Italian sausage is a classic and versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavor to a variety of dishes. From pasta sauces to soups and stews, there are countless ways to incorporate this savory sausage into your cooking. If you're looking to try your hand at making your own Italian sausage at home, we have the perfect recipe for you. Not only is it easy to follow, but it also yields delicious results that will have your taste buds begging for more. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering Italian sausage recipe.
Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Macaroni Soup with Basil
Main Ingredients: Homemade Chicken Stock, Dried Basil, Fennel, Tomatoes
This hearty and flavorful soup is the perfect dish for a chilly evening. The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and macaroni creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The addition of fresh basil adds a hint of freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the sausage. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Looking for a quick and easy dinner option? Look no further than this Italian sausage tortellini soup. With just a handful of ingredients, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of spicy Italian sausage and cheesy tortellini creates a delicious and filling meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
3of 20
VELVEETA® Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Italian Sausage, Zucchini, Red Pepper
This VELVEETA® Italian sausage bake is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy and cheesy VELVEETA® sauce pairs perfectly with the spicy Italian sausage and tender pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a potluck or party.
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that never fails to satisfy. This Italian sausage lasagna takes the traditional recipe to the next level with the addition of spicy sausage. Layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, this lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser. Don't be surprised if there are no leftovers!
5of 20
Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausages, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Marinara
This Italian sausage bake is a simple and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of Italian sausage, hearty vegetables, and flavorful seasonings creates a filling and satisfying dish. Plus, clean-up is a breeze with only one pan to wash!
This one-pot Italian sausage pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With only one pot to cook and a short list of ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. The spicy Italian sausage and tangy tomatoes create a delicious and flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta. This dish is sure to become a go-to in your household.
7of 20
Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Small Onion
This skillet Italian sausage and peppers dish is a quick and easy meal that is full of flavor. Sliced Italian sausage is cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions, creating a delicious and colorful dish. Serve over rice or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. The best part? It only requires one skillet for cooking and clean-up.
Need a simple and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Italian sausage pasta. The combination of spicy sausage, tender pasta, and flavorful marinara sauce creates a delicious and easy dish. Top with some fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
9of 20
Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Garlic, Bone Broth, Cream Cheese
If you're following a keto diet, this creamy Italian sausage soup is the perfect dinner option. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy broth, and tender vegetables creates a low-carb and high-fat meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
This Italian sausage, potatoes, peppers, and onions dish is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for any time of year. The combination of spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful vegetables creates a delicious and comforting dish. Serve with a side of crusty bread for mopping up any leftover sauce.
This Italian sausage and peppers dish is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. The spicy sausage and sweet bell peppers create a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Serve over rice or with a side of pasta for a complete meal.
12of 20
Crockpot Italian Sausage Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onions, Large Carrots, White Beans
Let your slow cooker do the work with this crockpot Italian sausage soup. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can come home to a warm and comforting meal. The combination of spicy sausage, tender beans, and flavorful tomatoes creates a hearty and delicious soup. Serve with some crusty bread for dipping.
This Italian sausage bow tie pasta is a simple and delicious dinner option that comes together in under 30 minutes. The spicy sausage and tangy tomato sauce create a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Top with some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
14of 20
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Roasted Red Pepper, Italian Sausage, Small Pasta, Fresh
This Italian sausage pasta soup is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a delicious and satisfying soup. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.
Take your pizza night to the next level with this Italian sausage and pepperoni stromboli. The spicy sausage and salty pepperoni are wrapped in a flaky and buttery dough, creating a delicious and portable dinner option. Serve with some marinara sauce for dipping.
16of 20
One Pan Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Water, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
This one-pan Italian sausage and pepper pasta is a quick and easy dinner option that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of spicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tangy tomatoes creates a delicious and flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Plus, there's only one pan to wash!
17of 20
Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage Sauce
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce
This penne pasta with Italian sausage sauce is a simple and delicious dinner option that comes together in under 30 minutes. The spicy sausage and tangy tomato sauce create a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Top with some fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
This Italian sausage and potato casserole is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and melty cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This Italian sausage and white bean soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy white beans, and flavorful seasonings creates a hearty and satisfying soup. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
20of 20
Baked Gnocchi with Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Bell
This baked gnocchi with Italian sausage is a simple and delicious dinner option that comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of spicy sausage, tender gnocchi, and tangy tomato sauce creates a flavorful and comforting dish. Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
1. Pork Shoulder
The key ingredient for making Italian sausage is pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. This cut of meat has the perfect balance of fat and lean meat, which gives the sausage its rich flavor and juicy texture.
2. Spices and Herbs
The secret to any great Italian sausage is in the seasoning. You'll need a combination of fennel seeds, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano to achieve that classic Italian flavor. Don't be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking and experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme.
3. Red Wine
Adding red wine to your sausage mixture not only adds a depth of flavor but also helps to keep the sausage moist and tender. Any dry red wine will do, but if you want to keep it truly Italian, opt for a Chianti or Sangiovese.
4. Natural Hog Casings
To achieve that signature sausage shape, you'll need to stuff your sausage mixture into casings. It's important to use natural hog casings for an authentic flavor and texture. These can be found at most specialty grocery stores or online.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cutting it into small chunks. Then, grind the meat using a meat grinder or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Season the Meat
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the spices and herbs, and pour in the red wine. Use your hands to mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3. Stuff the Casings
Attach the natural hog casings to the sausage stuffer and begin filling them with the meat mixture. Be sure not to overstuff the casings, as this can cause the sausage to burst while cooking.
4. Twist into Links
Once the casings are filled, twist the sausage into links by pinching and twisting the casing at regular intervals. This will create individual sausages that can be easily separated later on.
5. Cook and Enjoy
You can cook your Italian sausage in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or simmering in a sauce. Whichever method you choose, be sure to cook the sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, serve and enjoy in your favorite dishes or as a standalone protein.
Now that you have mastered the art of making your own Italian sausage, the possibilities are endless. Use it in pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, add it to soups and stews for extra flavor, or simply enjoy it on its own. The key is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and dishes. Buon appetito!
Italian Sausage, Tomato, and Macaroni Soup with Basil