Sausage is made from ground pork that has been seasoned with fennel seeds and a hint of licorice. It can be sweet or mild. Hot Italian sausages have red pepper flakes added to give them a bit of spice. Italian sausage is a quick and easy main dish that kids and adults will both love. Learn how to cook it on the stove.
Your favorite Italian sausage recipes, salads, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches can all use Italian sausages. But it can be hard to cook them just right. If you cook Italian sausages too quickly or at too high of a temperature, the outside may get too brown and the inside may still be raw. The casings can also split and fall off, causing the sausages to lose their shape.
How to cook sausages on the stove: slowly heat them up, let them simmer, and then brown them at the end. Keep reading to learn how to cook Italian sausage perfectly every time. Your sausages will be done in less than 20 minutes, and no fancy tools or gadgets are required.
Italian sausage is a beloved staple that can be used in everything from pasta dishes to hearty sandwiches. While many opt for grilling or baking sausages, stovetop cooking allows you to braise the sausages in flavorful liquid for tender, juicy results. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn perfect techniques for cooking Italian sausage on the stove.
What Makes Italian Sausage So Special
Before diving in, let’s appreciate what sets Italian sausage apart from other sausages:
-
Seasoning – A hallmark blend of fennel seed, garlic, paprika and other herbs and spices. Provides big flavor.
-
Texture – Coarse grind and fat content creates a pleasant, mouthfeel. Not overly smooth like hot dogs.
-
Varieties – Choose from sweet, hot/spicy, or specialty flavors like chicken Italian sausage.
-
Convenience – Sold pre-made and fully cooked, so it’s an easy addition to meals.
The delicious seasoning and coarse meat texture make Italian sausage a remarkably versatile ingredient. Now let’s unlock the secrets to cooking it to perfection on the stovetop.
Benefits of Stovetop Cooking Method
There are good reasons to choose braising on the stove instead of other cooking methods:
-
Allows slower, more controlled simmering.
-
Imparts tons of flavor by braising in broth, wine or sauce.
-
Minimizes drying out compared to high oven heat.
-
Provides opportunity to build pan sauce from fond.
-
Convenient for quick weeknight meals.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to enjoy all the benefits of stovetop sausage cooking.
Choosing the Right Sausage
Supermarkets offer an array of Italian sausage options:
-
Links – The classic rope-shaped sausage. Available in various sizes.
-
Patties – Formed into flat, round discs. Easy to crumble into pieces.
-
Ground – Loose sausage meat perfect for making meatballs or sauce.
For stovetop cooking, links work best to braise whole, retaining moisture. Patties and ground sausage work better for crumbling.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Keep these tips in mind for Italian sausage success:
-
Use a skillet with tall sides to contain splatters.
-
Ensure sausages are fully submerged in the braising liquid.
-
Turn sausages often for even exposure to liquid.
-
Cook on medium or medium low – never high heat.
-
Add veggies the last 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
-
Slice cooked sausage on the bias for an attractive presentation.
With the right techniques, your Italian sausage will turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Stovetop Cooking Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof Italian sausage every time:
1. Add Oil and Sausages to Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom and arrange the sausage links in a single layer.
2. Brown the Sausages
Cook sausages until browned on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
3. Add Braising Liquid
Pour in enough broth, wine, marinara sauce, etc. to submerge sausages halfway.
4. Simmer Partially Covered
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet partially, and gently simmer sausages for 15-20 minutes.
5. Test and Remove Sausages
Pierce sausages with a fork to test if fully cooked. Drain and transfer to a plate once done.
6. Make Pan Sauce (Optional)
Make a tasty sauce from the fond using broth, tomato paste, herbs, etc.
That’s all it takes for simple yet amazing stovetop Italian sausage!
Handy Flavorful Braising Liquids
For incredible flavor, try braising the sausages in:
-
Chicken, beef or vegetable broth
-
White or red wine
-
Marinara sauce
-
Beer or hard cider
-
Soy sauce, teriyaki, or hoisin sauce
-
Apple cider vinegar
Get creative with braising liquids to impart delicious complexity to your sausages.
Complementary Vegetables
Here are some tasty veggies to add in the last 5 minutes:
-
Bell peppers
-
Onions
-
Mushrooms
-
Zucchini or squash
-
Spinach or kale
-
Tomatoes
-
Broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts
Quick-cooking veggies provide texture, color and extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, Italian sausage can be served:
-
On rolls for sausage sandwiches
-
Chopped over pasta or zucchini noodles
-
Mixed into rice, quinoa or farro pilafs
-
Added to pizzas, flatbreads and baked pasta dishes
-
As a protein topping for salads
-
Wrapped in cabbage leaves for low-carb options
The possibilities are nearly endless with this versatile meat.
Answering Common Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to cook Italian sausage on the stove?
About 15-20 minutes simmering in liquid after browning.
Can I use a slow cooker instead to cook sausage?
Absolutely. Cook on low 4-6 hours until done.
Do I need to prick or poke sausages before cooking?
No need with fully cooked sausages. Only required for uncooked raw sausages.
Why do my sausages sometimes split while cooking?
This is normal and happens from the expansion of meat and juices. Still perfectly safe to eat.
How can I rescue dried out or overcooked sausage?
Try slicing and simmering in sauce for a few minutes to rehydrate.
Ready, Set, Simmer!
Now you’re ready to skillfully braise Italian sausage on the stovetop for unbeatable flavor and juiciness. No more dried out or undercooked sausage! Use this guide to treat your family to perfect sausages anytime.
For endless inspiration, experiment with varied braising liquids, mix-ins and creative ways to serve stovetop sausage. The options are endless with this versatile, budget-friendly staple. Mangia!
k
How To Cook Italian Sausage on Stove
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Fill a big skillet with water until it’s an inch deep.
- Put the sausage in the pan and heat the water until it starts to simmer. Cook covered for 7-9 minutes.
- The sausages should be cooked until the water has evaporated and the temperature is right. Take off the lid and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.
- Turn the sausage occasionally to brown evenly.
Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. When you stick a thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage, it should read 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Italian sausage is not the same as smoked sausage.
- We recommend using fresh, uncooked sausage. If you buy sausages that are already cooked, the cooking time may be a little less.
- When you buy Italian sausage, if you can’t cook it within two days, you can freeze it for later use.
- If the sausage is frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking it. Cooking sausage from frozen is not recommended.
- Look for sweet Italian sausage or spicy Italian sausage. Choose one based on your recipe or preferred tastes.
- Do not boil the water before adding the sausages. Let the water and sausages heat up together to make the cooking more even.
- Some people like to brown the skins of Italian sausage in a little oil before adding water to boil it.
- A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the sausage should read 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) when it’s done.
- You can also add a little olive oil or butter to the fry to make them even more golden.
- Serve Italian sausage cut or whole.
- When you’re ready to serve the sausage, sauté onions and bell peppers. You can also put both on a bun for a tasty sandwich. Top with mustard or marinara sauce and provolone cheese.
- Slice cooked sausage and put it on top of pizza, in pasta, or in pasta sauce. It’s also delicious over salad.
- Make Ahead: You can cook this up to two days ahead of time if you want to use the sausage in another recipe.
- Store—For up to four days, sausages that are left over can be kept in an airtight container. Warm it up again in the microwave or a skillet with a little water.
- Freeze – Freeze leftover sausage for up to 3 months.
You can cook sausages on the stove top in about 12 minutes. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Cook ground Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat while it cooks. It will brown in about 5-6 minutes.
I do not recommend piercing the skin. When you poke holes in the skin, the meat’s juices can escape. This makes the sausage drier, and it may take longer to cook.
You may prefer baked Italian sausage to pan-fried Italian sausage. Cook Italian sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment or in a glass baking dish. Baked Italian sausage will take approximately 25-30 minutes in a 350 degrees F/180 degrees C oven.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s quick—it takes less than 20 minutes to get Italian sausages cooked just right.
- They can be used in many ways. You can cook Italian sausage on the stove and eat it as a main dish, or you can add it to your favorite recipes.
- They’re Good for Diets—Italian sausages are great for many diets because they are gluten-free, low in carbs, and keto-friendly.
- Italian Sausages: You can use hot or mild Italian sausage links.
Are you ready to learn how to cook Italian sausage on the stove? If so, let me show you…