You can often find sausage meat at the butcher shop or sometimes at the meat counter, but you can also just buy a pack of sausages and remove the skins in a pinch. Usually, this meat is seasoned and full of extras that make it filling, tasty, and perfect for so many recipes, from chili and pasta to soups and pizza. Who knew sausage could be so versatile?! So, if you’re looking for an easy way to give your dinners a boost, try out one of these fabulous 21 ground sausage recipes.
1. Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe
One bite of these, and you’ll never have plain biscuits again! They’re super light and fluffy, but adding the meat into the Bisquick mix gives it some incredible texture. These are great as little balls, or sometimes I like to press the mix into a baking dish and cover with cheese and chilies. Either way, they won’t last long.
2. Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
This recipe is taking the classic sausage and peppers to a whole new level! The filling is a mix of sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, so it’s meaty, salty, and just creamy enough to balance the heat from the jalapeños. Be sure to scrape all the seeds out, and go for the biggest chilies you can find, that way, you can fit in more of the meat!
3. Sausage Queso Dip (with Real Cheese!)
Queso is huge in my house, and it’s on the table at every gathering, BBQ, or party. This hot dip is perfect with chips, veggies, and crackers alike. But this version is extra special. It might not look super pretty, but the flavors will knock your socks off! Make sure you get decent cheese for this and shred it yourself. The pre-shredded kind will probably go a little lumpy. I like mine with something light and smoky, but a good sharp cheddar will help it stand out.
4. Sausage Egg Cups
We all know that breakfast is super important, and starting your day off with sausage and eggs will help keep you going through to lunch. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the time. That’s why I love these sausage and egg cups! You can make them ahead and even freeze a whole batch. Just pull them out of the freezer the night before and nuke them for a minute or so. They’re perfect for something hearty on the go.
5. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Stuffed mushrooms are a fantastic starter or side dish, but they really need something on top to add flavor and texture. I usually go for a garlicky breadcrumb mix, but these sausage mushrooms are my new go-to! Just the most basic sausage meat will enhance these like you wouldn’t believe. Or maybe try something like a spicy Italian, or even chorizo if you’re feeling fancy. You can turn these into a whole meal if you can find some nice, big portabellos!
6. Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
This might look like a fancy restaurant pasta that took hours to make, but it’s actually super fast! As much as I love a thick creamy alfredo sauce, this simple version with a bit of cream and lots of Parmesan is more than enough. You’ll be cooking Italian sausage with garlic and red pepper flakes before adding in the cream and spinach. Once the greens have wilted, stir through the cheese and serve.
7. Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a favorite of mine, and I love to make them when we’re traveling. You can make them up and stack them in a tub, and they can be reheated so easily. I tend to use chicken in mine, but these sausage peppers are just perfect. I like to go for something sweet or spicy to complement the peppers, and I even add a dash of hot sauce to the top before serving. You can even bring these camping if you have a Dutch oven!
8. Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
If you’ve never tried turkey or chicken sausages, you’re missing out. Not only are they just as tasty, but they’re usually healthier. This recipe is similar to the pasta dish above; only there’s no cream. It lets the melted cheese do all the work, and you’ll get lovely moisture from the broccoli. If you think you’ll miss the sauce, try adding some chopped cherry tomatoes to the pot. They will blister and burst, leaving you with a delightful, natural sauce.
9. Louisiana Dirty Rice
Why have regular, bland rice when you can have this incredible side dish? It’s loaded with sausage, ground beef, bell pepper, onion, celery, and spices, and it’s practically a main dish in and of itself. In fact, I like to make extra, fry the leftovers, and serve it with a fried egg on top. Sunnyside up, please!
10. Fried Potatoes and Sausage Skillet
This is such a great dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s super tasty with the sausage, potatoes, and pepper, but I also like to throw in some nice chunks of onion for good measure. When cooking your potatoes, try to let them brown before you turn them. You’ll want a crust on the bottom for added texture, so be patient and use plenty of butter! Alternatively, try using hash browns for a quicker meal and great crunch.
11. Creamy Spinach Sausage Pasta
This is the kind of recipe you can make in a big batch and keep in the fridge for fast lunches or dinner during the busy week. I like to use ravioli for mine, adding extra cheese and spinach to mix without anyone even knowing!
12. Stovetop Sausage Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is great and all, but I like it with an extra element. Sometimes that’s pulled pork, bacon, leftover rotisserie chicken, or in this case, salty sausage. I love that this can be made in one pot, saving you time and extra dishes! Plus, when you cook the pasta right in the sauce, you’re guaranteeing maximum flavor. This would be fantastic served with those Bisquick and sausage balls from the top!
13. Bisquick Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If that sausage and potato skillet was too much for you, try this simple breakfast casserole. You’ll be using frozen hash browns, so there’s no need to pre-boil anything. Just grab the bag out of the freezer. Of course, you’ll need to cook the sausage meat, but that should only take a few minutes.
14. Italian Sausage Meatballs
When you make your meatballs, do you add in bread crumbs and seasoning? It makes sense, as you want them flavorful, right? So, why not use sausage meat that’s got all that in already? Save a step or two and have your dinner sooner! I like to use spicy sausages for this and even add in chorizo if I have it. But it will be just as tasty with some regular pork sausages.
15. Sausage and Tomato Risotto
Whenever I see risotto recipes, they’re creamy and full of mushrooms. Sure, they’re delicious, but I like something more substantial for my dinner! This recipe has a beautiful tomato base, using diced tomatoes and broth, not to mention a good slug of wine. The key to getting the best texture is to add the extra liquid slowly so that the rice can absorb everything and become tender and creamy.
16. Sis’s Sausage Casserole
This recipe is a sure-fire family favorite and quite the crowd-pleaser. You’ll need both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup for this, making it ultra decadent and beyond delicious. I like to add a layer of breadcrumbs to mine, so you get a lovely toasted crunch with all that tender pasta.
17. Sausage, Potato, and Spinach Soup
Do you avoid soup because you think you’ll be hungry in an hour? I feel you! But this one is not like all the others! Loaded with chunks of potatoes, lots of sausage, and a handsome helping of spinach, you’ll be more than full after just one bowl.
18. Stuffed Tomatoes
You’ve no doubt had stuffed peppers, but have you ever had stuffed tomatoes? It makes so much sense when you think about it. I know a few people that either don’t like peppers or are allergic. So I’ve made stuffed tomatoes a few times over the years, and they’re always such a hit! Not only are they easy and tasty, but they’re also smaller than your average stuffed pepper, making them much better for kids or people looking for something a little lighter.
19. Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza
What’s better than a pepperoni pizza? How about a pepperoni pizza covered in spicy Italian sausage to boot! I love making my own pizza at home, and it’s always such a fun family activity. You can try out a pizza dough from scratch or go ahead and buy the stuff from the store. Either way, the DIY method lets you pick exactly what goes on your serving! I’m a big fan of sausage and peppers, and plenty of onions, too! And don’t skimp on the cheese!
20. Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Tomato Soup
Gluten-free, hearty, and the perfect way to warm up on a cool fall night, this soup is super-rich, but crazy easy to throw together. Instead of using diced tomatoes and broth, you’ll be using straight-up marinara! It already has everything you need, including seasonings. The recipe also calls for cannellini beans, which add great texture and substance, but feel free to leave them out. If you want it extra-filling, try tossing in some gnocchi.
21. Quick Italian Sausage Sandwich
Using ground sausage for a sandwich might seem odd, but in this case, it’s exactly what you’ll need! Cooking whole sausages can take a while, and it can be tough to get them to sit right when you make up your sandwich. Here, the ground sausage will sit perfectly on the bread and give you a meaty mouthful with each and every bite. This is extra tasty when you add some ricotta or cream cheese to the mix. It also makes the filling easier to spread! Click on a star to rate it!
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