Ground Sausage Dinner Recipes: 20+ Easy Meal Ideas

Ground sausage is a versatile ingredient that can transform simple meals into flavorful masterpieces. With its bold seasoning and adaptability, ground sausage dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prepping. From casseroles to stir-fries, these recipes showcase the many delicious ways you can use ground sausage to create satisfying dinners for every occasion.

One of the reasons ground sausage is so beloved is its ability to infuse dishes with bold seasoning. From breakfast to dinner, the ingredient transforms meals into something truly memorable. In this article, we’ll dive into an array of ground sausage dinner recipes, offering options for every taste and occasion. Let’s explore how this simple ingredient can elevate your weeknight dinners and expand your cooking repertoire.

For more ideas on ground sausage dinner recipes, check out some great options here.

Classic Ground Sausage Dinner Recipes

Sausage and Pasta Bake

This comforting dish combines ground sausage with pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, the recipe is as easy to make as it is satisfying.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage
    • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
    • 2 cups marinara sauce
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground sausage until browned.
    3. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
    4. Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture in a baking dish.
    5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, along with oregano.
    6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers filled with a mix of ground sausage, rice, and vegetables offer a nutritious and flavor-packed dinner option. This recipe is highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
    • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
    • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
    • 1 cup diced tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Instructions:
    1. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. In a skillet, cook ground sausage until fully browned. Mix with rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
    3. Stuff each pepper with the sausage mixture and place in a baking dish.
    4. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Sausage and Potato Skillet

This one-pan wonder combines hearty potatoes and flavorful sausage for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage
    • 4 medium potatoes, diced
    • 1 cup chopped onions
    • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
    2. Add onions, bell peppers, and ground sausage to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and vegetables are tender.
    3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

Healthy Ground Sausage Dinners

Turkey Sausage and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick, healthy dinner loaded with lean turkey sausage and vibrant vegetables. This stir-fry is low in calories, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground turkey sausage
    • 2 cups broccoli florets
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 yellow squash, sliced
    • 3 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 tsp minced garlic
    • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey sausage and cook until browned.
    2. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté broccoli, bell pepper, and squash until tender-crisp.
    3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
    4. Return the sausage to the skillet and mix in soy sauce. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through. Serve hot over brown rice or quinoa for an extra healthy option.

Low-Carb Sausage Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats are a creative and delicious way to enjoy ground sausage in a low-carb, high-protein dinner.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 medium zucchini
    • 1 lb ground sausage (Italian or turkey sausage works best)
    • 1 cup marinara sauce
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create boats.
    2. Cook ground sausage in a skillet until browned, then mix with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
    3. Fill each zucchini boat with the sausage mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
    4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of each boat.
    5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Sausage and Kale Salad

For a healthy and nutrient-packed dinner, this sausage and kale salad combines lean protein with a hearty dose of greens.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground turkey sausage
    • 4 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Instructions:
    1. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey sausage until fully browned and set aside.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, massage kale with 1 tbsp olive oil until softened.
    3. Add cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and cooked sausage to the kale.
    4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

Quick and Easy Ground Sausage Meals

Sausage and Eggplant Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry combines tender eggplant and flavorful ground sausage in a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage
    • 2 medium eggplants, diced
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
    • 1 tsp minced garlic
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 green onion, sliced for garnish
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and cook until browned.
    2. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced eggplant until softened.
    3. Stir in garlic, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
    4. Return the sausage to the skillet, tossing to combine. Garnish with green onions before serving. Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.

One-Pot Sausage and Lentil Stew

This hearty stew is nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare in one pot for minimal cleanup.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage
    • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup diced carrots
    • 1 cup chopped celery
    • 1 cup diced onions
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, cook ground sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary.
    2. Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing until softened.
    3. Stir in lentils, chicken broth, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
    4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Spicy Sausage Tacos

These tacos are quick, spicy, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for taco night, they deliver bold flavors with minimal effort.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or chorizo works best)
    • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
    • 1 cup shredded lettuce
    • 1 cup diced tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • Optional: hot sauce, lime wedges
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
    2. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
    3. Assemble the tacos by layering sausage, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add hot sauce or lime juice for extra flavor.

International Ground Sausage Recipes

Thai Basil Sausage Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao)

This classic Thai dish blends the bold flavors of ground sausage with fragrant basil and a savory sauce, served over steamed rice or noodles.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage
    • 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 red chilies, sliced (optional for spice)
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tsp fish sauce
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    • 2 fried eggs (optional, for serving)
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add garlic and chilies, stirring for 30 seconds.
    2. Add ground sausage, cooking until browned and breaking it into small pieces.
    3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
    4. Add basil leaves and stir until wilted.
    5. Serve over steamed rice, topped with a fried egg for an authentic touch.

German Sausage and Sauerkraut Bowl

This hearty German-inspired dish combines savory sausage with tangy sauerkraut for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground sausage (use bratwurst-style if possible)
    • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
    • 1 medium onion, sliced
    • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened.
    2. Add ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
    3. Stir in sauerkraut, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza

This Italian favorite transforms ground sausage into a gourmet topping for a cheesy, homemade pizza.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
    • 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade dough)
    • 1 cup marinara sauce
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook the ground sausage in a skillet until browned. Set aside.
    2. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
    3. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese on the crust, followed by the cooked sausage. Add the remaining cheese on top.
    4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional).
    5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
    6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

FAQs

What’s the difference between ground sausage and regular ground meat?

Ground sausage is pre-seasoned with herbs and spices, such as fennel, garlic, or paprika, making it ready to use without additional seasoning. Regular ground meat, like beef or pork, is unseasoned and more versatile for customizing flavors in recipes.

Can I substitute ground sausage in vegetarian dishes?

Yes, you can replace ground sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles for vegetarian recipes. These alternatives mimic the texture and flavor of ground sausage while catering to a meat-free diet. For example, explore vegan breakfast recipes to find inspiration for plant-based meal ideas.

How long does ground sausage last in the fridge?

Cooked ground sausage can last in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Raw ground sausage should be used within 1-2 days of purchase or frozen for longer storage. Proper storage tips can be found in guides like how to make canned corned beef hash crispy.

Can ground sausage be used for meal prep?

Absolutely! Ground sausage is ideal for meal prep. It can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge to use in various recipes, such as casseroles, soups, or stir-fries throughout the week. For more batch cooking ideas, visit chicken breakfast recipes.

What’s the healthiest type of ground sausage?

Turkey or chicken sausage is generally the healthiest option, as they are lower in fat and calories than pork sausage. Look for low-sodium varieties to keep the meal nutritious. Check out turkey lunch meat recipes for healthier meal options.

What dishes pair well with ground sausage?

Ground sausage pairs well with pasta, rice, vegetables, and even bread-based dishes like pizza and stuffed peppers. Its bold flavors complement both creamy and spicy sauces, making it a versatile choice for many recipes. If you’re curious about easy dishes, try ideas from Ninja toaster oven lunch recipes.

Conclusion

Ground sausage is a true kitchen staple, offering endless possibilities for creating flavorful and satisfying dinners. Whether you’re preparing a comforting casserole, a quick stir-fry, or an international-inspired dish, ground sausage can elevate any meal with its bold taste and versatility.

From kid-friendly recipes like sausage mac and cheese to health-conscious options like turkey sausage stir-fries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more inspiration, consider exploring Lebanese lunch recipes or Puerto Rican lunch recipes.

So why not try one of these recipes tonight? With ground sausage, dinner is never boring, always delicious, and ready to impress.