Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Craving a hearty, flavorful start to your day that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for homemade beef breakfast sausage will revolutionize your mornings. Forget bland store-bought options; we're diving into the world of juicy, flavorful sausage made from scratch. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike, offering a quick and easy path to a delicious, healthy meal. It's the ultimate addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, rolled oats, milk, and egg. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough sausage.
- Add the sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. If you're feeling adventurous, stir in the red pepper flakes for some extra heat. Mix everything until just combined.
Form the Sausage:
- Lightly grease a baking sheet. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the beef mixture into small patties or links, depending on your preference. For links, gently roll the mixture into elongated shapes.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the sausage is cooked through and safe to eat. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your patties or links.
Serve and Enjoy!:
- Once cooked, remove the sausage from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade beef breakfast sausage! It's fantastic on its own, with eggs, in a breakfast burrito, or crumbled over your favorite breakfast bowl.
Tips for the Best Beef Breakfast Sausage:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the sausage mixture can make it tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a stronger sage flavor, add a little more. The same goes for salt and pepper.
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: The flavor of your sausage will be directly influenced by the quality of the ground beef you use. Opt for a good quality 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While baking is a healthy and easy method, you can also pan-fry or grill your sausage. For pan-frying, cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. For grilling, cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Variations:
- Cheesy Sausage: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Sausage: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, oregano, or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This homemade beef breakfast sausage recipe offers a quick dinner idea, a delicious dish for any meal, and a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. It’s a simple, healthy, and satisfying way to start your day or add a protein punch to any meal. Enjoy!