bold flavors that’ll make you forget you’re even eating keto.

So go ahead—grab that fork, take a bite, and enjoy every single bite. You earned it.

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