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Keto Crockpot Spicy Sausage & Zucchini – Simple, Hearty, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds spicy Italian sausage (casings removed if using links; you can use mild and add chili flakes if preferred)
  • 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional for color and sweetness)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Sear the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned with crispy edges, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker with a slotted spoon.
  2. Soften aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Sauté 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  3. Build the sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Taste the liquid and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Slow cook (first phase): Cover and cook on Low for 3 hours or on High for 1.5 hours. This allows the sauce to develop and the sausage to tenderize.
  5. Add zucchini: Stir in the zucchini slices. Make sure they’re submerged but not packed tight. Cover and cook on Low for another 1–1.5 hours, or on High for 45–60 minutes, until zucchini is tender but not falling apart.
  6. Finish and adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is thin, remove the lid for the last 15–20 minutes to reduce slightly. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more broth.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add Parmesan if you like. Serve in bowls as is, or over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for extra volume.