Linda's Low Carb Italian Casserole

Indulge in the comforting, flavor-packed goodness of Linda's Low Carb Italian Casserole—a hearty, keto-friendly dish brimming with bold Italian flavors! Loaded with savory ground Italian sausage, tender zucchini, and vibrant bell peppers, this casserole is layered with a creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella blend, then topped with golden, bubbly parmesan. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this dish is a wholesome, low-carb twist on classic Italian comfort food. Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option that satisfies cravings without breaking your carb goals. Serve it bubbling-hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a true taste of Italy, right from your oven!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (ground, mild or spicy)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 large bell peppers (diced, any color)
• 2 medium zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
• 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned, unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a light coat of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly blended.

Step 7

Spread half of the sausage and vegetable mixture into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.

Step 8

Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the layer of sausage and vegetables and spread it gently with a spatula to create an even layer.

Step 9

Top with the remaining sausage and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese and the rest of the parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2351.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3311.2

Total Fat 242.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 104.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 695.5mg	0%
Sodium 9352.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 45.7g
Protein 192.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3462.7mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 4178.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.7%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 12.5%