Quick & Creamy Keto Sausage Skillet Dinner (One-Pan Meal!)
Whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner in one pan with this easy Keto Sausage Skillet! Featuring savory ground sausage, tender green beans, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this high-protein, low-carb meal is perfect for a busy weeknight.
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage (breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or plain ground pork/beef with seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust based on sausage seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained well
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
Equipment:
- Large skillet with a lid
Instructions:
- Brown Sausage: Place the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Grease & Season: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the sausage and stir to combine.
- Create Cream Sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy whipping cream to the skillet with the sausage. Stir continuously, allowing the cream cheese to melt and combine with the heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Add Green Beans & Cheese: Stir in the well-drained green beans. Top the entire mixture evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover & Melt: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from heat and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips for Success:
- Sausage Choice: If using plain ground pork or beef, increase the salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding a pinch of dried sage or fennel for more “breakfast sausage” flavor.
- Green Bean Drainage: Draining the green beans thoroughly is key to prevent the skillet from becoming watery. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel if very wet.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out the green beans for other low-carb vegetables like drained canned diced tomatoes, fresh spinach (add after cream sauce and let it wilt), or steamed broccoli florets.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- This is a complete meal on its own!
- Serve with a simple side salad for added freshness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor and color.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Ground sausage, cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese are excellent protein sources, making this meal incredibly satisfying and beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Ground Sausage: Generally keto-friendly. However, always check labels for “sweet” or “maple” flavored sausages as they can contain added sugars. Opt for plain, hot, or Italian varieties.
- Cream Cheese, Heavy Whipping Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: All are core keto fat and protein sources.
- Green Beans (Canned): These are a keto-friendly vegetable in moderation and a convenient option.
- Seasonings: All keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided the sausage and any seasonings used are also certified gluten-free.
