How to Cook Pork Sausages: Top 3 Methods

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March 20, 2024

Whether served in a bun, mixed with rich tomato penne, or fried in a pan with eggs and cheese, protein-rich pork sausages are a versatile, delectable choice for a flavor-packed breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Not only are pork sausages rich, meaty, and delicious, but they can also make for a nutritious meal if you buy the right type. Some sausages include added sugar and are high in sodium and additives, which don’t bode well for a healthy diet.

However, if you choose pasture-raised, heritage pork sausages, you’ll get high-quality meat free of hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. This makes for a healthier, ethical choice and better taste.

Not to “humble brag,” but we’re kind of known for our sugar-free breakfast sausage, so we feel really good about putting together this article. 🙂

But, for those of you who prefer to make your own sausage, our ground pork is perfect!

Here, we’ll discuss the top three ways to cook sugar-free, heritage pork sausages perfectly.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 6-8

What You'll Need

One of the appeals of cooking pork sausages is how quick and easy the process is. Because the meat is so naturally flavourful, all you’ll need is a tablespoon of oil, and you’re ready to go:

1 tbsp oil (Avocado or Extra Virgin Olive)
1 lb. Sugar-Free Pork Sausage

All our pastured pork sausage is made from the highest-quality meat raised on our regenerative family farm or within our trusted partner farm network.

With the cooking methods below, enjoy a variety of flavors, including kielbasa, Italian, bratwurst, and breakfast patties.

Instructions

Now, it’s time to explore our three favorite methods for cooking pork sausages: on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill.

Cooking on the Stovetop

This is the classic way to cook pork sausages–and it’s quick and easy.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Place four sausages in the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties reaches 160°F.
Once cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and let stand for five minutes.
Repeat the process until all sausages are done.

Baking in the Oven

If you’re looking for an oil-free or low-effort cooking method, baking your pork sausages is the way to go.

Preheat oven to 375°F.
While it warms, line a baking tray with non-stick parchment paper and place the sausages or patties on it.
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until sausages or patties reach 160°F.
Halfway through baking time, flip so they’re nicely browned all over.
For extra crispy results, cook sausages in a skillet on high heat for two minutes after baking.

Option: You can also use a cast iron skillet as an alternative to a baking sheet.

Cooking on the Grill

In the mood for a barbecue? Grilled Italian sausages are some of the tastiest pork links you can prepare. Here’s what to do:

Preheat grill to medium-high heat and gently oil grates.
Place sausages on grill, cooking for roughly 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the sausages reach 160°F.
Remove sausages from the grill and let stand for five minutes.

Why Sugar-Free Pork Sausage?

If you’re watching your carb intake, sugar-free is a given. But even if you don’t mind a touch of added sugar to your diet, it's a good idea to be mindful of the sugar content in products like bacon and sausages.

Added sugar in pork products indicates they’re highly processed, and highly processed foods have been linked to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

To ensure you choose a healthy and tasty option, look for nutrition labels that are free of sugar and contain only a handful of ingredients: pork, water, and natural herbs and spices. All our pork product labels look like this because they’re all sugar-free!

Side Dishes to Pair with Pork Sausage

Pork sausages make for a hearty, delicious meal any time of the day. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them for a mouth-wateringly tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner:

Breakfast

Gooey egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast sandwich
Colorful fried sausage, veggie, and potato hash
Old-fashioned sausages, biscuits and gravy

Lunch

Sauteed peppers, sausage, and onions laced with red pesto
Grilled sausages with creamy coleslaw and a dressed summer salad
Spiced, baked eggplant stuffed with herbs and sauteed sausage

Dinner

Sweet, zingy tomato and sausage penne pasta
Grilled sausages served with baked sweet potato wedges and roasted vegetables
Crumbled spicy sausage and caramelized onion pizza

Expert Tips & Tricks

Before we dive into the cooking instructions, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind to get the perfect sausages every time:

Before cooking your breakfast sausage patties, gently press your thumb down into the center of each one. This will help the sausage to retain its circular shape during cooking.
When it comes to sausages, slow and steady wins the race. That means cooking them on low to medium heat. Otherwise, you risk a burned outside and undercooked inside.
While cooking as many patties or links as you can in a skillet might be tempting, it’s better to cook them in manageable batches. If you don’t, you may accidentally steam the sausages instead of browning them, and lose out on the crispy exterior.
Once your sausages are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make every bite more juicy and tender.
For the perfect pork sausage, a meat thermometer is your best friend! You’ll want to ensure the sausage's innermost part reaches 160°F–that’s how you’ll know it’s ready.

Recipe FAQs

Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan?

How you cook your pork sausages depends on your preferences. The oven, skillet, and grill are all great options. The oven is the best option if you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, but we'd recommend the pan if you enjoy sizzling your sausages to perfection.

What’s the difference between Italian sausage and breakfast sausage?

Seven Sons’ Italian and breakfast sausages are both beautifully seasoned and sugar-free. The major difference between the two is our selection of herbs and spices in each. While the breakfast sausage is milder and lighter in flavor, with hints of sage and rosemary, the Italian sausage has a lightly spiced flavor thanks to the addition of paprika.

How should sausages be cooked?

Pork sausages are versatile and delicious. For best results, you can cook them in several ways, including in the oven, on a skillet, or on a grill.

Can you pan-fry pork sausages?

Absolutely! Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to pan-fry pork sausages. Next, cook your sausage patties for five minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties has reached 160°F. Don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking, so they’re extra juicy and tender.

Should I add any seasonings to the sausage patties?

Seven Son’s breakfast and Italian pork sausages are already perfectly seasoned with a delicate blend of herbs and spices, meaning all you need to do is cook them!

Can I store leftover cooked pork sausage?

Yes, it’s easy to store leftover pork sausage. First, let the meat cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

Ready to Cook?

Try Seven Sons’ delicious, sugar-free pork sausage range today. As always, we’d love to know what you think! So, let us know if you tried our recipes and how it turned out!

5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, and it’s easy to see why. This incredibly versatile protein source is easy to cook and naturally packed with flavor. Today, we’re sharing five simple ground beef recipes – needing only a few ingredients – that will bring a little flair to your dinner table. From Mexican to Italian to Asian, these recipes will help you whip up quick dishes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. The secret to these delicious recipes? We use grass-fed, grass-finished beef – you’ll taste the difference! Grass-fed beef is also better for you and the planet. No antibiotics or GMOs means better nutritional quality. Plus, we raise our cattle on regenerative pastures where they’re free to roam. They enjoy happy, healthy lives and nurture the natural ecosystem. It’s a farming method that’s a win-win—for your plate, your body, and the environment. So, let’s get cooking! 1. Ground Beef Tacos This speedy, tasty taco dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick midweek meal–or a weekend taco party! Here are the ingredients you’ll need: 1 Lb grass-fed ground beef 8 Taco shells or tortillas 1 Cup shredded lettuce 1 Cup shredded cheese Salsa and guacamole to serve And, of course, our healthy seasoning (no added sugars or preservatives, and MSG-free): 1 TBSP Chili powder 1 TBSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Cumin 2 TSP Salt And here’s what to do to make this 5 ingredient ground beef recipe: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle the dry seasonings over the cooked beef. Follow the package instructions, which usually involves adding a bit of water (around 2/3 cup) and letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. When cooked, grab your taco shells or tortillas and start filling them with ground beef. Add the garnishings of your choice. You can add shredded lettuce and a generous sprinkle of cheese to each taco. If you’re using salsa and guacamole, add a dollop of each at this point. Serve and enjoy while they're warm! 2. Beef and Rice Skillet Cooking with one pot is great on those busy nights when you just don’t want to do the dishes. With maximum flavor and minimal washing up, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. You’ll need the following: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Cup Long-grain white rice 2 Cups Beef broth 1 Cup Frozen peas and carrots Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked – about 6-8 minutes. Add vegetables, broth, and rice. Stir in the rice, beef broth, peas, and diced carrots. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Bring to a boil. After the pot comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove the lid, stir, and taste. To ensure everything is just right, taste your creation after a quick mix. If needed, season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy. Separate the meal between 4-6 plates and dig in! 3. Beef and Tomato Pasta This hearty, comforting pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also highly customizable. You can add peas, carrots, peppers–whatever needs to be used in the fridge! To start, assemble these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Large onion, diced 1 Can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 8 Oz pasta (any shape) 1 TSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 Cup Shredded cheese (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make this: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened – about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the pasta is coated in the beef and tomato mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir. Serve and Enjoy! 4. Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry This paleo-friendly stir fry recipe is rich in meaty, umami flavors. It’s a great choice if you’re craving takeout but want a healthy (and quick) alternative! You’ll need these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Small head of cabbage, shredded 1/2 Cup shredded carrot 2 TBSP Bragg’s Aminos or Soy sauce (low sodium) 1 TBSP Honey 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch Ginger, grated Salt and pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil Red chili flakes (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve How to make it. Mix ingredients. Combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked–roughly 6-8 minutes. Add the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to wilt. Pour the soy sauce and honey mixture over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of your chosen rice. 5. Ground Beef and Black Bean Chili We simply couldn’t share a list of ground beef recipes without including a good ‘ol fashioned chili. This cozy, protein-packed dish is the definition of comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and hearty. Here’s what you’ll need: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 Can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies 1/2 Cup Water Salt and pepper, to taste Shredded cheese (optional) Sour cream (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve And our healthy chili seasoning mix: 2 TBSP Chili powder 2 TSP Ground cumin 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Onion powder 1 TSP Salt ¼ TSP Cayenne pepper Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Add in everything else. Toss in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dry ingredients, and water to the pot. Give it a good stir. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season. Add salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls, serving with your favorite rice. For an extra touch, top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of creamy sour cream! Grab a spoon and dive in! Is Ground Beef Healthy? Ground beef has an excellent nutritional profile. It’s rich in protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, not all ground beef is the same. Meat from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has been shown to be lower in nutritional quality. If you’re concerned about your health, look for grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This type of beef has a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and is higher in antioxidants and minerals. Which Ground Beef Is Best? 100% grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef is the best home cooking option. It’s incredibly flavorful, nutritionally rich, and better for the environment. Of course, there are different types of grass-fed ground beef–and that’s where your personal health and wellness goals come in: If you’re watching your fat intake, our ground sirloin is the leaner option at 90/10. Ground beef is great for everyday meals, and comes in at 85/15. Choose gourmet ground beef for show-stopping meals and entertaining, which is about 80/20. How Long Will Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? Raw ground beef lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers after cooking, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ready to taste the difference? Are you ready to taste the difference that high-quality, grass-fed beef can make in your meals? Order Seven Sons’ ground beef today and elevate your meals.

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