Reusing ingredients is one of my favorite things about cooking in bulk. By making large batches of food, we always have quick meals on hand for busy weeknights. One of the most enjoyable aspects of meal prep is coming up with creative new ways to repurpose leftover ingredients, like turning last night’s sausage into a tasty new dish. While some people stick to tried-and-true favorites like pasta and egg muffins, why not try mixing things up and exploring more unusual options?
Take, for example, potato and sausage soup or traditional toad in the hole – both are delicious and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The versatility of sausages is truly one of their greatest charms; whether you’re working with kid-friendly pork links or something spicier like chorizo, it’s astonishingly easy to turn a humble leftover into a culinary masterpiece.
One-Pot Leftover Sausage Pasta
Starting with a classic combination like sausage and pasta seems only natural, as they have a special chemistry that elevates each other’s flavors. Sausage stands out among other meats for its rich, meaty flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for sauces. Its density also means it retains texture exceptionally well, even after reheating – a quality that is hard to match with other ingredients.
Adding sausage to your pasta dish is a straightforward process, as it’s already cooked, leaving you only to wait for the pasta to boil. For an even quicker experience, consider using pre-cooked pasta, which can often be found in the freezer section.
Cheesy Breakfast Pizza
Readers who know me well understand that I have a bit of an unconventional approach to breakfast, and full disclosure: I frequently start my day with pizza. While some might argue that pizza at breakfast time is an aberration, I like to think of it simply as a different configuration – just swap out the traditional eggs and toast for a pie instead. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for weekend breakfasts.
To make it, you’ll need store-bought pizza dough and plenty of cheese, which will be loaded with scrambled eggs and sausage. I also like to top mine with tomato slices, which add a burst of flavor as they soften and blister during cooking.
Dump-and-Bake Sausage and Cabbage Dinner
Generally speaking, this meal is a great option for those with busy schedules. It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights when time is of the essence. When I say ‘easy,’ I mean simply chopping up all the ingredients and adding them to the pot – no complicated steps or techniques required. With minimal effort, you can stir it once or twice and then let it cook while you attend to other tasks, freeing up your time for more important things.
Leftover Sausage and Pasta Casserole
Although this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate various leftovers, it’s an excellent option if you have more than just sausage leftover. The versatility of the dish lies in its ability to incorporate different ingredients and textures. For instance, pasta or potatoes can be used as alternatives to complement the flavors of the veggies and tomato sauce.
Additionally, using fresh ingredients is a great way to elevate the dish, allowing you to simply add your leftover sausage towards the end of cooking. If you prefer a creamier twist, consider substituting with frozen ravioli for an extra dose of cheese!
Potato and Sausage Soup
Diving into the world of broth-based soups can be a letdown, as they often lack the depth and richness that other types of soups provide. However, this recipe stands out from the rest, boasting a satisfying combination of potatoes, an array of colorful vegetables, and generous chunks of smoky sausage. While any leftover sausage will suffice, there’s something about the subtle smokiness of smoked sausage that elevates this dish to new heights.
If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to toss in some shrimp for a jambalaya-inspired twist on this classic soup.
Goulash with Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
Often associated with traditional beef stews, goulash takes on a unique twist in this Hungarian-inspired recipe. Originating from the heart of Europe, this version incorporates sausage into the dish, deviating from the usual hearty and liquid-rich stews commonly found in other recipes. Despite having significantly less liquid in the pot, the result is still remarkably tender, with each serving accompanied by a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Smoked Sausage and Potato Hash
Love is often in the details when it comes to creating the perfect hash recipe. These dishes are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for any meal of the day – be it a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or even a satisfying dinner. One of the most appealing aspects of hash recipes is that they can’t go wrong with classic ingredients like sausage and potatoes. When compiling this particular recipe, you’ll need to include some sautéed onion and diced peppers for added depth of flavor.
Feel free to get creative by incorporating other vegetables like tomatoes or zucchini if they’re available in your kitchen. To give the dish a breakfast twist, consider topping it with a fried egg and a few slices of avocado.
Slow Cooker Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup
For this Crockpot recipe to shine, it’s all about simplicity – just add everything to the pot and let it do its magic. The harmonious union of sausage, spinach, and buttery white beans creates a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.If you prefer your stew thicker, simply mash some of the beans towards the end of the cooking time for an added depth of flavor.
Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
Generally, this recipe is akin to a classic sausage and potato au gratin. However, the twist lies in its unconventional approach. Unlike traditional recipes that require thinly sliced potatoes, this one calls for chunked potatoes instead. This modification allows for a heartier texture and a more rustic presentation. The addition of a rich and creamy cheese sauce is undoubtedly a highlight of this dish.
To elevate it to the next level, consider using high-quality cheeses such as mature cheddar or smoky Gruyere.
Australian Curried Sausages
While sausages and curry may seem like an unlikely pairing to some, they have been a popular combination for years across the globe. The rich, intense flavors of the sausage are perfectly complemented by the warm, aromatic notes of the curry, and adding a dash of spice only elevates the dish further!
It’s worth noting that this is not a thick, heavy curry sauce like you might find at an Indian restaurant – rather, it’s more akin to a light, fragrant curry-gravy, loaded with sautéed onions and peas. This versatile accompaniment pairs beautifully with steaming hot rice or crispy potatoes, or even takes center stage in a spicy hot dog bun as a satisfying lunch option.
One-Pot Sausage, Rice, and Peas Recipe
Pleasingly, this one-pot dish not only keeps the cleanup minimal but is also incredibly quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly to prepare. While jasmine rice is specified in the recipe, I’ve experimented with brown rice (and even a combination of white and brown when that’s all I had on hand), and it still yielded a filling and delicious result. Furthermore, you can easily incorporate any extra vegetables you happen to have on hand.
In my case, I often rely on frozen mixed vegetables in the freezer, which cook promptly and add variety to the dish.
Sausage & Veg Tortilla
Varying from the traditional breakfast burrito, this dish offers a twist on the classic Spanish tortilla recipe. Instead of scrambled eggs and jalapeños, it features a savory blend of egg and potato, often compared to an Italian-style frittata. Vegetables play a significant role in enhancing its flavor profile, with shredded Brussels sprouts being one notable example. These roasted sprouts add a distinct taste dimension that complements the dish nicely.
Toad in the Hole Recipe
Often considered a quintessential English dish, Toad in the Hole has been delighting palates for generations. This classic recipe consists of Yorkshire pudding with sausages baked right inside, affectionately referred to as ‘toads’ in the hole. Optimally served alongside creamy mash and a rich onion gravy, it’s no wonder this hearty meal is a staple in many British households. But what sets Toad in the Hole apart from other comfort foods?
The key lies in mastering the Yorkshire pudding, which requires patience and attention to detail. Oddly enough, the trick to achieving perfectly cooked Yorkshire pudding lies in allowing the batter to rest for around 30 minutes before baking. And it’s not just a matter of slapping the batter into a hot dish – no, this requires some finesse.
Pre-heating the baking dish with oil already inside is crucial in helping the batter crisp up and rise, creating that golden-brown crust that’s synonymous with Toad in the Hole.
Smoked Sausage and Zucchini Skillet
Giving sausage and peppers a run for their money, I’ve discovered a new culinary obsession! Not everyone shares my enthusiasm for bell peppers, and unfortunately, some people are even allergic to them. Fortunately, this recipe offers a fantastic alternative to the classic dish, making it an excellent option for those who want to mix things up without sacrificing flavor.
The addition of zucchini brings a burst of color and freshness to the table, while the tomatoes provide just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness.
Italian Sausage Calzone
Whether you’re familiar with the culinary landscape of the east coast or not, it’s hard to ignore the popularity of calzone and stromboli. These Italian-inspired pastries have gained a massive following due to their unique take on traditional pizza – rather than having the fillings sitting atop the dough, they’re carefully encased within.
A simple recipe like this one requires only six basic ingredients and approximately 20 minutes of prep time, making it an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal. One of the best things about this recipe is that you likely already have most of the necessary ingredients in your pantry, but if there’s something missing, finding substitutes is easy peasy.
For instance, I’ve had to accommodate a mushroom aversion in my household by swapping them out for some cooked broccoli and corn.
Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe
Not only will these savory treats become a staple in your household, but they’ll also tempt you into making them again and again. Their addictive nature is a result of their perfect blend of flavors, which include tender sausage and gooey cheese. For an even more convenient option, try forming the cheesy Biqsuick mixture around larger chunks of leftover sausages – it’s just as delicious, if not more so!
The combination of textures and tastes will leave you craving for more, making them a welcome change from your usual sausage and potato meals.
Easy Smoked Sausage Jambalaya
Essentially, jambalaya is a convenient option for a quick weeknight meal, requiring minimal effort to prepare. Simply cooking rice, incorporating spices and tomatoes, and tossing in any available meat are the primary steps involved. As the rice cooks in the flavorful mixture of sausage, broth, and spices, it absorbs the rich flavors, allowing you to adjust the heat level by adding or removing chilies to suit your taste.
Sausage and Scallion Egg Muffins
Lightning-fast preparation is one of the key benefits of making a large batch of these sausages. In just over 30 minutes, you can have breakfast for the week sorted! To make this quick process even faster, ensure that all your ingredients are pre-measured and chopped beforehand. For instance, once your sausages are chopped, you’ll be adding cheese, scallions, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to create a delicious blend of flavors.
Feel free to add some veggies to the mix if you want to boost the nutritional value of each serving.
Cold Sausage Sandwich
Not only do we enjoy beef and chicken in a cold sandwich, but sausages are also a great addition. They’re surprisingly tasty when served chilled, and can make for a satisfying snack when sliced thinly and placed between two slices of bread. A soft white roll would be an excellent choice to pair with the sausages.
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Rolls
Often described as breakfast calzone, these indulgent treats are crafted using crescent rolls to achieve a richly buttery flavor in the crust. For optimal results, it’s recommended to leave the sausages whole, as this will help them maintain their shape during baking. If you’re looking for an even flakier texture, consider substituting the crescent rolls with frozen puff pastry for added convenience and depth of flavor. The best part?
These delightful pastries can be prepared in advance and popped into the oven first thing in the morning.
