5 Delicious Ground Sausage Recipes to Try Tonight

5 Delicious Ground Sausage Recipes to Try Tonight

When you think of ground sausage, your mind might immediately go to a quick breakfast or a simple pizza topping. However, this versatile ingredient can elevate your evening meals with its rich flavor and texture. Let’s explore five delicious ground sausage recipes that will transform your dinner into a culinary delight, perfect for trying out tonight.

1. Cheesy Sausage Stuffed Shells

Large pasta shells, filled with a savory mixture of ground sausage and cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden, can make any dinner special.

• Ingredients:
  • Jumbo pasta shells
  • Ground sausage (Italian or breakfast)
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Marinara sauce
  • Parmesan cheese
• Steps:
  1. Cook pasta shells to al dente, then let them cool.
  2. Brown the ground sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces.
  3. Mix the sausage with ricotta, mozzarella, and seasonings.
  4. Stuff the shells with the sausage mixture, place in a baking dish, cover with marinara, and top with more cheese.
  5. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🧀 Note: For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

2. Sausage and Spinach Quiche

The combination of ground sausage with fresh spinach in a flaky crust is a delightful treat for any meal.

• Ingredients:
  • Pre-made pie crust
  • Ground sausage
  • Fresh spinach
  • Eggs
  • Heavy cream or milk
  • Grated cheese (like cheddar or Gruyere)
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a pie dish with the crust.
  2. Cook the sausage until browned, drain excess fat, then mix in spinach until wilted.
  3. Beat eggs with cream, add the sausage mixture and cheese, pour into the crust.
  4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.

3. Ground Sausage Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce

This creamy pasta dish combines the robust flavor of ground sausage with a smooth, flavorful garlic cream sauce, making for an irresistibly comforting meal.

• Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • Ground sausage
  • Garlic
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
• Steps:
  1. Cook pasta to al dente, reserve some cooking water, then drain.
  2. Brown sausage, add minced garlic, cook until fragrant.
  3. Stir in cream and broth, let simmer, then add cheese until sauce thickens.
  4. Combine pasta with the sauce, adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.

🍝 Note: If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out, giving the dish a glossy finish.

4. Hearty Sausage and Lentil Stew

This stew, rich in protein and fiber, offers warmth and comfort on a chilly night, highlighting the savory taste of ground sausage with wholesome lentils.

• Ingredients:
  • Ground sausage
  • Lentils
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Chicken or beef broth
  • Herbs like thyme and bay leaves
• Steps:
  1. In a large pot, brown sausage, remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender.
  3. Add lentils, sausage, broth, and herbs, bring to a boil, then simmer until lentils are cooked.

5. Sausage Pizza Rolls

These are fun, delicious, and perfect for sharing or as an appetizer. Ground sausage adds a savory note to the classic pizza flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Ground sausage
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Marinara sauce
  • Your favorite pizza toppings
• Steps:
  1. Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle.
  2. Spread marinara sauce over the dough, then layer sausage, cheese, and other toppings.
  3. Roll up the dough tightly, slice into 1-inch pieces, and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

From indulgent stuffed shells to hearty stews, ground sausage proves to be a fantastic culinary workhorse. These recipes showcase how ground sausage can be utilized in myriad ways to bring both comfort and elegance to your dinner table. Each dish offers a unique take on flavor, proving that ground sausage is not just for breakfast. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, creamy, or comforting, these recipes will leave you satisfied and perhaps even eager to experiment with ground sausage in the future.

Can I use different types of sausage for these recipes?

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Yes, while most recipes suggest Italian or breakfast sausage, you can substitute with other varieties like chorizo, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage to match your taste preferences.

What can I do if I prefer less meat in my meals?

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Reduce the amount of sausage or mix in additional ingredients like vegetables or plant-based proteins to balance the meal. Vegetarian sausage alternatives are also an option.

Are these recipes suitable for freezing?

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Many of these dishes can be frozen before or after cooking. Ensure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. The sausage pizza rolls and stuffed shells would freeze well, while stews might thicken, requiring additional broth when reheating.