If you’re looking for quick and satisfying meals to make for dinner, look no further than ground sausage recipes. Ground sausage is versatile, flavorful, and easy to cook, making it the perfect ingredient for a wide variety of dishes. From pasta to pizza, soups to stews, there are countless ways to use ground sausage in your cooking. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ground sausage recipes for dinner that you can try tonight.

Introduction

Ground sausage is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, especially Italian and American. Made from ground pork or a combination of pork and beef, it’s seasoned with herbs and spices like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This gives it a distinctive flavor that can add depth and complexity to any dish. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, there’s a recipe out there that’s perfect for you.

In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite ground sausage recipes for dinner. We’ll cover a variety of dishes, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to hearty casseroles and soups. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just looking to meal prep for the week, these recipes are sure to satisfy.

Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner

1. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Instead of using ground beef for the meatballs, try using ground sausage for a twist on the traditional recipe. The sausage will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with tomato sauce and spaghetti noodles.

To make the meatballs, combine ground sausage with breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Form the mixture into balls and bake in the oven until golden brown. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce and cooked spaghetti noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450 grams) spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
7. While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti.
8. Serve the spaghetti topped with the meatballs and sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Tips:

• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes in a blender before adding them to the skillet.
• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering.
• If you find the meatball mixture too wet to shape into meatballs, you can add more breadcrumbs until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Don’t overcook the meatballs in the skillet, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.

2. Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. To make it, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in a pan until they’re tender and caramelized. Add sliced sausage to the pan and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.

Serve the sausage and peppers with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. You can also use this recipe as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausages
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Rolls or Italian bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausages. Cook the sausages until browned on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
3. Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet with the vegetables.
4. Add diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sausage and pepper mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. While the sausage and peppers are simmering, you can prepare your rolls or Italian bread by toasting or warming them.
7. Once the sausage and peppers are cooked and the flavors have melded, remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture onto the rolls or Italian bread, dividing it evenly among the servings.
9. Serve the sausage and peppers sandwiches warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can use sweet or hot Italian sausages depending on your preference for spiciness.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a small can of tomato sauce or a splash of red wine to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes.
• Feel free to add additional seasonings such as crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• You can also customize your sausage and peppers sandwiches by adding toppings like melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Leftover sausage and pepper mixture can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a topping for pasta, rice, or as a filling for omelets.

3. Sausage and Mushroom Pizza

If you love pizza, try making your own at home with ground sausage and mushrooms. Start with a pre-made pizza crust or make your own from scratch. Top the crust with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced mushrooms, and crumbled ground sausage.

Bake the pizza in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice and serve hot with your favorite toppings, like red pepper flakes or fresh basil.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 pound (225 grams) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for optional heat

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pizza dough package instructions.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a greased baking sheet.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire pizza.
6. Distribute the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, sliced mushrooms, black olives, and red onions over the cheese.
7. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake according to the pizza dough package instructions, usually around 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
10. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot.

Tips:

• You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch.
• Feel free to add other toppings such as bell peppers, pepperoni, or sliced tomatoes based on your preferences.
• Precooking the Italian sausage before adding it to the pizza ensures it will be fully cooked and flavorful.
• For a crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the dough on it.
• If you like a more pronounced mushroom flavor, sauté the sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil before adding them to the pizza.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, or goat cheese to add variety to your pizza.

4. Italian Sausage Soup

Italian sausage soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cold winter night. To make it, start by browning ground sausage in a pot with chopped onions and garlic. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cooked pasta to the pot and simmer until the flavors are combined.

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also add vegetables like spinach or kale to the soup for extra nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

7. Add the chopped kale or spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until wilted.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed.
9. Ladle the Italian sausage soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
10. Serve hot and enjoy with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Tips:

• You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference for heat.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or cooked pasta such as small shells or ditalini.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
• For a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
• The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth if desired.
• If you want a spicier soup, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
• Customize the toppings by adding croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

5. Sausage and Potato Casserole

Sausage and potato casserole is a delicious and convenient one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. To make it, start by layering sliced potatoes and sliced sausage in a baking dish. Then, pour a mixture of cream and cheese over the top of the layers. Bake the casserole in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This hearty and flavorful casserole is sure to become a family favorite and can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish alongside your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces, until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the diced potatoes and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and slightly crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips:

• You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as sweet Italian sausage or spicy sausage, to suit your taste.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and variety.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to change the flavor profile of the casserole.
• If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Customize the dish by adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.