Delicious Keto Broccoli Cheese and Sausage Casserole (Creamy & Hearty!)
Get ready for a super easy and incredibly satisfying meal with this Delicious Keto Broccoli Cheese and Sausage Casserole! Tender broccoli florets are combined with savory smoked sausage and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting, low-carb, high-fat, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a weeknight dinner here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes (plus steaming and browning)
Ingredients:
- 20 ounces fresh broccoli florets
- 16 ounces (1 pound) pre-cooked smoked sausage, thinly sliced into rounds (e.g., kielbasa, or a similar low-carb sausage)
- 5 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (ensure no added sugar)
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste, depending on sausage and cheese saltiness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment:
- Large microwave-safe bowl with a lid or plastic wrap
- Large skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- 8×8 inch baking dish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add the broccoli florets to a large microwave-safe bowl along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Let sit, still covered, for an additional 2 minutes to allow the broccoli to steam to tender-crisp. Carefully remove cover (watch out for steam!).
- Cook Sausage: While the broccoli is steaming, place a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the smoked sausageinto thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick).
- Add the sausage rounds to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and slightly crispy on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix very well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine & Assemble: Add the cooked (and drained if necessary) sausage rounds and the steamed broccoli florets to the large bowl with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Stir everything together until the broccoli and sausage are well coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the entire broccoli mixture evenly into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this easy and delicious Keto Broccoli Cheese and Sausage Casserole!
Tips for Success:
- Broccoli Doneness: The goal is tender-crisp broccoli. Don’t overcook it in the microwave, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Sausage Choice: Use a pre-cooked smoked sausage that is low in carbs and sugar (many brands contain added sugar). Kielbasa or similar sausages work well.
- Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth sauce that blends easily with the other ingredients.
- Mayonnaise Quality: Choose a full-fat mayonnaise made with avocado oil or another healthy oil, and no added sugar.
- Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed, as sausage and cheese can vary in saltiness.
- Customization: For a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the creamy mixture. You could also add a few cooked bacon bits on top for more flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Broccoli Cheese and Sausage Casserole is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- Low-Carb: Yes, by using broccoli, cheese, and compliant sausage with a creamy, no-sugar sauce base.
- High Fat: Yes, from the sausage, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheeses.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your smoked sausage and mayonnaise are low-carb and sugar-free.
