Ground Sausage Recipe for Dinner: A Flavor-Packed In 30 Min

Picture this: It’s been a long day, and you’re standing in front of your fridge, wondering what to make for dinner. Suddenly, your eyes land on that package of ground sausage you picked up at the grocery store. Your stomach growls in anticipation. What if I told you that this humble ingredient could be transformed into a delicious, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes? Get ready to discover your new favorite ground sausage recipe for dinner.

There’s something magical about the rich, savory flavors of ground sausage. It’s like a secret weapon in your culinary arsenal, capable of turning an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this ground sausage recipe for dinner is your ticket to a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty meal that will have your family asking for seconds.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of sizzling sausage, aromatic herbs, and mouthwatering possibilities. Get ready to create a dinner that’s not just a meal, but a celebration of flavor.

Recipe Card:

Savory Skillet Ground Sausage Pasta

Description: A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring ground sausage, bell peppers, and a zesty tomato sauce.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4 | 450 calories per serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage (mild or hot, your choice)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Take a pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Cook the pasta following the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until warmed. Add ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit.
6. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to evenly coat it with the sauce. Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley.
8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes:

• For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 450 | Total Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 800mg | Total Carbohydrates: 40g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 25g

Why You’ll Love This Ground Sausage Recipe for Dinner:

1. Quick and Easy: This ground sausage recipe for dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast but satisfying meal.
2. One-Skillet Wonder: With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this dish is a dream come true for those who dread doing dishes.
3. Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground sausage, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more.
4. Versatile: This ground sausage recipe for dinner is incredibly adaptable. You can easily adjust it to fit your taste preferences or dietary requirements.
5. Budget-Friendly: Using ground sausage and simple pantry staples, this recipe is easy on your wallet without sacrificing flavor.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

Ground Sausage: The star of this recipe, ground sausage brings a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can choose mild or hot Italian sausage based on your spice preference. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken sausage.

Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Feel free to use any color bell peppers you have on hand, or substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Pasta: Penne works well in this recipe, but you can use any short pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta or try zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a quick and easy base for the sauce. for a smoother sauce, opt for crushed tomatoes instead. In a pinch, you can substitute with tomato sauce and add some extra herbs.

Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. Vegetable broth works well too, or you can use water with a bouillon cube for extra flavor.

How to Make Savory Skillet Ground Sausage Pasta (Step-by-Step):

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, get all your ingredients ready. Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. This ground sausage recipe for dinner comes together quickly, so having everything prepared will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking a bit when we add it to the skillet later, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked at this stage.
3. Brown the Sausage: As the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground sausage and use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. This is where the magic begins – as the sausage browns, it releases its flavorful oils, creating a delicious base for our sauce.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Once the sausage is browned, it’s time to add some color and nutrition to our dish. Toss in the diced bell peppers and onion. The sweetness of these vegetables perfectly complements the savory sausage. Sauté until they start to soften, releasing their natural sugars and adding depth to our ground sausage recipe for dinner.
5. Add Aromatics and Spices: Now, let’s kick the flavor up a notch! Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. As these ingredients hit the hot pan, they’ll release their aromas, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
6. Create the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. This is where our dish really starts to come together. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors combine and the sauce thicken slightly.
7. Combine and Finish: Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Let it cook for a few more minutes, giving the pasta a chance to absorb some of the delicious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Your ground sausage recipe for dinner is ready! Serve it hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as your family’s eyes light up at the sight (and smell) of this delicious meal.

Expert Tips for Success:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook a bit when added to the hot skillet. Aim for al dente when boiling to prevent mushy pasta in your final dish.
2. Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the sausage.
3. Customizable Heat: If you’re serving this ground sausage recipe for dinner to both spice lovers and those with milder palates, keep the dish mild and offer red pepper flakes on the side for individual heat adjustment.
4. Perfect Pairings: A splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese stirred in at the end can add a delicious richness to the dish.
5. Make-Ahead Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Consider making a double batch for easy leftovers.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Veggie Lovers’ Version: Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
2. Creamy Delight: Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
3. Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, capers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
4. Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb ground sausage recipe for dinner.
5. Breakfast for Dinner: Use breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs for a fun breakfast-inspired dinner dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

This ground sausage recipe for dinner is perfect for leftovers! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair your Savory Skillet Ground Sausage Pasta with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like a Chianti or Zinfandel, complements the flavors beautifully. For a lighter option, serve smaller portions as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork? A: Absolutely! This ground sausage recipe for dinner works great with any type of ground sausage. Just keep in mind that poultry sausages might be leaner, so you may need to add a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier? A: For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Yes! This ground sausage recipe for dinner reheats well. You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Incorporate a splash of broth if necessary to thin out the sauce.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly? A: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.

Q: Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones? A: Certainly! If you have ripe, juicy tomatoes on hand, feel free to use them. You’ll need about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes to replace the canned ones. You may need to simmer the sauce a little longer to reach the desired thickness.

Related Recipes:

If you enjoyed this ground sausage recipe for dinner, you might also like these delicious options:

1. Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Zucchini Boats
2. One-Pot Sausage and Lentil Soup
3. Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells
4. Breakfast Sausage and Sweet Potato Hash
5. Grilled Sausage and Veggie Skewers

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying ground sausage recipe for dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. With its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility, this dish is a true winner for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or just treating yourself to a delicious homemade dinner, this ground sausage recipe for dinner has got you covered. The combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and zesty tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every bite.

Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in making each recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, spice levels, or even types of sausage. This ground sausage recipe for dinner is a fantastic starting point for your culinary creativity.

So why wait? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for those times when you want a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious dinner.