Ground sausage is a tasty and flexible ingredient for many meals. It adds flavor and protein to dishes like pasta, soups, and casseroles.

You can use it to make quick and easy dinners your family will love.

Ground sausage recipes give you lots of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find recipes for all types of cuisines and cooking styles.

Whether you want something simple or fancy, there’s a ground sausage dish that will fit the bill.

1. Classic Italian Sausage Spaghetti

Italian sausage spaghetti is a tasty and simple meal. You can make it in about 30 minutes.

First, cook the spaghetti in boiling water for 10-12 minutes until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, brown the sausage in a pan. Remove the casings first if you’re using links.

Add onions and bell peppers to the pan for extra flavor.

Mix in tomato sauce and let it simmer.

Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta.

You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

This dish is filling and perfect for a quick dinner. It’s sure to please both adults and kids.

2. Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Sausage and cheese stuffed peppers are a tasty way to use ground sausage. You’ll need large bell peppers, Italian sausage, and cheese.

Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds. Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned. Mix it with cream cheese or another soft cheese.

Stuff the peppers with the sausage mixture. Place them in a baking dish and add some pasta sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake the stuffed peppers until the sausage is fully cooked and the peppers are tender. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Serve hot as a main dish.

3. Ground Sausage Breakfast Burritos

Ground sausage breakfast burritos are a tasty way to start your day. They’re easy to make and perfect for busy mornings.

To make them, cook ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain most of the fat, leaving a little for flavor.

Scramble eggs in the same pan. Add shredded cheese and cooked sausage to the eggs.

Warm flour tortillas and fill them with the egg mixture. You can add extras like diced potatoes, green chiles, or salsa.

Roll up the tortillas tightly. Serve right away or wrap in foil to eat later.

These burritos are great for meal prep and can be frozen for quick future meals.

4. Sausage and Potato Casserole

Sausage and potato casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need ground sausage, potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce.

Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet until it’s browned.

Grease a baking dish and layer in sliced potatoes.

Add the cooked sausage on top of the potatoes.

Pour a mixture of cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings over everything.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F until the potatoes are tender.

This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. You can customize it with different types of sausage or cheese to suit your taste.

5. Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

This mouthwatering dish combines ground Italian sausage with a rich, creamy sauce. You’ll love the mix of flavors from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta, like rigatoni or penne.

Brown the sausage in a pan, then add garlic for extra flavor.

Stir in crushed tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick.

Create a smooth, velvety sauce by adding cream and letting it simmer.

Mix in the cooked pasta, making sure each piece is coated in the luscious sauce.

This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests.

You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage.

6. Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells

You’ll love this tasty dish that combines pasta, sausage, and spinach. Start by boiling jumbo pasta shells until they’re slightly soft.

Cook Italian sausage with onions and garlic in a pan.

Mix the cooked sausage with thawed spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

Stuff this mixture into the pasta shells. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with your favorite pasta sauce.

Bake the shells until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles.

This meal is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it later.

7. Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

This tasty one-pan meal brings Cajun flavors to your dinner table. You can make it in about 30 minutes using ground sausage and simple ingredients.

Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet.

Add bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.

Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning.

Pour in some chicken broth and let everything simmer until the rice is tender.

For a spicier kick, use andouille sausage. If you prefer milder flavors, regular smoked sausage works well too.

This hearty skillet dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

8. Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner

A sausage and veggie sheet pan dinner is a quick and easy meal option. You can have a delicious dinner ready in no time with minimal cleanup.

Start by choosing your favorite sausage and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Italian sausage, bratwurst, or kielbasa all work well.

Add a variety of vegetables to your sheet pan. Popular choices include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

Toss everything with olive oil and seasonings like garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan.

Roast in a hot oven until the sausage is cooked through and the veggies are tender and caramelized. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

9. Sausage and Bean Chili

Sausage and bean chili is a hearty dish perfect for cold days. You’ll need ground sausage, beans, and chili spices.

Cook the sausage in a large pot until browned.

Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for flavor.

Pour in canned beans and diced tomatoes.

Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes. The flavors will blend as it cooks.

You can use different types of beans like kidney, black, or pinto.

Serve your chili hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions. This recipe is easy to customize to your taste preferences.

10. Maple Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash

This tasty dish combines sweet potatoes, maple sausage, and warm spices for a comforting meal. You’ll need sweet potatoes, maple sausage patties, cinnamon, and pure maple syrup.

Start by cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re soft.

While they cook, brown the sausage in a skillet. Mix the cooked sweet potatoes and sausage together.

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavors.

The sweetness of the potatoes and maple pairs nicely with the savory sausage.

This hash works great as a side dish or main course. You can even top it with a poached egg for extra protein.

11. Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

This hearty soup combines ground sausage, kale, and white beans for a filling meal. It’s perfect for cold days and can be ready in about an hour.

Start by cooking the sausage in a large pot.

Add onions and carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.

Pour in chicken broth and canned white beans. The beans help thicken the soup and add protein.

Toss in chopped kale for a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed.

Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting dinner. This recipe is easy to customize – try different types of sausage or add extra veggies you have on hand.

12. Stuffed Sausage Portobello Mushrooms

Stuffed sausage portobello mushrooms are a tasty and filling dish. You’ll need large portobello caps, ground sausage, and a few other ingredients.

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.

Cook the sausage in a pan with diced onions and peppers. Add garlic for extra flavor.

Mix the cooked sausage with breadcrumbs and cheese.

Stuff this mixture into the mushroom caps. Place them on a baking sheet.

Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the oven until they’re hot and the cheese is melted. These make a great main dish or appetizer for your next meal.

13. Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette

This classic Italian pasta dish combines savory sausage with slightly bitter broccoli rabe. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures.

To make it, cook orecchiette pasta until al dente.

While it cooks, sauté Italian sausage in olive oil until browned.

Add chopped broccoli rabe to the pan with the sausage. Cook until the greens are wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture.

Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

14. Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Sausage and apple stuffing is a tasty twist on traditional stuffing. It combines savory ground sausage with sweet, tart apples for a delicious blend of flavors.

To make it, start by cooking ground sausage in a skillet.

Add diced onions, celery, and apples. Mix in dried bread cubes, herbs like sage and thyme, and chicken broth.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

Bake it in the oven until golden brown on top.

The result is a moist, flavorful stuffing perfect for holidays or any meal.

You can customize this stuffing to your tastes. Try different types of sausage or apples. Add extras like dried cranberries or chopped nuts for more texture and flavor.

15. Sausage Meatball Subs

Sausage meatball subs are a tasty twist on classic meatball sandwiches. To make them, mix ground sausage with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. Shape into small meatballs and cook until browned.

Place the cooked meatballs in a hoagie roll and top with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

You can add sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor.

These subs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack. They’re filling and packed with savory sausage flavor.

Serve with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.

16. Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza

Sausage and pepperoni pizza is a tasty way to use ground sausage.

Start by cooking the sausage in a pan until browned.

Spread tomato sauce on a pizza crust and top with mozzarella cheese.

Add the cooked sausage and pepperoni slices.

You can include other toppings like bell peppers or onions if you like. Sprinkle on more cheese.

Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

This usually takes 5-7 minutes in a hot oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

This pizza is perfect for a family dinner or game day snack. You can customize it with your favorite sausage flavor – spicy, sweet, or mild all work well.

17. Ground Sausage Frittata

A ground sausage frittata is a tasty and filling dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. You can whip it up quickly with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking your favorite ground sausage in a skillet. Once it’s browned, add some colorful veggies like peppers or onions.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, a splash of milk, and shredded cheese.

Pour this mixture over the sausage and veggies in the skillet.

Let the frittata cook on the stovetop until the edges set. Then pop it under the broiler to finish cooking the top.

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices for a quick meal later in the week.

18. Zucchini and Sausage Noodles

Zucchini noodles with sausage make a tasty low-carb meal. You can create this dish in about 20 minutes.

Start by spiralizing zucchini to make noodles.

Cook Italian sausage in a pan until browned. Add garlic and onion for extra flavor.

Toss in the zucchini noodles and cook briefly. Don’t overcook or they’ll get mushy. Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese.

For a heartier meal, you can add regular pasta too. The combination of zucchini noodles and pasta works well with the savory sausage.

This recipe is great for using up summer zucchini. It’s a lighter take on pasta that still satisfies.

19. Ground Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ground sausage stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty and easy meal. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create boats.

Cook ground sausage with onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Mix in breadcrumbs and cheese. Spoon the sausage mixture into the zucchini boats.

Place the stuffed boats in a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake at 350°F until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.

This dish is great for using up summer zucchini. You can customize it with different types of sausage or extra veggies in the filling.

20. Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry

Sausage and cabbage stir fry is a quick, tasty meal you can make in about 30 minutes.

Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Next, add sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir to coat the cabbage with the oil and sausage drippings.

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.

Cook until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.

For more variety, you can add other veggies like carrots or snap peas. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or rice vinegar can give your stir fry a flavor boost.

Serve hot and enjoy your simple, satisfying meal.

21. Sausage Cornbread Dressing

Sausage cornbread dressing is a tasty twist on traditional stuffing. You’ll love this savory side dish at your holiday meals.

Start by cooking ground pork sausage in a skillet until browned. Add chopped celery and onions, cooking until soft.

Mix the sausage and veggies with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and chicken broth. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Transfer to a baking dish and bake until golden brown on top. The result is a flavorful dressing with a perfect blend of textures – crisp edges and a soft, moist interior.

This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It pairs well with turkey, chicken, or pork.

22. Savory Sausage and Cheddar Scones

Savory sausage and cheddar scones are a tasty twist on traditional sweet scones. You can make these for a hearty breakfast or brunch treat.

To make them, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add cooked, crumbled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir in milk to form a dough.

Pat it into a circle and cut into triangles. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden color.

Bake the scones at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown. Serve them warm with butter or alongside eggs for a filling meal.

23. Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Sausage and mushroom risotto is a tasty dish that combines savory flavors with creamy rice. You start by cooking Italian sausage and mushrooms together in a pot.

Add arborio rice and slowly stir in broth, one ladle at a time. This process creates the signature creamy texture of risotto.

Herbs like thyme and oregano enhance the dish’s taste. Some recipes include Madeira wine for extra flavor. The cooking process takes about 30 minutes.

You can customize this risotto by using different types of sausage or mushrooms. It’s a versatile meal that works well for everyday dinners or special occasions.

24. Jambalaya with Sausage

Jambalaya with sausage is a tasty one-pot meal from Cajun cuisine. You can make it easily at home with ground sausage and a few other ingredients.

Start by cooking the sausage in a large pot. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic.

Stir in rice, broth, and spices like cayenne and black pepper.

Let everything simmer together until the rice is tender.

For extra flavor, you can include other meats like chicken or shrimp.

Jambalaya is great for feeding a crowd. It’s filling and full of rich flavors. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce.

25. Classic Sausage Lasagna

Classic sausage lasagna is a beloved Italian dish perfect for family dinners. You’ll need ground Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce.

Brown the sausage in a pan, then add garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano.

Layer the noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.

Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish. Cover with mozzarella cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

This hearty meal serves a crowd and tastes even better the next day. You can customize it by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese.

26. Ground Sausage Tacos

Ground sausage tacos are a tasty twist on a classic dish. They’re quick to make and full of flavor. To start, cook ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Add taco seasoning and salsa to the sausage. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the flavors mix together.

Warm up taco shells or tortillas.

Fill them with the sausage mixture. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and chopped tomatoes.

You can customize your tacos with other toppings you like. Try sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce. Serve your sausage tacos hot and enjoy this easy meal.

Health Benefits of Ground Sausage

Ground sausage can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. It provides protein and some nutrients, but also contains fat and sodium. Choosing leaner varieties and balancing sausage with other foods is key.

Nutritional Value of Sausage

Ground sausage is a good source of protein, with about 15-20 grams per 3-ounce serving. It also contains B vitamins like B12, niacin, and thiamine. These help your body make energy from food.

Sausage provides minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron. Zinc supports your immune system. Selenium acts as an antioxidant. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood.

The fat in sausage gives you energy and helps you absorb vitamins. But it’s high in saturated fat, so eat it sparingly. A serving has about 200-300 calories.

Incorporating Sausage in a Balanced Diet

You can enjoy sausage as part of a healthy eating plan.

Choose leaner types like chicken or turkey sausage to cut fat and calories. Look for low-sodium options to reduce salt intake.

Use small amounts of sausage to add flavor to dishes. Mix it with veggies in pasta, soups, or stir-fries. This lets you get the taste while eating less.

Pair sausage with fiber-rich foods like whole grains and vegetables. The fiber helps fill you up and balances the meal. Try a breakfast bowl with a little sausage, eggs, spinach, and oats.

Cook sausage using healthy methods like grilling or baking instead of frying. This cuts down on added fats.

Cooking Techniques for Ground Sausage

Ground sausage is easy to cook and adds great flavor to many dishes. You can use different methods to bring out its best taste and texture.

Browning for Maximum Flavor

To brown ground sausage, start with a hot pan over medium-high heat.

Add the sausage and break it 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 crispy brown edges.

For extra flavor, don’t stir too much at first. Let the sausage form a crust on one side before breaking it up. This creates tasty browned bits.

Drain the cooked sausage on paper towels to remove extra grease. You can now add it to pasta, soups, or casseroles.

Using Seasonings Effectively

Ground sausage often comes pre-seasoned, but you can add more flavors.

Try mixing in garlic powder, dried herbs, or red pepper flakes before cooking. This boosts the taste without overpowering the meat.

For Italian dishes, add fennel seeds and oregano. For a spicy kick, use chili powder or cayenne.

Don’t add salt, as most sausages are already salty.

When using ground sausage in recipes, cut back on other seasonings. The sausage will add lots of flavor on its own.

Taste your dish before adding more spices to avoid making it too strong.