Ground sausage is a go-to ingredient when it comes to preparing quick, hearty meals that satisfy the entire family. Whether you’re looking for ground sausage recipes for dinner that are easy to make or you’re after something a little more creative, this article has it all. With these easy ground sausage recipes for dinner, you’ll be able to whip up delicious meals using Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even healthier options like turkey sausage. Below, we dive into ten different dishes that are sure to become staples in your weekly meal rotation.
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Why Ground Sausage is Perfect for Dinner
When it comes to ground sausage recipes for dinner, you can’t go wrong. Ground sausage is packed with flavor, thanks to the pre-seasoned spices in each bite. Whether you’re using spicy Italian sausage or mild breakfast sausage, you get a burst of flavor without needing to add too many additional seasonings. For those nights when you’re in a rush, easy ground sausage recipes for dinner will save you time in the kitchen. If you’re craving pasta, casseroles, or even a savory soup, ground sausage can be the star ingredient that ties everything together. Want to master cooking with Italian sausage? Check out How to Cook Italian Sausage for expert tips.
10 Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner
Now that you know why ground sausage is such a great choice for dinner, let’s dive into some ground sausage recipes for dinner that are sure to please. From pasta dishes to casseroles and skillet meals, these recipes are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
1. Italian Sausage Pasta with Spinach
When it comes to ground Italian sausage recipes for dinner, this Italian sausage pasta with spinach is a classic. The combination of sausage and spinach makes for a nutritious, filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Italian Sausage | 1 lb |
| Pasta (any type) | 12 oz |
| Fresh Spinach | 2 cups |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Cooking Instructions:
- Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the ground sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Toss in the spinach and let it wilt. Combine with the pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan, and enjoy!
This dish is one of the easiest ground sausage recipes for dinner and takes only 30 minutes to prepare. For more details on how to cook Italian Sausages, visit here.
2. Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners are fantastic when you need something fast and fuss-free. This easy ground sausage recipe for dinner pairs Italian sausage with bell peppers for a delicious, no-fuss meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Italian Sausage | 1 lb |
| Bell Peppers (sliced) | 3 medium |
| Red Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sausage, peppers, and onion on a sheet pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sausage is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
This ground sausage dish is an excellent choice for those busy weeknights when you’re looking for something quick to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.
3. Sausage and Potato Casserole
Few things are more satisfying than a cheesy, baked casserole straight out of the oven. This ground sausage casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with potatoes, making it one of the most satisfying ground sausage recipes for dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Sausage | 1 lb |
| Potatoes (thinly sliced) | 3 medium |
| Cheddar Cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown the sausage with onions until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Layer the potatoes, sausage mixture, and cheese in a greased casserole dish. Pour over the heavy cream.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
This ground sausage recipe for dinner is the perfect comfort food that you’ll find yourself making time and again.
4. Sausage Carbonara
This creamy carbonara features ground sausage for an extra flavor kick. It’s a quick, easy pasta dish that’s great for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Sausage | 1 lb |
| Spaghetti | 12 oz |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, cook the ground sausage and garlic until browned.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with Parmesan and black pepper.
- Toss the pasta and sausage with the egg mixture, adding the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
5. Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
For a lighter take on ground sausage recipes for dinner, this sausage and broccoli pasta is a great option. The broccoli adds freshness, while the sausage delivers a rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Sausage | 1 lb |
| Broccoli (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Pasta (penne or fusilli) | 12 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Zest | 1 tsp |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Steam the broccoli until tender.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet and gently cook the garlic until it’s fragrant. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Toss the pasta, sausage, and broccoli together with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, flavorful meal.
6. Cajun Sausage Jambalaya
Spice up your weeknight meals with this Cajun-inspired ground sausage recipe for dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Sausage | 1 lb |
| Chicken Thighs (diced) | 1 lb |
| Long Grain Rice | 1 cup |
| Bell Peppers (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Cajun Seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
Cooking Instructions:
- Brown the sausage and chicken thighs in a large pot.
- Add the bell peppers and Cajun seasoning, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
This bold dish will quickly become one of your favorite ground sausage recipes for dinner.
FAQs About Ground Sausage Recipes
Can I Substitute Ground Pork for Sausage in Recipes?
Yes, ground pork can be a great substitute for sausage in ground sausage recipes for dinner. However, you’ll need to season the pork to replicate the flavor of sausage. Add spices like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes to get that classic sausage taste.
What Type of Sausage is Best for Dinner Recipes?
Italian sausage is a fantastic choice for many ground sausage recipes for dinner because it offers a rich blend of herbs and spices. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage can also work well.
How Can I Make Ground Sausage Recipes Healthier?
To make your ground sausage recipes for dinner healthier, consider using turkey or chicken sausage. These alternatives have a lower fat and calorie content while still delivering plenty of flavor. Adding more vegetables to your dishes can also boost the nutritional content.
Can I Freeze Cooked Ground Sausage Dishes?
Absolutely. Most ground sausage recipes for dinner freeze well. Be sure to store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh for up to three months.
Conclusion: Try These Delicious Ground Sausage Recipes for Dinner
Ground sausage is an excellent ingredient for quick and easy dinners, offering rich flavors that pair well with pasta, casseroles, soups, and more. Whether you’re making a comforting ground sausage casserole or a quick pasta dish like sausage carbonara, the versatility of ground sausage makes it a must-have in your kitchen. From bold Cajun jambalaya to a light broccoli pasta, these ground sausage recipes for dinner are sure to become family favorites.
So why not start experimenting with these recipes tonight? Try them out, and don’t forget to explore more delicious sausage-based meals, such as this Venison Breakfast Sausage Recipe, for even more inspiration.
Finally
If you’ve enjoyed these ground sausage recipes for dinner, why not share them with friends and family? Bookmark this page for future meals, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more easy, flavorful recipes!
