Are you a fan of savory ground sausage? Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast option, a comforting dinner idea, or a quick snack to fuel your day, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious and easy-to-make ground sausage recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
From classic comfort foods like sausages and mashed potatoes to innovative twists like stuffed peppers and baked sweet potato skillets, these recipes showcase the versatility of ground sausage as a key ingredient. And the best part? Most of these dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
So go ahead, get creative with ground sausage, and discover new ways to add flavor and excitement to your meals!
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Skillet
Simplify your meal prep with this flavorful and spicy skillet recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as chorizo or Italian sausage), sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for greasing the skillet
Instructions:
1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add cooking oil or butter to grease the skillet.
3. Cook sausage for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet; cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
This hearty pasta dish combines juicy sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying dinner in no time.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet; cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine cooked pasta, sausage and mushroom mixture, and chopped parsley (if using); serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful and filling main course by stuffing them with savory sausage, melted cheese, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each pepper with the sausage mixture, then top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Sprinkle oregano over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Easy Sausage and Potato Hash
This hearty breakfast or brunch dish is a twist on traditional hash, featuring crispy sausage and tender potatoes in a flavorful medley.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and crispy.
5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
6. Combine cooked potatoes and sausage mixture. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Homemade Sausage Breakfast Burritos
Start your day off right with these hearty breakfast burritos packed with savory sausage, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound homemade sausage (or store-bought), casings removed
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked hash browns
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
2. In a separate bowl, scramble the eggs and set aside.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the burritos by adding scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns to each tortilla.
5. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a tight cylinder.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe
A twist on the classic stuffed shells, this recipe adds a savory sausage and spinach filling to create a deliciously unique pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the sausage and spinach mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
7. Top shells with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. This recipe combines juicy sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage from the pan, leaving the drippings behind.
4. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Return the sausage to the pan and add the cherry tomatoes, cheese, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This hearty stir-fry combines sweet and savory flavors with a pop of color from the bright green cabbage. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the cabbage to the pan and stir-fry until it’s tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
6. Return the sausage to the pan and stir in soy sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole
A comforting casserole that combines savory sausage with creamy cheese and fluffy rice, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sausage (such as chicken or pork), sliced
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, milk, thyme, and cooked sausage mixture. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Muffins
Start your day with a hearty breakfast that’s easy to grab and go! These Sausage and Egg Breakfast Muffins are a delicious twist on the classic breakfast sandwich, packed with savory sausage and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of biscuit or muffin mix
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup cooked sausage (such as breakfast links or patties), crumbled
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the muffin mix according to package instructions.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and crumbled sausage.
4. Add the egg mixture to the muffin batter and stir until combined.
5. Divide the mixture evenly among 6-8 muffin cups.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each muffin.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Sausage and Green Beans
This recipe combines the savory flavor of garlic butter with the smokiness of sausage and the crunch of green beans, making for a satisfying and quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 Italian sausage links
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook sausage links according to package instructions.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Toss green beans with melted garlic butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve cooked sausage alongside the garlic butter green beans.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing
A savory twist on the classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, this sausage and cornbread variation is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked sausage, melted butter, chopped onion, minced garlic, and poultry seasoning. Mix well to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff this mixture loosely into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a turkey cavity, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Baking time: 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
– Cooking time in turkey cavity: about 2 hours, or until the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Sausage and Kale Soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Sausage and Kale Soup!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, and kale. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the kale is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 25 minutes
BBQ Sausage and Pineapple Kabobs
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these mouthwatering BBQ sausage and pineapple kabobs, perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. A combination of smoky sausage and caramelized pineapple creates a flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound BBQ sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread sausage, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet
A hearty one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or brunch gathering. This recipe combines sweet potatoes, savory sausage, and crispy onions for a flavor-packed treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 4 Italian sausage links, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sweet potato and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side.
4. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the sausage to the skillet, browning on both sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove from heat.
6. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
7. Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: About 30-35 minutes total
Sausage and Broccoli Alfredo
Sausage and Broccoli Alfredo: A creamy and savory pasta dish that combines the flavors of spicy sausage, tender broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add broccoli, garlic, and heavy cream to the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and reserved pasta water (if needed). Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cozy up with this autumnal twist on stuffed squash, featuring savory sausage and sweet apples.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium acorn squashes (about 1 lb each)
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut squashes in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and pulp.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in apples, sage, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each squash half with the sausage-apple mixture, dividing it evenly.
7. Place squashes on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until squash is tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sausage and Black Bean Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that combines sweet Italian sausage with tender black beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and water.
5. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Sausage and Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Sausage and Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups: A twist on classic lasagna, these roll-ups combine the flavors of sausage and zucchini with a creamy ricotta filling, all wrapped up in a convenient package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 16 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. In a separate skillet, sauté zucchini slices in a little oil until tender and lightly browned.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. To assemble the roll-ups, spread a spoonful of ricotta mixture onto each lasagna noodle, leaving a 1-inch border around edges. Top with a cooked zucchini slice and a piece of sausage. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Sausage and Herb Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of sausage with the brightness of fresh herbs. Perfect for snacking, serving as an appetizer, or using in subs and sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 20 savory ground sausage recipes! From classic comfort foods like sausage and cheese stuffed peppers, to creative twists like sausage and kale soup, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast burrito or a satisfying one-pan veggie bake, these recipes are sure to please. Try your hand at making homemade sausage breakfast muffins, or add some spice with a sausage and pepper skillet. Whatever your taste buds desire, this collection has got it covered!