Ground sausage is a versatile ingredient that can transform simple meals into delicious feasts. Its rich flavor and easy-to-use form make it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive weekend spreads. These 25 ground sausage recipes will give you new ideas to spice up your meals and satisfy your taste buds.
From hearty pasta dishes to savory appetizers, ground sausage adds a punch of flavor to many different cuisines. You’ll find recipes that are easy to make and sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or trying to impress guests, these recipes offer something for every occasion.
1. Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Sausage and pepper pasta is a tasty meal you can make in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious.
To make it, start by cooking Italian sausage in a large pot. Add colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic for extra flavor.
Next, toss in your favorite pasta and let it cook with the other ingredients. This one-pot method saves time and dishes.
Finish the dish with a creamy sauce or some grated cheese. The result is a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
2. Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Sausage stuffed peppers are a tasty and filling meal. To make them, start by cooking Italian sausage with onions in a skillet.
Add garlic, diced tomatoes, and spices like oregano, basil, and parsley. Mix in cooked rice and some cheese.
Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Spoon the sausage mixture into the pepper halves.
Top with more cheese and bake in a 375°F oven until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
You can customize this recipe by using different types of sausage or adding vegetables like mushrooms to the filling.
3. Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Sausage breakfast casserole is a hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd. You can make it ahead of time, saving you stress in the morning.
To start, cook ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Spread it over a layer of crescent roll dough in a baking dish.
Whisk eggs with milk and seasonings, then pour this mixture over the sausage. Top with shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Bake the casserole at 350°F for about an hour. The eggs will set and the top will turn golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit or toast on the side.
4. Sausage and Bean Soup
Sausage and bean soup is a hearty meal that’s easy to make. You’ll need ground sausage, beans, vegetables, and broth.
Start by cooking the sausage in a large pot until browned. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the veggies soften.
Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano. Let the soup simmer for at least 10 minutes.
This soup is versatile. You can use different types of beans or add potatoes for extra bulk. It’s perfect for cold days and reheats well.
5. Sausage Jambalaya
Sausage jambalaya is a tasty one-pot meal that’s perfect for using ground sausage. You’ll start by cooking onions, bell peppers, and celery in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Next, add your ground sausage and cook until browned. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Creole seasoning.
Let the mixture simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. This usually takes about an hour.
For extra flavor, you can add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Some recipes also include shrimp or chicken for more protein.
Serve your sausage jambalaya hot. It’s a filling dish that’s great for family dinners or potlucks.
6. Sausage Calzones
Sausage calzones are a tasty twist on pizza. You can make them at home with Italian sausage, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese.
To start, cook the sausage in a pan until it’s no longer pink. Mix it with cheese and spices in a bowl.
Roll out pizza dough into circles. Put the sausage mix on one half, fold the dough over, and seal the edges. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake the calzones in a 400°F oven for 12-14 minutes. They’re done when golden brown on top.
7. Sausage and Spinach Lasagna
This hearty dish combines savory ground sausage with nutritious spinach for a delicious twist on classic lasagna. You’ll layer pasta sheets with a flavorful tomato-sausage sauce, chopped spinach, and a blend of cheeses.
The sausage adds richness and depth, while the spinach provides a pop of color and extra nutrients. A mix of mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Parmesan creates the perfect cheesy texture.
You can assemble this lasagna ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
8. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need mushroom caps, ground sausage, cream cheese, and some herbs.
Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Chop the stems finely. Cook the sausage in a pan, then mix in the chopped stems, cream cheese, and herbs.
Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps. Place them on a baking sheet and cook at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
These savory bites are perfect for parties or as a side dish. You can make them ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
9. Sausage and Potato Hash
Sausage and potato hash is a tasty, filling meal you can enjoy any time of day. It’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients.
Start by cooking ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Add diced potatoes and fry until crispy. Toss in some onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Season your hash with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a hearty breakfast, top it with fried eggs. The runny yolks mix well with the savory sausage and potatoes.
This versatile dish works great for using up leftovers too. Try adding different veggies or cheeses to switch things up.
10. Sausage and Kale Soup
Sausage and kale soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. You can make it easily with ground sausage, kale, and a few other simple ingredients.
Start by browning the sausage in a large pot. Remove it and set aside. In the same pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
Add chicken broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the cooked sausage and chopped kale.
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes until the kale wilts. For a creamy version, add some half-and-half or heavy cream at the end.
This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
11. Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Sausage and ricotta stuffed shells are a tasty Italian-inspired dish. You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, ground sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
Cook the pasta shells until they’re just bendable. Brown the sausage in a skillet. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and cooked sausage in a bowl.
Stuff each shell with the mixture. Place them in a baking dish covered with marinara sauce. Top with more sauce and cheese.
Bake the stuffed shells until the cheese melts and bubbles. This meal is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. You can make it ahead and freeze for later too.
12. Sausage Marinara over Zoodles
This dish combines tasty Italian sausage with zucchini noodles for a lighter twist on pasta. Start by cooking ground sausage in a skillet until browned.
Add your favorite marinara sauce to the cooked sausage and let it simmer. While the sauce cooks, spiralize zucchini to make zoodles.
Sauté the zoodles in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get mushy.
Serve the sausage marinara over a bed of zoodles. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
This meal is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a great way to add more veggies to your diet.
13. Sausage and Egg Breakfast Tacos
Sausage and egg breakfast tacos are a tasty way to start your day. You can make them quickly and easily in just a few steps.
First, cook ground sausage in a skillet until browned. In a separate pan, scramble eggs with a bit of milk, salt, and pepper.
Warm up some tortillas and fill them with the cooked sausage and eggs. Add cheese, diced onions, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
You can customize these tacos to your liking. Try different types of sausage or add potatoes for a heartier meal.
These tacos are perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch. They’re filling and portable, making them ideal for eating on the go.
14. Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Sausage gravy and biscuits is a classic comfort food dish. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by cooking ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Add flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in milk while stirring. Cook until the gravy thickens.
Season your gravy with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve the hot gravy over freshly baked biscuits.
For the best results, make homemade biscuits using cold butter and buttermilk. Bake them until golden brown before topping with the sausage gravy.
This hearty meal is perfect for breakfast or brunch. You can customize it by using different types of sausage or adding extras like cheese or eggs.
15. Sausage and Lentil Stew
Sausage and lentil stew is a hearty meal perfect for cold days. You’ll start by browning ground sausage in a pot. Next, add onions, garlic, and carrots to build flavor.
Pour in broth, water, and lentils. Let the mixture simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30-45 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes and your favorite spices for extra taste.
For a twist, try adding fennel or spinach to the stew. You can also use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. This dish is filling, easy to make, and great for leftovers.
16. Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
This classic dish combines ground sausage with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions. It’s a tasty, easy meal you can make in one skillet.
Start by cooking the sausage in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s browned, set it aside and sauté sliced peppers and onions in the same pan.
Add garlic, basil, and oregano for extra flavor. Pour in some wine or broth to deglaze the pan. Then mix the sausage back in with the vegetables.
You can serve this versatile dish in many ways. Try it on a hoagie roll, over pasta, or with rice. It’s a filling meal that’s quick to make on busy weeknights.
17. Sausage and Cornbread Dressing
This classic Southern dish combines crumbled cornbread with savory ground sausage. Start by baking cornbread and letting it cool before crumbling it into a large bowl.
Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and add the meat to the cornbread.
Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender. Mix these veggies into the cornbread and sausage. Add beaten eggs and chicken broth to moisten the mixture.
Season with sage, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread the dressing in a baking dish and bake until golden brown on top.
18. Sausage and Cheese Quiche
Sausage and cheese quiche is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need a pie crust, ground sausage, cheese, eggs, and milk or cream.
Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet. Drain any excess grease. Spread the cooked sausage in the bottom of your pie crust.
Sprinkle cheese over the sausage. Cheddar works well, but you can use your favorite kind.
Mix eggs and milk in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the sausage and cheese. You can add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
Bake the quiche at 350°F for about 45 minutes. It’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
19. Sausage and Broccoli Alfredo
Sausage and Broccoli Alfredo is a tasty pasta dish that combines savory ground sausage with tender broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce. To make it, cook your pasta of choice until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground sausage in a skillet. Add butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the sausage for extra flavor.
Stir in Alfredo sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. For the broccoli, you can either steam it separately or add it to the pasta water for the last few minutes of cooking.
Combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and broccoli in a large bowl. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Sausage and Broccoli Alfredo.
20. Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
This cozy dish combines savory and sweet flavors in a delicious edible vessel. You’ll love the mix of ground sausage, apples, and breadcrumbs stuffed into tender acorn squash halves.
To make it, first roast the acorn squash. While it cooks, brown the sausage and sauté onions, celery, and apples. Mix everything together with breadcrumbs and seasonings.
Stuff the roasted squash halves with the sausage mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Pop it back in the oven until the cheese melts and the filling is hot.
This recipe makes a great fall dinner or holiday appetizer. The nutty squash pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and sweet apples. It’s an easy yet impressive dish you’ll want to make again and again.
21. Sausage and Rice Skillet
You can make a tasty sausage and rice skillet in about 30 minutes. Start by browning ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the veggies soften. Stir in rice, canned black beans, and corn.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and spices like paprika. Pour in some broth and let everything simmer until the rice is tender.
This one-pan meal is filling and flavorful. You can easily change up the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
22. Sausage and White Bean Chili
Sausage and white bean chili is a tasty twist on traditional chili. It combines ground sausage with creamy white beans for a hearty meal.
You can use Italian sausage for extra flavor. Add bell peppers and onions to boost the veggie content.
The chili gets its creaminess from a mix of cream and sour cream. This makes it rich and satisfying.
You can cook this chili on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It’s ready in about 35 minutes on the stove.
This recipe is perfect for chilly days or game nights. Serve it with crusty bread or cornbread for a filling meal.
23. Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Sausage-stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty and easy meal. To make them, cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
Brown sausage in a pan and mix it with cheese and spices. Fill the zucchini halves with this mixture.
Bake the stuffed zucchinis in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes. The boats will be tender and the filling will be hot and bubbly.
You can customize this dish by using different types of sausage or adding veggies to the filling. It’s a great way to use up extra zucchini from your garden.
24. Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
Sausage and mushroom risotto is a delicious, hearty dish you can make for dinner. Start by cooking Italian sausage in a pan until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
In the same pan, sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic. Add Arborio rice and cook briefly to toast it. Slowly add warm broth, stirring constantly until the rice is creamy and tender.
Mix the cooked sausage back into the risotto. Finish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. This comforting meal combines savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and creamy rice for a satisfying dinner.
25. Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo
Sausage and shrimp gumbo is a hearty Cajun dish that combines ground sausage and succulent shrimp. To make it, start by cooking rice according to package instructions.
In a large pot, brown the sausage and set it aside. Make a roux by cooking oil and flour until it’s caramel-colored. Add onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic, cooking until tender.
Stir in broth, cooked sausage, okra, tomatoes, and seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, and Cajun spice. Simmer the gumbo for about 15 minutes. Add shrimp near the end of cooking and simmer until they turn pink.
Serve your gumbo over rice for a filling meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Health Benefits of Ground Sausage
Ground sausage can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. It provides protein, vitamins, and minerals that support various bodily functions.
Nutritional Value
Ground sausage contains calories, fat, protein, and some carbohydrates. A 3-ounce serving has about 230 calories, 19 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbs. The fat content includes both saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fat should be limited in your diet.
Ground sausage also has sodium. One serving can have up to 600 mg, which is about 25% of the daily limit. Too much sodium may raise blood pressure in some people. To reduce sodium, look for low-sodium options or make your own sausage at home.
Protein Content
Ground sausage is a good source of protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 12 grams. Protein is key for:
- Building and repairing tissues
- Making enzymes and hormones
- Supporting a healthy immune system
Your body needs protein daily. The amount depends on your age, sex, and activity level. Most adults need 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Ground sausage can help you meet this need as part of a varied diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Ground sausage provides several vitamins and minerals:
- B vitamins: Help your body make energy from food
- Iron: Needed for healthy blood cells
- Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing
- Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant
The exact amounts vary based on the type of meat used. Pork sausage tends to be higher in thiamine (vitamin B1) than other meats. Turkey or chicken sausage may have less fat but also fewer vitamins.
To boost nutrition, pair ground sausage with veggies and whole grains. This adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
Ground sausage is a versatile ingredient that can bring rich flavor to many dishes. Here are some key tips for cooking with ground sausage to get the best results.
Sautéing Ground Sausage
Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The sausage is done when it’s no longer pink and has browned nicely.
Drain excess fat if needed. This step is important for dishes where you don’t want extra grease. Leave a little fat for flavor if desired.
For extra crispy bits, let the sausage sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes between stirs. This allows it to brown more deeply.
Using Sausage as a Flavor Base
Cook sausage first when making soups, stews, or sauces. This builds a tasty foundation for your dish.
After browning the sausage, add aromatics like onions and garlic to the same pan. They’ll soak up the sausage flavors as they cook.
Don’t remove all the fat after cooking. A little bit helps carry flavor through the whole dish.
Try mixing sausage with ground beef or turkey. This adds depth to meatballs, meatloaves, and burgers.
Combining with Vegetables and Grains
Pair sausage with hearty veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale. They stand up well to its strong flavor.
Add cooked sausage to pasta dishes just before serving. This keeps it from getting soggy.
Mix sausage into rice or quinoa for a quick, filling meal. The grains soak up the meaty flavors.
For a lighter option, use sausage as a topping for salads or grain bowls. A little goes a long way for flavor.
Try roasting vegetables and sausage together on a sheet pan. This makes for easy cleanup and lets the flavors mingle.
Pairing Ground Sausage with Other Ingredients
Ground sausage can be paired with many ingredients to create tasty meals. The right herbs, spices, and drinks can make your sausage dishes even better.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices add flavor to ground sausage recipes. Fresh basil gives a nice Italian touch to pasta dishes. Dried oregano works well in pizza toppings. Thyme adds an earthy taste to stews and soups.
For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne powder. Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic can boost the savory notes. Fennel seeds give a sweet, licorice-like flavor that goes well with pork sausage.
Here’s a quick guide to herb and spice pairings:
- Italian dishes: Basil, oregano, rosemary
- Mexican-inspired: Cumin, chili powder, cilantro
- Breakfast sausage: Sage, black pepper, nutmeg
Beverage Pairings
The right drink can make your sausage meal even better. For breakfast sausage, try orange juice or coffee. At lunch or dinner, beer and wine are good choices.
For spicy sausage dishes, a cold beer can cool your mouth. Try a light lager or wheat beer. With Italian sausage meals, red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese works well.
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon. It can cut through the richness of sausage. For a sweet contrast, apple cider pairs nicely with sage-flavored sausage.
Remember, the best pairing is what tastes good to you. Don’t be afraid to try new combos!
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