If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with something hearty and packed with protein, ground sausage is your new best friend. Its rich flavor and versatility make it a standout choice for creating satisfying meals that are both delicious and nourishing. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy pasta, a comforting casserole, or a savory stir-fry, these ground sausage dinner ideas are set to become staples in your kitchen.
Steps
- Italian Sausage Soup: Start by browning crumbled Italian sausage in a pot. Add chopped zucchini, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and beans to the pot, and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread.
- Pioneer Woman’s Best Lasagna Ever: Brown pork sausage in a pan, then layer it with cottage cheese, sauce, and no-boil lasagna noodles in a baking dish. Bake until the noodles are tender and the top is golden. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Pumpkin Ravioli with Sausage: Cook Italian sausage in a pan with fresh sage, then toss with pumpkin ravioli. Add toasted pine nuts and kale for texture and color, and finish with a drizzle of brown butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Italian Sausage Sandwiches: Cook ground Italian sausage and mix with marinara sauce. Assemble the sandwiches with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese on a roll. Toast until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Sausage and Peppers Pasta: Sauté sausage with chopped peppers and onions. Mix with cooked pasta and a simple sauce for a quick, flavorful dinner. Garnish with cheese if desired.
- Sausage Thanksgiving Stuffing: Sauté ground sausage with celery, onions, and apples. Add to bread cubes, then moisten with broth and bake until golden and crispy on top.
- Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Combine cooked sausage with eggs, cheese, and your choice of vegetables. Pour into a baking dish and bake until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Zuppa Toscana Soup: Brown sausage and add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Simmer in broth until the potatoes are tender, then stir in kale and cook until wilted.
- Italian Stuffed Mushrooms: Mix cooked sausage with garlic, balsamic vinegar, bread crumbs, mascarpone, shallots, and Parmesan. Stuff into mushroom caps and bake until the filling is bubbly and mushrooms are tender.
- Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta: Cook sausage with tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Add beef broth and cream, and simmer until thickened. Toss with pasta for a rich, creamy dish.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage Soup
- Crumbled Italian sausage
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Beans
- Pioneer Woman’s Best Lasagna Ever
- Pork sausage
- Cottage cheese
- No-boil lasagna noodles
- Pumpkin Ravioli with Sausage
- Italian sausage
- Pumpkin ravioli
- Fresh sage
- Kale
- Pine nuts
- Parmesan cheese
- Brown butter
- Italian Sausage Sandwiches
- Ground Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Cheese
- Peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Sausage and Peppers Pasta
- Sausage
- Peppers
- Pasta
- Sausage Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Ground sausage
- Celery
- Onions
- Apples
- Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Sausage
- Onion (optional)
- Peppers (optional)
- Broccoli (optional)
- Tomato (optional)
- Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Ground sausage
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Kale
- Broth
- Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
- Ground sausage
- Garlic
- Balsamic vinegar
- Bread crumbs
- Mascarpone cheese
- Shallot
- Parmesan cheese
- Spices
- Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
- – Ground Italian sausage
- – Tomatoes
- – Onion
- – Garlic
- – Beef broth
- – Cream
FAQ
- What is ground sausage and how is it made?
- Ground sausage is sausage meat that has been removed from its casing and broken down into a loose, crumbly texture, similar to ground beef or pork. It’s usually made from a blend of ground pork, fat, and various seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, fennel seeds, and paprika, among others.
- What types of ground sausage are available?
- There are several types of ground sausage, including Italian sausage (available in sweet or spicy varieties), breakfast sausage (often flavored with sage and maple), and chorizo, which offers a smoky and spicy flavor.
- Can ground sausage be used in soups?
- Yes, ground sausage is a fantastic addition to soups. It adds flavor and heartiness to dishes like Italian Sausage Soup, which includes vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and carrots, making it a balanced meal option.
- Is ground sausage suitable for pasta dishes?
- Absolutely, ground sausage is perfect for pasta dishes. It can be used in recipes like Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, where it’s cooked with tomatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, and cream for an indulgent dish.
- How can ground sausage be incorporated into breakfast meals?
- Ground sausage works well in breakfast dishes, such as a Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. This simple recipe can be enhanced with vegetables like onions, peppers, broccoli, or tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can ground sausage be used in holiday stuffing?
- Yes, ground sausage can be a delicious addition to holiday stuffing. It pairs well with ingredients like celery, onions, and apples to create a flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing.
Tips
- Experiment with different types of ground sausage: Each type of ground sausage, such as Italian, breakfast, or chorizo, offers unique flavors. Try using different varieties to enhance your dishes with distinct taste profiles.
- Use boil-free lasagna noodles: When making lasagna, consider using boil-free noodles to save time and reduce mess. They work well in recipes and maintain great taste and texture.
- Incorporate vegetables for added nutrition: Adding vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and kale to sausage-based dishes can create well-balanced meals, providing extra nutrients and vibrant colors.
- Enhance texture with nuts or crunchy toppings: For added texture in your dishes, consider incorporating ingredients like pine nuts or breadcrumbs. These elements can add a pleasant crunch and depth to your meal.
Equipment
- Ravioli mold or cutter – For making pumpkin ravioli.
- Pasta machine or roller – If making homemade pasta for any of the pasta dishes.
- Mandoline slicer – For uniformly slicing vegetables like zucchini and carrots.
- Immersion blender – Useful for blending soups to your desired texture.
- Large Dutch oven – For making soups like Italian Sausage Soup and Zuppa Toscana Soup.
- Cast iron skillet – Ideal for browning sausage and cooking dishes like the Italian Sausage Sandwiches.
- Baking dish or casserole dish – Necessary for baking the Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole and the Pioneer Woman’s Best Lasagna Ever.
- Stuffing mold or specialized baking dish – For shaping and baking the Sausage Thanksgiving Stuffing.
