Delicious Italian turkey sausage recipe for dinner
Are you in the mood for something hearty and flavorful? Look no further than this delicious Italian Turkey Sausage recipe! Not only is it bursting with savory spices, but it’s also a healthier option as it’s made with lean ground turkey instead of pork.
As someone who loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I always aim to create dishes that are both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe for Italian Turkey Sausage has become a staple in my home, as it’s a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional pork sausage.
Using just a few simple ingredients, this homemade Italian turkey sausage is easy to make and perfect for everything from spaghetti sauce to breakfast sandwiches. The combination of fennel seeds, garlic powder, and dried oregano gives the sausage an authentic Italian flavor that is hard to resist.
So, whether you’re cooking for dinner tonight or meal prepping for the week ahead, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring meals every day? Do you crave something new and exciting to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this Italian Turkey Sausage Recipe.
This recipe is the perfect choice for anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes without all the extra saturated fat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own homemade Italian turkey sausage that is guaranteed to impress.
But what sets this recipe apart from other sausage recipes? For starters, it’s made with lean ground turkey instead of pork, reducing the saturated fat content of the dish. But don’t worry, this doesn’t sacrifice any of the traditional savory flavor associated with Italian sausage.
We’ve included a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. The combination creates an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. Use it as a topping for pizza, mix it into pasta dishes or pair it with eggs for a breakfast meal. The options are endless!
So whether you’re cooking up dinner for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Italian Turkey Sausage Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out today and discover why everyone is raving about this homemade Italian turkey sausage.
Ingredient List
Ingredients 1 – Making the Italian Turkey Sausage
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, whole or cracked
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Ingredients 2 – Making the Bell Pepper and Sausage Skillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage links or homemade Italian turkey sausage seasoning
- 2 medium bell peppers, cut into 1-inch slices (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium red onion, cut into half and sliced (about 2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
Note that most of these ingredients are readily available in grocery stores near you.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s how to make your very own homemade Italian turkey sausage.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of ground fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, dried oregano, ground fennel seeds, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well with your hands, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Using your hands, shape the turkey mixture into sausage links or patties.
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage patties or links and cook for 8-10 minutes per side or until they are fully cooked through and no pink remains.
- If using links, slice them into 1-inch slices before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian turkey sausage!
Tips:
- For best results, use freshly ground black pepper and whole cracked fennel seeds.
- Make sure not to overwork the turkey mixture or it will become tough.
- If you prefer a hotter sausage, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- This recipe can also be baked in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes instead of cooking on the stovetop.
By making your own Italian turkey sausage, you’ll get all of the traditional flavors without any of the unhealthy saturated fat found in pork sausage. Use it in your favorite recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, substitutions and variations! The best way to make a recipe uniquely yours. With this Italian turkey sausage recipe, there are plenty of ways to get creative.
First off, if you’re not a huge fan of turkey sausage or can’t get your hands on any, go ahead and use pork sausage instead. It may not be as lean, but it’s still delicious. And if you do use pork sausage, consider using half sweet Italian and half hot Italian for a nice spicy kick.
If you want to boost the nutritional value of this dish even more, try using ground chicken instead of turkey. It’s just as lean and packed with protein. You can also swap out the olive oil for coconut oil if you prefer the taste or want a healthier fat source.
Feeling like switching up the spices? Experiment with different combinations of dried oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, and black pepper until you find your favorite blend. Crushed red pepper is also a great addition if you like your food on the spicier side.
Want to up the veggie content? Add some sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini to the skillet before adding the sausage mixture. Red onion would also be a tasty addition for some extra sweetness.
And finally, don’t feel like serving this as a classic dinner dish? No problem! Consider adding this homemade Italian turkey sausage to your breakfast lineup with some fried eggs on top or serving it over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Picture this: a sizzling plate of flavorful, juicy homemade Italian turkey sausage, paired with your favorite carbs, and mixed greens on the side. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, it is! Grab a fork and dig in.
This dish pairs well with various complementary flavors and textures. Firstly, you can serve it with spaghetti or any type of pasta that you prefer. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top would elevate the taste even further. If pasta isn’t your thing, then try serving it with mashed potatoes or any creamy side dish to balance out the bold flavors.
Another great option is to make a sandwich using the homemade Italian turkey sausage recipe. You can use either a ciabatta roll or crusty bread to hold in all the savory juices. Adding some sautéed onions and peppers would bring out more depth of flavor and texture.
For those who prefer a lighter meal, pairing the homemade Italian turkey sausage with fresh salad greens mixed with feta cheese and balsamic dressing would be a winning combination. The slight tanginess from the salad will balance the flavors of the sausage.
Lastly, for beverage pairing, I recommend serving this dish with a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. Alternatively, you could opt for an ice-cold beer like IPA or lager to complement the bold flavors.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish- whether you want to have it for brunch, lunch or dinner. The best part? The ingredients are easily available in your pantry and freezer so whip it up anytime you crave something hearty and delicious!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, yes. The age-old question of what to do with the leftovers. Well, I’ve got some good news – this Italian Turkey Sausage Recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing!
To make ahead, simply prepare the sausage as instructed in the recipe and let cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
When it’s time to serve, you can reheat the sausage in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil until heated through. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can throw them on the grill for some extra smoky flavor.
But what if you have already cooked sausage that you’d like to store? No worries! Cooked Italian turkey sausage will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Some additional tips: To prevent freezer burn, wrap your sausage tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container. And when reheating, be sure to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F.
So go ahead and make a big batch of this Italian turkey sausage – your future self will thank you when you have a delicious and wholesome meal ready to go with just a quick reheat.
Tips for Perfect Results
I’ve made this Italian turkey sausage recipe more times than I can count, and in that time, I’ve come up with some helpful tips for getting the best results. Here are my suggestions:
1. Don’t overmix the turkey. When you’re mixing the spices into the ground turkey, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can lead to tough sausages.
2. Use a scale to measure your ingredients. Precision is key when making homemade sausage, so I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure out your ingredients.
3. Let the sausage rest before cooking. After mixing the seasonings into the ground turkey, let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a more flavorful end result.
4. Cook the sausages low and slow. Whether you’re cooking them on the stovetop or in the oven, be sure to cook them over low heat for a longer period of time than you would with pre-made sausages from the store.
5. Experiment with different spice levels. If you like things spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the sausage a kick of heat.
6. Don’t skip the fennel seeds. Fennel seeds are what give Italian sausage its signature flavor, so don’t leave them out!
7. Keep an eye on the saturated fat content.If you’re looking for a healthier option, choose lean ground turkey and keep an eye on the saturated fat content of any sausage seasoning blends you use.
8. Pair with complementary flavors. This Italian turkey sausage pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and onions, as well as flavorful grains like couscous or quinoa.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make this homemade Italian turkey sausage recipe!
FAQ
As we come to the end of this recipe article, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions that can arise while cooking Italian turkey sausage. It’s important to clarify any doubts before starting the recipe to ensure that our dish turns out perfectly. So, let’s dive straight into it and get these questions answered.
What’s the difference between turkey sausage and Italian turkey sausage?
When it comes to comparing Turkey sausage and Italian sausage, there are some noteworthy differences. While Turkey sausage boasts a higher Zinc content, Italian sausage is a better source of Vitamin B1, Selenium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Choline, and Vitamin B2. In fact, Italian sausage can provide your body with as much as 47% more of your daily recommended value of Vitamin B1 than Turkey sausage can.
Is turkey Italian sausage healthy?
When it comes to choosing a healthier option for sausage, turkey is a great alternative to pork. With lower calories and saturated fat, turkey sausage provides a good amount of protein without compromising your health.
Is turkey sausage healthier than Italian sausage?
Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage? You might want to consider turkey sausage. Unlike pork sausage, turkey sausage contains much less fat and saturated fat, making it a better option for those with concerns about their heart health. In fact, a 1 ounce serving of turkey sausage has just 2.3 grams of total fat and 0.6 grams of saturated fat, whereas the same serving size of pork sausage contains 11.8 grams of fat (total) and 3.8 grams of saturated fat. By choosing turkey sausage, you can still enjoy the flavors and spices of sausage without compromising your heart health.
What gives Italian sausage its distinctive flavor?
Italian sausage is renowned for its distinctive Italian flavor and this delicious taste is mostly due to a key ingredient – fennel. Typically, fennel is a combination of both whole or cracked fennel seed and ground fennel. The whole or cracked fennel seed provides the perfect texture and enhances the visual appeal of the spice while the ground fennel contributes significantly to the overall fennel flavor.
Bottom Line
If you are tired of the same old boring dinners and are willing to try something new and exciting, then this Italian turkey sausage recipe is perfect for you! By using lean ground turkey instead of pork, we have created a healthier version of the traditional Italian sausage that does not compromise on taste. The addition of fennel seeds, garlic powder, and dried oregano gives the sausage an authentic Italian flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can use the homemade Italian turkey sausage for a variety of dishes, such as pizza toppings, pasta sauces, breakfast patties, or even in soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!
Furthermore, this recipe is so easy to make that you can whip it up in under 30 minutes. It requires only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So why not skip the pre-packaged sausage links with all the preservatives and unhealthy additives and make your own homemade Italian turkey sausage?
In conclusion, this Italian turkey sausage recipe is a game-changer when it comes to creating quick and healthy dinners that are full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can have a homemade Italian feast on your table in no time. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Italian Turkey Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients until well mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Shape into 8 patties.
- Cook in a skillet coated with nonstick spray about 3 minutes each side, meat thermometer should read 165 degrees.
- You can also crumble the turkey into the skillet for crumbled sausage.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.