5 Delicious Recipes Featuring Ground Sausage

Introduction to Ground Sausage

Ground sausage is a versatile ingredient that can transform an ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece with its rich flavor and texture. Whether it’s breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or a spicier variety, this minced meat has the power to elevate simple recipes to gourmet levels. Today, we delve into five delicious recipes featuring ground sausage that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Start with a classic Italian dish that gets a delightful twist with the addition of ground sausage.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 (12 oz) box jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool.
  4. In a bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Add cooled sausage, seasonings, and mix well.
  5. Stuff the shells with the sausage mixture.
  6. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then cover with the remaining sauce.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

💡 Note: For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.

2. Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burrito

Kickstart your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast burrito that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz ground sausage
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup salsa
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned, then set aside.
  2. Beat the eggs, add salt and pepper, and cook them in the same skillet until just set.
  3. Divide the eggs among the tortillas, then layer with sausage, cheese, avocado slices, and salsa.
  4. Roll up the tortillas burrito-style, tuck in the sides, and enjoy hot or wrap for a grab-and-go meal.

3. Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

This comforting soup combines the robust flavors of sausage with the health benefits of kale and beans, perfect for a cozy meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 bunch of kale, chopped
  • 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Steps:
  1. In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Add onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, cooking for another minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, then bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce to simmer, add beans, and let cook for 15 minutes.
  5. Add kale and sausage, and simmer until kale is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  6. For a creamier texture, stir in heavy cream at the end.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Sausage and Quinoa

Give your stuffed bell peppers a protein-packed makeover with the addition of sausage and quinoa.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
  3. Mix in cooked quinoa and half of the tomato sauce. Season to taste.
  4. Stuff the pepper halves with the sausage-quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
  5. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove foil, top with mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

5. Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Explore the delightful combination of sausage and zucchini with this simple yet delectable recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Scoop out the insides of the zucchinis to create boats, leaving a shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  4. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add chopped zucchini, cook until tender.
  5. Mix in marinara sauce and seasonings. Fill the zucchini boats with this mixture.
  6. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until zucchinis are tender and cheese is melted.

In wrapping up these 5 Delicious Recipes Featuring Ground Sausage, we’ve explored how this simple ingredient can elevate traditional meals to new heights. Each recipe highlights the unique taste and versatility of ground sausage, making it an indispensable part of any kitchen. From savory stuffed shells to hearty soups and flavorful stuffed vegetables, these dishes provide a range of options for any meal occasion. Remember, the key to these recipes lies in the quality of the sausage; choosing a flavorful sausage will set the foundation for a delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a special event, these recipes will surely impress with their depth of flavor and creativity.

Can I use plant-based sausage in these recipes?

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Yes, plant-based sausages work wonderfully as substitutes. Look for varieties that mimic the texture and flavor of traditional sausage for the best results.

Are these recipes suitable for freezing?

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Most of these dishes freeze well, particularly the stuffed shells, soup, and burritos. Just make sure to cool them before freezing and reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.

Can I make these recipes gluten-free?

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Yes, by using gluten-free pasta, tortillas, or skipping the bread crumbs, you can adapt these recipes to be gluten-free. Just be cautious of cross-contamination if necessary.