If you’ve got a pound or two of ground sausage sitting in your fridge, you’re in luck! Ground sausage is one of those versatile ingredients that can transform any meal into something rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s always a way to turn it into something mouthwatering.
In this article, we’ll share 5 sausage recipes with ground sausage that are simple, hearty, and guaranteed to please the whole family. From casseroles to pasta and breakfast classics, these recipes are comfort food at its best.
1. Cheesy Ground Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Why You’ll Love It
This ground sausage breakfast casserole is a morning game-changer. Packed with eggs, cheese, and sausage, it’s the ultimate comfort breakfast that’s also great for meal prep. Perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or when you’re feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Spread the sausage and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
- Add thawed hash browns on top, followed by shredded cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tip
You can add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
2. Creamy Ground Sausage Pasta
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re craving a rich and cozy dinner, this creamy ground sausage pasta will hit the spot. The sausage adds depth and spice, while the creamy sauce brings it all together for a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook ground sausage until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until coated.
- Adjust consistency with a splash of pasta water if needed, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese before serving.
Pro Tip
For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.
3. Ground Sausage and Potato Skillet
Why You’ll Love It
Looking for a quick and hearty one-pan meal? This sausage and potato skillet is packed with flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
- Add ground sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in onions and bell peppers, and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and everything is well mixed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs before serving.
Pro Tip
Add a fried egg on top for a complete meal — it’s absolutely delicious!
4. Ground Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Why You’ll Love It
These sausage stuffed peppers are a healthy, low-carb dinner option packed with protein and flavor. Each bell pepper is filled with a savory sausage and rice mixture, then baked to perfection with melty cheese on top.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground sausage until browned. Add onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is combined.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the sausage mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Pro Tip
Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a colorful presentation.
5. Ground Sausage Soup with Vegetables
Why You’ll Love It
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup. This ground sausage soup is hearty, flavorful, and full of vegetables — perfect for cold days or when you need a quick and cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook ground sausage until browned.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Pro Tip
Add a handful of small pasta or beans to make it even more filling.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Sausage
- Drain excess grease to avoid overly oily dishes.
- Choose your flavor wisely: Mild, hot, or sweet Italian sausage can completely change the flavor profile of a dish.
- Break it up evenly while cooking so it browns nicely and cooks through.
- Freeze leftovers — ground sausage dishes freeze beautifully for quick meals later.
Final Thoughts
Ground sausage is one of the most adaptable ingredients you can have in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty breakfast casserole, creamy pasta, or cozy soup, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to use it.
These 5 sausage recipes with ground sausage prove just how easy and satisfying it can be to cook with this flavorful ingredient. Try one (or all) of these recipes this week — your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
