Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful and satisfying but short on time? Then this Leftover Italian Sausage Recipe is your answer! This easy recipe transforms leftover Italian sausage into a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, utilizing leftovers creatively to minimize food waste and maximize flavor. Get ready to experience a delightful twist on a classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound leftover cooked Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled (sweet or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds the foundation of incredible flavor.
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Add the sausage: Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If your sausage is particularly dry, a touch more oil might be beneficial here.
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Simmer the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the delicious Italian sausage sauce over your favorite cooked pasta or with crusty bread for dipping. This is a truly satisfying healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the sausage: Overcooked sausage can become dry and tough. Ensure it's heated through but still retains some moisture.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. A dash of sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Variations:
- Creamy sausage: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- White wine: Add a 1/2 cup of dry white wine along with the tomatoes for an extra layer of complexity.
- Spicy kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the sausage, along with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and tomatoes. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
This leftover Italian sausage recipe is a fantastic example of how to create delicious and easy recipes from simple ingredients. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences and is a great way to use up leftover sausage and make a satisfying, healthy meal in a short amount of time. Enjoy!