Craving the ultimate comfort food that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! This Chicken Bacon Sausage Casserole is a powerhouse of flavor, combining tender chicken, savory sausage, and crispy bacon in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Packed with protein and hearty vegetables, it’s a complete, satisfying meal that will keep you energized and full for hours. Get ready to add a new family favorite to your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
• 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz (226g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 24 oz (680g) ground sausage
• 7 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 16 oz (450g) frozen cauliflower florets, thawed and roughly chopped
• 16 oz (450g) sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Remove, let cool, and crumble. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
3. While the bacon cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl.
4. In the same skillet, brown the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to the bowl with the chicken, leaving the grease in the skillet.
5. Add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage grease. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the softened cream cheese, paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheeses are melted and a smooth sauce forms.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and sausage in the large bowl. Add the thawed cauliflower and crumbled bacon, then stir everything together until well combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Nutritional Information
• This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it incredibly satiating.
• Low in carbohydrates, it’s an excellent choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
• A great source of essential nutrients from a variety of vegetables and quality proteins.
• Calorie-dense, providing sustained energy.
Pro Tips
• For a perfect golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Feel free to customize your veggies. Diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to sauté them with the onions and celery.
• You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
• For an extra kick of flavor, use a spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
FAQ
Q: Is this Chicken Bacon Sausage Casserole keto-friendly
A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for a keto or low-carb diet. It’s high in protein and healthy fats and uses cauliflower instead of high-carb fillers like pasta or potatoes, keeping the net carbs very low.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What are some good vegetable substitutions for this recipe
A: This recipe is very flexible. You can easily swap or add other low-carb vegetables like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or spinach. Just be sure to sauté them with the onions and celery to soften them before adding them to the casserole.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftovers
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
