Sicilian Italian Sausage
A hearty Sicilian-inspired dish featuring savory Italian sausage, rich tomato flavors, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute Italian sausage in olive oil until meat is no longer pink.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion; saute until onions are soft.
- Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, Veg-All vegetables, oregano, and basil; simmer for 15 minutes with the sausage mixture.
- Pour red wine into the tomato-sausage mixture and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Italian cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can substitute the Veg-All mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, using pre-minced garlic can save you a step. This recipe can also be adapted to include your favorite Italian recipes by adding other herbs like thyme or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sicilian Italian sausage dish with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully, or consider serving it alongside garlic bread. For a complete Italian night, try it with Home Style Lasagna or Stuffed Italian Shells for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well; store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sicilian Italian Sausage contains roughly 666 calories, with 19g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (183% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 51g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh seasoned with Italian herbs.
What can I use instead of red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute with beef or vegetable broth for added flavor. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice can also work, although it may slightly alter the taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage or incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce. Additionally, adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when simmering can elevate the spice level to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).