There’s no better way to make a dish more hearty and flavorful than adding some ground Italian sausage.
And since this meat is so versatile, you can find plenty of ground Italian sausage recipes made with rice, potatoes or different kinds of pasta.
In this post, I’ve compiled some of the best dinner ideas for ground sausage you can find online.
The best ground italian sausage recipe ideas
Unlike regular pork sausages, ground Italian sausages are seasoned with fennel and garlic powder.
This gives them a unique flavor and makes them a suitable addition for soups, stews, casserole and pasta.
With that said, here are some of the tastiest dishes made with ground Italian sausage:
Italian Sausage and Potatoes
Italian Sausage and Potatoes is an easy and comforting meal you can make any day of the week.
Ground Italian sausage is browned in a cast iron skillet and rested on a dish lined with paper towels.
Potatoes and onion are then sauteed in the same pan and mixed with the cooked sausage.
The dish is finished with a sprinkling of aromatic spices and herbs.
Lentils and Sausage Stew
Elevate your dinner with this hearty lentils and sausage stew, featuring savory Italian sausage and tender green lentils.
This dish is seasoned with a blend of fresh thyme, dried savory, cumin, and paprika, creating a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
The addition of garlic, onions, and carrots adds depth, while tomatoes bring a touch of umami.
his comforting and nutritious stew is perfect for cozy evenings and is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the recipe: Lentils and Sausage Stew
Spaghetti Sauce with Real Tomatoes (No Tomato Paste)
In my recipe here I’m using whole Italian Sausage but you can replace it with an equal amount of the ground variety.
The recipe uses classic Italian seasoning and real tomatoes instead of store-bought tomato paste which makes it a tasty option for a thematic Italian spaghetti dinner.
Keep in mind this is one of those meals that don’t look super impressive but taste amazing.
Get the recipe: Spaghetti Sauce with Real Tomatoes (No Tomato Paste)
Creamy Pasta with Sweet Ground Italian Sausage
This Creamy Pasta with Sweet Ground Italian Sausage recipe is the ultimate comfort meal.
It has a thick creamy texture that’s bursting with cheesy flavors.
The dish features sweet ground Italian sausage that’s sauteed along with bell peppers and onions and seasoned with Italian spices.
Once the meat and vegetables are done, they get combined with a rich creamy sauce and small pasta.
Before serving, the pasta gets sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
Learn more about: Does Parmesan Go Bad After Its Expiration Date?
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
This ground Italian sausage pasta recipe will knock your socks off and satisfy your spicy food cravings.
It’s made with spicy ground Italian sausage that is browned along with vegetables and aromatic herbs.
The sausage is then simmered in tomato sauce and combined with small tender pasta such as macaroni. This recipe is a good candidate if you’re looking for an easy protein pasta recipe.
You can serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread if you wish.
Easy Keto Baked Italian Sausage
Most recipes with ground Italian sausage are usually loaded with carbs which makes them unsuitable for anyone that’s on a keto diet.
Fortunately, this Easy Baked Italian Sausage recipe takes care of that problem.
It’s made with low carb marinara sauce and contains only 9 grams of carbs per serving.
Even though this recipe is made with sausage links, you can easily substitute them with ground Italian sausage.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy, hearty and absolutely delicious, this Italian Sausage Soup is perfect for a chilly winter evening.
It can be made with both sweet and spicy ground Italian sausage and is extremely easy to cook.
Simply brown the sausage, sautee half an onion and celery and stir in chicken broth, potatoes, half and half and worcestershire sauce.
Then bring the soup to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.
The only seasonings you need to use are red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt.
Note: I have an article on how to store the unused half of an onion, since this recipe uses only 1/2 onion.
Italian Beef and Sausage Pie
This tasty Italian Beef and Sausage Pie is a fatty delight you’ll never get tired eating.
This dish is great for large family gatherings and special occasions.
After the beef and Italian sausage are cooked, their juices get drained and reserved for later use.
Bell peppers and onion are then seasoned and cooked until tender and mixed with the juices and meat.
Next, the mixture gets scooped over a yogurt and egg batter and layered with provolone cheese and grated parmesan.
After all of the cheese and meat are layered, the dish gets baked in the oven for 45 minutes.
Ground Italian Sausage Sandwich
This flavor packed sausage sandwich is perfect for a game day party or as a casual weeknight meal.
It features ground Italian sausage that’s simmered in a hearty marinara sauce with mushrooms and bell peppers.
The meat is loaded into hoagie rolls and then baked under the broiler with some grated cheese.
The great thing about these sandwiches is that you can use ground turkey sausage instead of pork.
Italian Sausage with Peppers and Rice
The recipe for Italian Sausage with Peppers and Rice is super quick and easy to prepare.
It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish which makes it perfect for busy weekdays.
The recipe starts with browning the meat and sauteing bell peppers and garlic in the same pan.
Once the meat and vegetables are tender, the broth and rice get added to the pan.
The dish is cooked until the rice is fluffy and gets seasoned with parsley at the end.
Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is extremely delicious and perfect for the fall.
It packs a ton of bold flavors which give this dish an unforgettable flavor.
As usual, the sausage gets sauteed along with onions and garlic.
When the meat is ready, it gets covered in white wine and cooked for another minute or so.
The gnocchi, tomato sauce and cream are then added to the pot and cooked until the sauce thickens.
Before serving, the dish gets seasoned with fresh basil, grated parmesan, salt and pepper.
Hot Italian Sausage Pasta
Hot Italian Sausage Pasta can be a lifesaver when you’re out of time or you’re just feeling a bit tired.
You can make this dish in roughly 20 minutes with only a handful of readily available ingredients.
Simply brown the sausage with some onion and garlic, deglaze the pan with white wine and add some diced tomatoes and cream to make a sauce.
The original recipe is made with rigatoni, but you can use any short shaped pasta you like.
Healthy Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini
Making Stuffed Zucchini Boats is a great way to lower carbs and reduce your overall calorie intake.
To make this healthy recipe, you’ll need to cut a large zucchini in half and scoop its insides with a spoon.
After this you fill each shell with a mixture of browned Italian sausage, some of the zucchini insides, sauteed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, tomatoes, oregano, basil and parmesan cheese.
When you fill each shell, you bake the stuffed zucchini boats in an oven for roughly 40 minutes.
Italian Sausage Meatballs
Transform your meal with these delectable Italian sausage meatballs, perfect for any occasion.
The savory blend of ground Italian sausage, herbs, and spices creates an unforgettable flavor profile that is both rich and comforting.
Whether served with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Sausage Crepes
Elevate your brunch with these delightful sausage crepes, blending savory and creamy flavors in every bite.
The ground Italian sausage is cooked to perfection and wrapped in delicate crepes, creating a dish that is both elegant and satisfying.
Ideal for a special breakfast or a unique dinner, these crepes are a must-try.
Italian Sausage and Eggplant Casserole
Indulge in this hearty Italian sausage and eggplant casserole, a dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table.
The rich flavors of ground Italian sausage blend seamlessly with tender eggplant and a medley of spices, making each bite a delight.
Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Keto Sausage Lasagna Roll Ups
Satisfy your cravings with these keto sausage lasagna roll-ups, a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite.
Ground Italian sausage is paired with cheese and rolled in zucchini slices, providing a low-carb yet indulgent meal.
Perfect for those following a keto diet or anyone looking for a lighter lasagna option.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Savor the hearty flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl of soup. This slow cooker lasagna soup features rich ground Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a savory tomato broth.
The slow cooker melds the ingredients beautifully, creating a dish that’s both easy and delicious. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Sausage & Cream Cheese Stuffed Bell Pepper (Keto)
Experience a mouthwatering combination of creamy and savory with these keto-friendly stuffed bell peppers.
Filled with ground Italian sausage and luscious cream cheese, each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also perfect for those following a low-carb diet.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Indulge in the earthy richness of portobello mushrooms stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground Italian sausage and cheese.
These mushrooms make an elegant appetizer or a delightful main course, offering a perfect balance of savory and umami flavors.
Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, they’re a must-try for any mushroom lover.
Italian Sausage Stromboli
Treat yourself to a delicious homemade Italian sausage stromboli, where golden, flaky dough encases a savory filling of ground Italian sausage, cheese, and herbs.
Each slice bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
This stromboli is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich taste of Italian sausage in a fun and shareable form.
Sausage, Ricotta and Veggie Calzones
These Sausage, Ricotta & Veggie Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful blend of savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a medley of fresh vegetables.
Encased in golden, flaky dough, each bite promises a burst of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, these calzones are both filling and nutritious.
The rich, savory filling combined with the crisp exterior makes them an irresistible choice for any meal.
Italian Stuffed Calamari
Experience a taste of the sea with Stuffed Calamari, a delightful dish featuring tender calamari filled with a flavorful mixture of ground Italian sausage and fresh herbs.
This sophisticated recipe balances the rich, savory sausage with the delicate flavor of the calamari, creating a harmonious and unique culinary experience.
Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet dinner, this dish is sure to impress guests with its elegant presentation and exquisite taste.
Perfectly paired with a glass of white wine, Stuffed Calamari brings a touch of Italian elegance to your dining table.
What is the difference between ground sausage and Italian sausage?
Both ground sausage and Italian sausage are meat products made from minced pork.
However, when a recipe calls for Italian sausage it typically refers to the sausage links sold at butcher shops.
Ground sausage on the other hand is the meat that’s seasoned and stuffed into the sausage casings.
It’s typically sold in a separate package similarly to ground beef and pork.
In essence, both of these products are nearly identical and can be used interchangeably.
The only thing you should consider when choosing ground sausage is the way it’s seasoned.
In some cases ground sausage may be seasoned differently than fresh Italian sausage.
That’s why you should look for packages labeled as ground Italian sausage.
Find out: Should You Remove The Sausage’s Casing?
My short recap
You can incorporate ground Italian sausage in a variety of soups, stews, casseroles and pasta dishes.
However, choosing the right recipe can often be hard since there are too many options available online.
Hopefully, this list will aid you in your search for the best ground Italian sausage recipe. Don’t forget to write down a comment if you’ve liked any of the recipes on this list.