Hearty & Flavorful Keto Polish Kielbasa Zucchini Bake (One-Pan Meal!)

Hearty & Flavorful Keto Polish Kielbasa Zucchini Bake (One-Pan Meal!)

Enjoy a quick and satisfying meal with this Hearty & Flavorful Keto Polish Kielbasa Zucchini Bake! Slices of savory kielbasa sausage are roasted alongside tender zucchini, all seasoned with a zesty blend of Old Bay and garlic. This easy, one-pan bake is packed with flavor and comes together with minimal fuss. This low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a no-stress dinner here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!

Yields: 3-4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (13-14 ounce) package pre-cooked Polish kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 2-3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into halves or quarters, then into ½-inch thick bite-sized pieces (about 4-5 cups)
• 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon Flavor God Garlic Lovers seasoning, or to taste (or 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried herbs like parsley/oregano)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Equipment:

• Large zip-top gallon-size bag or large mixing bowl
• Large baking sheet (ideally 13×18 inches, a half-sheet pan)
• Parchment paper or foil (for lining baking sheet)
• Tongs or spatula (for tossing and turning)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • Wash and slice the zucchini as directed (lengthwise into halves or quarters, then into ½-inch thick bite-sized pieces).
   • Place the sliced zucchini into a large zip-top gallon-size bag (or a large mixing bowl).
   • Add the avocado oil, Old Bay seasoning, Flavor God Garlic Lovers seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the bag. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and shake vigorously until the zucchini is completely and evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
2. Prep Kielbasa: Slice the Polish kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds.
3. Arrange on Sheet Pan: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
   • Spread the seasoned zucchini out in a single layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet.
   • On the other half of the baking sheet, spread the sliced kielbasa in a single layer. Ensure everything is spread out and not overcrowded for best roasting results.
4. First Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Second Bake & Finish: After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
   • Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn just the kielbasa slices to encourage even browning. You can also give the zucchini a quick toss if desired.
   • Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the kielbasa is nicely browned and slightly crispy, and the zucchini is tender-crisp and lightly caramelized.
6. Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let cool for a minute or two, then serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful one-pan bake!

Tips for Success:

• Single Layer is Key: Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan. If your pan is too small, use two pans or cook in batches to ensure everything roasts evenly and gets beautifully caramelized instead of steaming.
• Seasoning Check: Old Bay and Flavor God Garlic Lovers are generally keto-friendly, but always double-check ingredient lists for any hidden sugars or anti-caking agents, especially with spice blends. You can also use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne.
• Zucchini Moisture: Zucchini releases water. Cutting it into thicker pieces (½-inch) helps prevent it from becoming too mushy.
• Kielbasa Browning: Turning the kielbasa ensures both sides get nicely browned and crispy.
• Customization: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables that roast well, such as bell peppers, broccoli florets, or asparagus. Adjust cooking times as needed.
• Easy Cleanup: Parchment paper or foil makes cleanup a breeze!

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

This Polish Kielbasa Zucchini Bake is a delightful addition to your health journey!

• High Protein: Yes, from the kielbasa sausage.
• Healthy Fats: Yes, from the avocado oil and kielbasa.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb due to the use of kielbasa and non-starchy zucchini.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your seasonings are sugar-free.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Read on how to prepare Zero Carb Nuggets.