5 Ground Sausage Recipes for Quick Weeknight Meals

Ground sausage transforms into delicious meals with these 5 tested recipes: Italian sausage and peppers skillet (25 minutes), Southern sausage gravy with biscuits (30 minutes), sausage and vegetable stir-fry (20 minutes), sausage-stuffed shells (45 minutes), and sausage breakfast hash (15 minutes). Each recipe includes precise measurements, cooking times, and practical substitutions for dietary needs.

Ground sausage offers incredible versatility in the kitchen, delivering rich flavor to countless dishes. This protein powerhouse works equally well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipes while providing essential nutrients like protein and iron. Unlike plain ground meat, sausage contains built-in seasonings that simplify meal preparation without sacrificing taste. Whether you're working with pork, chicken, or plant-based sausage, these five recipes maximize flavor while minimizing preparation time.

Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet

This classic weeknight dinner comes together in just 25 minutes using pantry staples. The combination of sweet bell peppers, onions, and seasoned sausage creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb hot or sweet Italian ground sausage
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking into small pieces.
3. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in pan.
4. Add peppers and onions to skillet, sauté until softened (8-10 minutes).
5. Return sausage to skillet, add garlic and diced tomatoes.
6. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Southern-Style Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

This comforting breakfast classic features creamy sausage gravy poured over flaky buttermilk biscuits. The secret to perfect gravy lies in the ratio of sausage to flour to milk.

Ingredient	Amount	Substitution Option
Ground pork sausage	1 lb	Turkey sausage or plant-based alternative
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup	Gluten-free flour blend
Whole milk	2 cups	Half-and-half for richer gravy
Black pepper	1 tsp	White pepper for milder flavor

Instructions

1. Cook sausage in large skillet over medium heat until browned (8-10 minutes).
2. Sprinkle flour over sausage, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook flour.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth.
4. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until gravy thickens (5-7 minutes).
5. Season with black pepper (avoid salt until end as sausage contains sodium).
6. Serve immediately over split biscuits.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Leftover gravy thickens when cooled—simply add more milk when reheating.

Sausage and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This healthy ground sausage recipe delivers Asian-inspired flavors in under 20 minutes. The quick cooking method preserves vegetable nutrients while creating a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken or pork sausage
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
3. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
6. Pour sauce over ingredients and cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Remove from heat, stir in sesame oil and green onions.
8. Serve immediately over rice or quinoa.

Nutrition per serving: 380 calories | 22g protein | 35g carbohydrates | 18g fat | 6g fiber

Sausage-Stuffed Pasta Shells

This baked pasta dish combines protein-rich sausage with creamy ricotta filling for a satisfying dinner that reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
2. Brown sausage in skillet over medium heat (8-10 minutes).
3. Mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and basil.
4. Stir half the marinara sauce into cooked sausage.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with ricotta mixture, then place in 9x13 baking dish.
6. Pour sausage marinara over stuffed shells.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake 5 more minutes.

Make ahead tip: Assemble dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake—add 10 minutes to cooking time if baking cold.

Essential Tips for Cooking with Ground Sausage

Master these techniques to elevate your ground sausage recipes:

• Drain excess fat: After browning sausage, drain excess fat to prevent greasy dishes—especially important for pasta sauces and casseroles.
• Temperature matters: Cook sausage to 160°F (71°C) internal temperature for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Flavor balancing: Counteract saltiness from sausage by adding acid (lemon juice or vinegar) to dishes.
• Vegetarian alternative: Substitute plant-based sausage crumbles in equal amounts for meatless versions.
• Freezing cooked sausage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.

FAQ

Can I use ground sausage instead of ground beef in recipes?

Yes, ground sausage works well as a substitute for ground beef in most recipes. Since sausage contains additional seasonings and fat, you may want to reduce added salt and oil in your recipe. For dishes where you want milder flavor, choose sweet Italian sausage rather than hot varieties.

How do I prevent ground sausage from sticking to the pan?

Prevent sticking by heating your skillet properly before adding sausage. Use medium-high heat and add 1-2 teaspoons of oil to the pan first. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the temperature and causes sticking. Let the sausage sear for 2-3 minutes before stirring to develop a crust that releases naturally.

What's the best way to cook ground sausage for pizza topping?

For pizza toppings, cook sausage until fully browned but not crispy. Drain excess fat thoroughly, then spread on paper towels to remove additional grease. Cool completely before adding to pizza—this prevents excess moisture from making your pizza soggy during baking.

How long does cooked ground sausage last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked ground sausage remains fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always cool cooked sausage completely before storing. When reheating, ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for food safety.

Can I make ground sausage recipes ahead of time?

Many ground sausage recipes freeze well before or after cooking. Uncooked sausage mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked dishes like stuffed shells or skillet meals freeze well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh herbs or a splash of acid after reheating to refresh flavors.