Ground sausage is one of the most versatile and flavorful ingredients you can have in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to spice up your breakfast, create a hearty dinner, or prepare a quick and satisfying snack, ground sausage is a reliable go-to. Its savory, well-seasoned taste can complement a wide variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to almost any meal. If you’re tired of the same old meals and want to try something new, we’ve got you covered with 15 easy recipes using ground sausage that are perfect for any meal of the day.
Table of Contents
Why Ground Sausage Should Be Your Go-To Ingredient
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why ground sausage deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.
1. Pre-seasoned for Extra Flavor
Ground sausage is often pre-seasoned with a variety of spices, saving you the time and effort of adding individual seasonings. Whether you prefer a mild, sweet flavor or a spicy kick, ground sausage delivers rich, bold tastes with minimal effort on your part.
2. Quick and Easy to Cook
Ground sausage cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or rushed mornings. It’s easy to brown in a skillet and can be used in a variety of ways—from stuffing, to sauces, to casseroles.
3. Affordable and Accessible
Ground sausage is often more affordable than other types of meat like beef or chicken, making it an economical choice for families. It’s also widely available, so you can easily find it at your local grocery store.
4. Versatile for Any Meal
Ground sausage is incredibly versatile. It can be used in breakfast dishes like scrambles, in pasta dishes, soups, casseroles, and even as a topping for pizzas or salads. It’s perfect for any meal of the day.
15 Easy Recipes Using Ground Sausage for Any Meal
Let’s get into the heart of the matter: 15 easy recipes using ground sausage that will add flavor and variety to your weekly meals.
1. Sausage and Egg Breakfast Scramble
This hearty breakfast scramble is the perfect way to kick-start your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 4 eggs
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add the diced vegetables and cook until softened.
- Crack the eggs into the skillet and scramble them together with the sausage and veggies.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve with toast.
Why You’ll Love It: This scramble is protein-packed and full of flavor, making it the perfect breakfast to keep you full all morning.
2. Sausage and Potato Skillet
A quick and satisfying one-pan meal that’s both hearty and easy to clean up.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the sausage until browned.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook until crispy and tender.
- Stir in garlic and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for an extra touch.
Why You’ll Love It: This skillet dish is quick, filling, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
3. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or as a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and mix with cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Stuff the mushroom caps with the sausage mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It: These stuffed mushrooms are savory, cheesy, and a great way to impress your guests.
4. Sausage and Spinach Pasta
A creamy and comforting pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and add spinach until wilted.
- Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese, then toss with the cooked pasta.
Why You’ll Love It: This pasta dish is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
5. Sausage and Zucchini Stir-Fry
A healthy, light stir-fry that’s quick to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet.
- Add the zucchini and cook until tender.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This stir-fry is quick, healthy, and packed with veggies, making it a great option for a light dinner.
6. Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
A low-carb, hearty dish that’s perfect for a filling dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet.
- Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until tender.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, offering a great way to use cabbage in a comforting meal.
7. Sausage and Bean Chili
A warm and filling chili that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a pot.
- Add the beans, tomatoes, and spices, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This chili is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner with the family.
8. Sausage and Rice Casserole
A comforting casserole that’s both cheesy and savory.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brown the sausage and mix with the cooked rice.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This casserole is cheesy, hearty, and easy to prepare, making it a great family meal.
9. Sausage Breakfast Burritos
A portable breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 4 eggs
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet.
- Scramble the eggs and combine with the sausage.
- Spoon the mixture into tortillas and top with cheese.
Why You’ll Love It: These burritos are filling, easy to customize, and perfect for on-the-go mornings.
10. Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash
A healthy and filling hash that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, diced
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet.
- Cook the sweet potatoes until tender, then add the peppers and onions.
- Stir in the sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish is hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for any meal.
11. Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy, comforting risotto with ground sausage and mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a skillet.
- Sauté mushrooms and cook rice until golden.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly until absorbed.
Why You’ll Love It: This creamy risotto is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s rich in flavor.
12. Sausage and Broccoli Alfredo
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with sausage and broccoli.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups broccoli, steamed
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Brown the sausage and steam the broccoli.
- Combine pasta, sausage, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a family favorite.
13. Sausage Breakfast Casserole
A hearty casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brown the sausage and mix with the bread cubes.
- Whisk the eggs and milk, then pour over the sausage and bread mixture.
- Top with cheese and bake for 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This casserole is a filling, make-ahead option for busy mornings.
14. Sausage and Tomato Soup
A savory, comforting soup with ground sausage and tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage in a pot.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and seasoning, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This soup is simple to make, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
15. Sausage and Eggplant Parmesan
A healthier twist on eggplant Parmesan with ground sausage.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Brown the sausage and layer with eggplant slices in a baking dish.
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake for 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish is cheesy, savory, and a great way to enjoy eggplant in a new way.
Conclusion: Get Creative with Ground Sausage
Ground sausage is a fantastic ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to create delicious, satisfying meals. From quick breakfasts to hearty dinners, these 15 easy recipes using ground sausage offer something for everyone. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, ground sausage is a versatile, budget-friendly ingredient that can elevate any dish. So next time you find yourself with a package of ground sausage, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen and try one of these recipes!
FAQ
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground sausage?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for ground sausage, but you may want to add additional seasonings to make up for the lack of flavor that sausage typically provides.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze dishes for longer storage.
3. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Many of these recipes, like casseroles and soups, can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.