Keto Spanish Rice And Sausage

This keto Spanish rice and sausage is the kind of easy, one-skillet dinner that makes low-carb eating feel simple and satisfying.

It has all the bold flavor of a classic sausage and rice recipe, but without the high-carb rice. Instead, this dish uses cauliflower rice to create a hearty, flavorful meal that fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

As someone who grew up in a Hispanic home, I can tell you rice shows up often at the table. It is one of those comfort foods that feels familiar and filling. But traditional Spanish rice is made with white rice, which is too high in carbs for keto.

That is where cauliflower rice comes in. It gives you that rice-like texture while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the smoked sausage, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and spices.

This recipe is also a great option when you need a quick keto sausage dinner. It is made with smoked kielbasa, which means the sausage is already fully cooked. All you need to do is slice it, brown it, and let it simmer with the cauliflower rice and seasonings.

The result is a low-carb smoked sausage recipe that is hearty enough for dinner, easy enough for a busy weeknight, and flavorful enough that the whole family will enjoy it.

Be sure to also check out our collection of keto skillet recipes keto cauliflower rice recipes for more easy 30 minute or less keto dinner ideas.

Why You'll Love This Keto Spanish Rice And Sausage Recipe

This recipe is one I turn to when I need dinner on the table quickly but still want something packed with flavor.

You'll love that it is:

• Made in one skillet
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Low in carbs and keto-friendly
• Gluten-free when using a gluten-free sausage
• Made with easy-to-find ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep
• Great for using frozen cauliflower rice
• A hearty keto sausage dinner the family can enjoy

It is also a great way to enjoy a keto kielbasa recipe without needing potatoes, pasta, or regular rice.

Low-Carb Spanish Cauliflower Rice And Sausage

Traditional Spanish rice gets its color and flavor from tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. This keto version keeps those same delicious flavors but swaps the rice for cauliflower rice.

Cauliflower rice works beautifully in this dish because it has a mild flavor and takes on the seasonings in the skillet. Once it is combined with the smoked sausage, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and smoked paprika, it becomes a satisfying low-carb replacement for regular rice.

I like to use frozen cauliflower rice because it is convenient and cooks quickly. It is one of those ingredients I always recommend keeping in the freezer for easy keto meals.

You can also use fresh cauliflower rice. Just keep in mind that fresh cauliflower may take a little longer to cook and may need a small splash of water to keep the skillet moist.

Is Spanish Rice Keto?

Traditional Spanish rice is not keto-friendly because it is made with white rice. Even a small serving of regular rice can quickly use up your daily carb limit.

This recipe gives you the same Spanish-inspired flavors in a much lower-carb way by using cauliflower rice instead.

The cauliflower rice keeps the recipe light, flavorful, and keto-friendly while still giving you the comfort of a rice-style skillet meal.

Ingredients Needed

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Note that the full printable recipe card for a classic Spanish rice recipe with a keto makeover is at the bottom of the page.

• Smoked kielbasa sausage
• Frozen cauliflower rice or fresh riced cauliflower
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Bell peppers: I used a combination of red bell pepper, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers.
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves
• Smoked Spanish paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Cumin powder
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Sea salt
• Vegetable oil of choice, I use avocado oil
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Butter
• Fresh parsley
• Green onion or chives

Best Sausage To Use For Keto Spanish Rice

For this recipe, I recommend using a fully cooked smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage. Since the sausage is already cooked, it only needs to be browned in the skillet, which keeps this recipe fast and easy.

When choosing sausage for keto, read the label carefully. Some smoked sausages and kielbasa brands include added sugar, fillers, or starches that can increase the carb count.

Look for a sausage that is:

• Fully cooked
• Low in carbs
• Free of added sugar when possible
• Gluten-free if needed
• Made with simple ingredients

You can also use smoked beef sausage, turkey kielbasa, chicken sausage, bratwurst, or even chorizo if you want a bolder Spanish-style flavor.

How To Make Keto Spanish Rice And Sausage

Start by cooking the frozen cauliflower rice according to the package directions, then set it aside. Slice the smoked kielbasa into rounds so it is ready to brown.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, bell peppers, green onions, and garlic until they begin to soften and become fragrant.

Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until the pieces are nicely browned. Browning the sausage adds extra flavor to the entire dish, so don't rush this step.

Next, add the cooked cauliflower rice to the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.

Stir well so the cauliflower rice and sausage are evenly coated with the spices.

Add the undrained canned tomatoes and mix everything together. Then stir in the butter and allow the skillet to simmer on low for several minutes so the flavors can come together.

Finish the dish with fresh parsley and green onions or chives before serving.

Best Tips For This Recipe

• Sausage: Although any sausage will do, using a fully cooked Polish or Kielbasa imparts a lot of flavors and reduces the cooking time of the dish since you are just browning the sliced sausages. Make sure that the sausage is free of hidden carbs and sugars. Choose the best-quality, fully cooked sausage that you can afford. Pederson's Farms has uncured Old World Kielbasa with no sugar added. It's Paleo and Keto Friendly, Whole 30 Approved, and Gluten and MSG Free. Plus, it's vegetarian-fed, antibiotic-free, and raised humanely without growth stimulants.
• Cauliflower Rice: Using a steamable, riced cauliflower keeps things very easy. In many grocery stores, you can now find it in the freezer section. However, you can also make it from scratch. Refer to our keto cauliflower rice for instructions on how to rice the cauliflower. There is no need to add any liquid to the dish when using frozen cauliflower. If you opt to use fresh cauliflower, then I suggest you add a couple of tablespoons of water, up to ¼ cup, to keep the dish moist.
• Vegetables: My recipe uses a combination of vegetables and herbs, such as canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, green onions, parsley, and a variety of colored bell peppers, but you can change things up by adding your favorite low-carb vegetables that have been diced. To save more time, you can opt to use frozen onions and peppers that have already been chopped for you.
• Spices: The spices in this recipe lean towards a Spanish profile and use smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and sea salt. I chose paprika over saffron because it's more economical, but if you have some on hand, definitely use a few stands instead. For a more Mexican skillet meal that uses ground beef, I recommend you check out our keto Mexican skillet dish.

Easy Recipe Variations

• This low-carb sausage recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
• For a spicier version, use chorizo or andouille sausage.
• For a milder option, use chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa.
• For extra protein, add cooked chicken breast or chicken thighs.
• For more vegetables, add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or extra bell peppers.
• For a richer flavor, add a little extra butter at the end before serving.
• For a Mexican-inspired version, use taco-style seasonings and serve it with avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.

What To Serve With Keto Spanish Rice And Sausage

This recipe is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple low-carb side.

Some great options include:

• A green salad
• Sliced avocado
• Roasted vegetables

Since this dish already includes sausage, cauliflower rice, tomatoes, and peppers, it works beautifully as a complete keto meal.

How To Store And Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the cauliflower rice and sausage in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for an easy lunch.

This recipe also freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 weeks. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this keto Spanish rice and sausage recipe is great for meal prep.

You can make the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners.

You can also chop the vegetables and slice the sausage in advance so the recipe comes together even faster when you are ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Keto Sausage Recipes And Cauliflower Rice Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this low-carb Spanish cauliflower rice and sausage recipe, be sure to check out more of our easy keto dinner recipes.

You may also enjoy:

• Keto Skillet Recipes
• Keto Cauliflower Rice Recipes
• Keto Mexican Skillet
• Keto Dirty Rice

These recipes make it easier to stay on track without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tag Us

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