Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can transform simple meals into hearty dinners. From comforting casseroles to quick skillet dishes, it’s an ingredient that deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Let’s explore a collection of ground sausage recipes that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Why Cook with Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner?
Ground sausage offers several advantages for home cooks:
- Affordable: A budget-friendly choice compared to many meats.
- Pre-seasoned: Its blend of spices (like sage, fennel, or red pepper) adds depth without extra effort.
- Quick and Versatile: Ready in under 30 minutes for weeknights or adaptable for meal prep.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cook in bulk and freeze for future meals.
Whether you opt for Italian, breakfast-style, or spicy chorizo, ground sausage infuses dishes with rich, savory flavor. Below, discover 12 easy recipes spanning cuisines and cooking styles.
For a creative twist on pasta dishes, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for inspiration!
Best Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner
Here’s a list of dishes to help you make the most of ground sausage.
1. Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions:
- Cook shells al dente; drain.
- Brown sausage in a skillet. Mix with spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan.
- Stuff shells and arrange in a baking dish. Top with marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Tip: Add red pepper flakes for heat. Serve with garlic bread.
2. Sausage, Potato, and Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Brown sausage in a skillet; remove.
- Sauté potatoes, onion, and green beans until tender.
- Combine all ingredients in a baking dish. Pour broth over top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and bake 5 more minutes.
Tip: Use frozen green beans for convenience.
3. One-Pan Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara
Instructions:
- Cook sausage in a skillet until browned; set aside.
- Sauté peppers, onion, and garlic until soft.
- Return sausage to skillet; stir in marinara and seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
Tip: Serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
For other quick dinner options, check out these Quick Dinner Ideas for Two.
4. Creamy Sausage and Kale Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 3 cups kale (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cook pasta; reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Brown sausage; add kale and cook until wilted.
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Toss with pasta. Add pasta water to thin sauce.
Tip: Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
5. Sausage-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (halved)
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown sausage; mix with rice and marinara.
- Stuff peppers, top with cheese, and bake 25–30 minutes.
Tip: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
6. Sausage and White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cans white beans
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp rosemary
Instructions:
- Brown sausage in a pot; remove.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic.
- Add beans, broth, rosemary, and sausage. Simmer 20 minutes.
Tip: Stir in spinach or kale for extra greens.
7. Breakfast-for-Dinner Sausage Burritos
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 6 eggs (scrambled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 4 large tortillas
- Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions:
- Cook sausage; mix with eggs and cheese.
- Spoon filling into tortillas; roll into burritos.
- Optional: Pan-fry burritos to crisp.
Tip: Freeze extras for quick breakfasts.
8. Spicy Sausage and Rice Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spicy ground sausage
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Brown sausage in a skillet.
- Add rice, tomatoes, broth, corn, and paprika.
- Cover and simmer 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Tip: Top with avocado or cilantro.
9. Sausage and Lentil Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup lentils (rinsed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
- Brown sausage; remove.
- Sauté onion and celery.
- Add lentils, broth, thyme, and sausage. Simmer 25–30 minutes.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread.
10. Sausage Pizza Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup pepperoni
Instructions:
- Cook pasta; brown sausage.
- Mix pasta, sausage, and sauce in a baking dish.
- Top with cheese and pepperoni. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Tip: Add olives or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Sausage
Ground sausage is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or prepping for a family dinner, these tips will help you get the most out of this delicious ingredient.
1. Drain Excess Fat
After browning ground sausage, it’s a good idea to drain the excess grease. While the fat adds flavor, too much can make dishes heavy and greasy. Simply transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels or use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving the grease behind. For a healthier option, you can also blot the sausage with a paper towel to remove additional fat.
2. Season to Taste
Ground sausage is typically pre-seasoned with spices like sage, fennel, or red pepper flakes, which means it often doesn’t require much additional seasoning. However, taste your dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you’re using a mild sausage, you might want to add extra herbs, garlic, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor.
3. Mix Proteins for Variety
For a twist on traditional recipes, try blending ground sausage with other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or beef. This not only stretches your budget but also creates a unique flavor profile. For example, combining Italian sausage with ground turkey can lighten up a pasta dish while still keeping it flavorful.
4. Freeze for Later Use
Ground sausage is a great ingredient for meal prep. Cook a large batch, let it cool, and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen cooked sausage can be stored for up to three months and quickly reheated for use in soups, casseroles, or skillet meals. This is a huge time-saver for busy weeknights.
5. Choose the Right Sausage for Your Dish
Not all ground sausages are created equal. Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is ideal for pasta dishes, casseroles, and soups, while breakfast sausage works well in morning-inspired recipes like burritos or hash. For a smoky, spicy kick, try using chorizo in Mexican or Spanish-inspired dishes.
6. Cook Thoroughly
Ground sausage, like all ground meats, should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially if you’re combining it with other ingredients that might obscure its color or texture.
7. Use It as a Flavor Base
Ground sausage is a fantastic flavor base for many dishes. Its rich, savory taste can enhance soups, stews, and sauces. For example, adding crumbled sausage to a tomato sauce or soup can deepen the flavor and make the dish more satisfying.
FAQs: Common Questions About Ground Sausage
1. Can I replace sausage with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground sausage with other meats like ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Keep in mind that these alternatives may not have the same seasoning, so you might need to add extra herbs, spices, or salt to achieve a similar flavor profile.
2. Which sausage works best for dinner recipes?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is a popular choice for dinner recipes because of its robust flavor. Breakfast sausage can also work well in certain dishes, like casseroles or breakfast-for-dinner recipes. For a spicier option, try chorizo or andouille sausage.
3. How should I store leftover sausage dishes?
Leftover sausage dishes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When reheating, make sure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of ground sausage in your cooking. Whether you’re looking to save time, add flavor, or experiment with new dishes, ground sausage is a reliable and delicious ingredient that can do it all.
Conclusion
Ground sausage is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can elevate your dinner menu. From creamy pasta dishes to one-skillet meals and hearty casseroles, the possibilities are endless. Start experimenting with these recipes today, and don’t forget to check out Recipes Briny for even more delicious ideas!