Description
These 15 Best Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner showcase how versatile and flavorful ground sausage can be! Whether you’re making pasta, casseroles, soups, or skillet meals, these recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. From spicy Italian sausage pasta to sausage-stuffed peppers, you’ll find a delicious way to enjoy ground sausage in your next dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Combine Everything:
- Stir in cooked pasta and fresh spinach (if using).
- Toss everything together and let it cook for 2 minutes until well combined.
Serve & Garnish:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Spice Level: Use spicy sausage for extra heat or mild for a balanced flavor.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lower-fat alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg