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.
As an Italian food lover, I can’t resist the siren call of plump, seasoned Italian sausage links. There’s just something about that signature fennel, garlic and paprika blend that screams flavor. But biting into dry, burnt or undercooked sausage is a letdown. That’s why over the years, I’ve honed my stovetop sausage skills to achieve the ultimate – crispy, browned exterior housing a juicy, tender interior.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tried and true techniques for cooking Italian sausage on the stove to smoky, succulent perfection. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips and my best tricks for taking your sausage from meh to magnificent. Read on to become a stovetop sausage master!
Benefits of Stovetop Cooking
While you can certainly cook Italian sausage in the oven, there are some distinct advantages to using the stovetop
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Better browning – The direct heat of the pan crisps and browns the sausage casing beautifully Oven heat can’t replicate this
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Quick cooking – On the stove, the sausage cooks in just 10-15 minutes start to finish. Much faster than oven roasting.
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Temperature control – It’s easier to regulate the temperature and adjust the heat as needed for perfect doneness.
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Less mess – Containing the cooking to a skillet prevents grease splatters like from oven baking.
For fast, easy and tasty Italian sausage with nice color and texture, the stovetop can’t be beat.
Step-by-Step Method for Stovetop Italian Sausage
Cooking Italian sausage links on the stove is simple but there are some key steps:
Ingredients:
- Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
- Olive oil or butter
- Seasonings (optional)
- Liquid like wine, broth or water
Instructions:
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Heat oil – Add just enough oil to coat the pan. Heat over medium-high heat.
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Brown sausage – Add links and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
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Reduce heat – Turn heat to medium or medium low.
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Add liquid – Pour in a small amount of liquid like wine, broth or water.
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Simmer – Partially cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until sausage is fully cooked.
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Check temperature – Internal temperature should reach 160°F.
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Rest and serve – Remove from pan and let rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
Follow these steps for flavorful, juicy Italian sausage off the stove in under 30 minutes.
Top Tips for Stovetop Sausage Success
Over the years, I’ve discovered some tips and tricks for getting the best results when cooking Italian sausage on the stove:
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Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel to ensure even browning. Nonstick is okay too.
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Preheat the pan before adding oil or sausage to jumpstart the cooking process.
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Resist poking or crowding the sausage while browning so you get nice color without tearing the casings.
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Flip the links frequently while simmering to heat the interior evenly.
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Add garlic, herbs or other seasonings to the pan juices to boost flavor.
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Simmer in wine, broth, crushed tomatoes or water to prevent scorching.
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Let sausage rest after cooking so juices redistribute inside for juicier links.
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Store fully cooked leftover sausage in fridge up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving.
Follow my stovetop method and tips, and you’ll get flavorful browned casings with tender, juicy interiors every time.
Troubleshooting Common Stovetop Sausage Problems
While cooking Italian sausage on the stove usually goes off without a hitch, you may occasionally run into issues like:
Undercooked centers – Let the sausage simmer longer, using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Overcooked or dry sausage – Be careful not to overcook. Stop at 160°F for the best texture.
Not browning well – Use high enough heat and don’t crowd the pan. Brown properly before reducing heat.
Burst casings – Avoid piercing casings with utensils. Turn heat down if casings split while cooking.
Sticking to the pan – Use a small amount of oil and flip periodically. Deglaze pan if needed.
With practice, you’ll be able to troubleshoot problems and achieve sausage perfection every time.
Satisfying Sausage Meals and Recipes
Once you’ve mastered cooking Italian sausage on the stovetop, there are endless meal possibilities for these flavorful links.
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Toss cooked sausage with vegetables and pasta for a simple one-pot meal.
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Layer into hearty sandwiches with peppers, onions and melted cheese.
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Combine with white beans, tomatoes, garlic and spinach for a tasty sausage stew.
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Chop and add to omelets, frittatas, casseroles or pizza.
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Pair with roasted veggies and creamy polenta for a hearty Italian dinner.
The versatility of Italian sausage makes it an endlessly useful ingredient. Keep your freezer stocked with links so you can quickly cook up satisfying last-minute meals.
Next time you’ve got a sausage craving, ditch the oven and head to the stove. With my tips and techniques, you’ll achieve sizzling, juicy Italian sausage worthy of any Italian deli or restaurant. Cook, eat and enjoy!
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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…
How to Cook Italian Sausage on the Stove Top
FAQ
How long does it take to cook raw Italian sausage?
How do you know when Italian sausage is done on the stove?
Do you need oil to cook Italian sausage?