When it comes to cooking up a hearty, satisfying meal, few options are as versatile or delicious as pan sausage. With its crispy exterior and savory interior, pan-cooked sausage is a staple in many cuisines around the world. From classic comfort food to international flavors, there’s no end to the creative ways you can prepare pan sausage. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, we’ve got 18 mouthwatering pan sausage recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
In this article, we’ll explore the art of cooking perfect pan sausage, from simple one-pan meals to more elaborate dishes with complex flavors. From classic combinations like garlic butter and peppers to bold twists like maple glazed and Brussels sprouts, our recipe collection is designed to inspire your culinary creativity and satisfy your cravings.
Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Sausage with Peppers
Elevate your sausage game with this flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 Italian-style sausages (sweet or hot)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced peppers to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender and lightly charred.
4. Add the sausages to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Potato Skillet
A hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. This recipe combines the flavors of savory sausage with tender potatoes and crispy onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite herbs or spices
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, and cooked sausage back into the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Spicy Italian Sausage with Onions and Bell Peppers
Add a spicy kick to your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe. Juicy Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and crunchy bell peppers come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are caramelized and tender (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Add the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Fried Sausage with Apples and Sage
A sweet and savory twist on traditional sausage, this recipe combines the richness of pan-fried sausage with the natural sweetness of apples and the earthy flavor of sage.
Ingredients:
– 4 sausages (such as applewood-smoked or maple-glazed)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausages and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
5. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Add the sliced apples and chopped sage to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until apples are tender.
7. Serve the pan-fried sausages with the apple-onion mixture spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cajun Sausage and Rice One-Pan Meal
This hearty one-pan meal is a flavorful twist on traditional jambalaya, with spicy Cajun sausage, savory rice, and tender vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Cajun sausage (such as Andouille or smoked sausage), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion mixture.
5. Add 2 cups of water, the peas and carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to distribute evenly.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Glazed Sausage with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 sausage links (such as applewood-smoked or maple-flavored)
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and olive oil.
3. Place sausage links on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the maple glaze all over the sausages, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Roast Brussels sprouts in a separate baking dish, tossing with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Bake sausages for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized and cooked through.
6. Toss Brussels sprouts halfway through cooking time (around 10-12 minutes) to ensure even roasting.
7. Serve the maple glazed sausages alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Vegetable Medley
This hearty, one-pan dish is a great way to get a flavorful meal on the table quickly. With sausage, vegetables, and potatoes all cooked together in one pan, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers, any color, sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 large red potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite herbs or spices
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers, zucchinis, potatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite herbs or spices if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
A hearty one-pot meal that combines the flavors of smoked sausage, crispy cabbage, and savory potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sliced cabbage and potatoes to the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the caraway seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Seared Sausage with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 sausages (sweet or savory, your choice)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the butter and let it melt. Place the sausages in the pan, leaving some space between each.
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side, until nicely browned. Flip the sausages and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and whole-grain mustard in a small bowl.
5. Serve the pan-seared sausages with the creamy mustard sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sausage and Peppers Pasta Skillet
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines the savory taste of Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp. dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
4. Add onion and bell peppers to skillet; cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to skillet; stir to combine.
6. Add pasta to skillet; stir to coat with tomato mixture.
7. Return sausage to skillet and stir to combine.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
9. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Honey Garlic Sausage Stir-Fry
In this sweet and savory stir-fry recipe, juicy sausage is cooked with crispy vegetables and infused with the warmth of honey and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers and broccoli; cook until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and soy sauce. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to coat with the honey glaze.
7. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the sausage is fully coated.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Beans with Tomatoes
A hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines sweet sausage, tender beans, and juicy tomatoes in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked navy beans
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked beans, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Return the sausage to the pan and stir in the chicken broth.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Seared Sausage with Sweet Potato Hash
Savory sausage paired with sweet and crunchy sweet potato hash – a match made in heaven! This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 sausages (any variety, e.g., Italian, Chorizo, or Breakfast)
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the sausages for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add olive oil and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and caramelized.
5. Serve the cooked sausages atop the sweet potato hash.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe! Sausage and cheese stuffed peppers are a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each pepper with sausage mixture, then top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Drizzle olive oil over peppers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Corn Skillet
A flavorful and spicy skillet dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage, sliced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Add the corn kernels, red bell pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Sausage and Zucchini Noodles
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe combines juicy sausage with zucchini noodles for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add zucchinis, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Pan-Fried Sausage with Mushroom Gravy
A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening, this pan-fried sausage is served with a rich mushroom gravy that complements the savory sausage perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 4 sausages (any type, such as pork or chicken)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
5. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking continuously, and bring to a simmer.
8. Serve the pan-fried sausages with the mushroom gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Sausage Skillet
Transform ordinary sausage into an extraordinary meal with the sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 Italian sausages (sweet or hot)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
4. Cook the Italian sausages in the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook, for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve the sausage mixture over the caramelized onions.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meal game with these 18 flavorful pan sausage recipes! From classic comfort foods like garlic butter pan-seared sausage with peppers, to international-inspired dishes like spicy Italian sausage with onions and bell peppers, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty one-pan skillet meal or a quick and easy stir-fry, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover your new favorite way to prepare pan sausage!
