If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and speedy dinner option, this Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It brings together the hearty satisfaction of traditional sausage with the lean goodness of turkey, creating a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something comforting without a long wait. Packed with warm spices and just the right amount of kick, it’s amazing how such simple ingredients can come together to taste so rich and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals for good reason.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe so wonderful is how uncomplicated yet thoughtfully balanced the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect blend of spices, moisture, and depth to the sausage, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and an inviting aroma.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the dish light but hearty.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps with browning, locking in flavor.
- 1.25 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the spices and the turkey’s natural taste.
- 0.75 tsp black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and sharpness to balance the savory elements.
- 0.75 tsp dried sage: Classic sausage herb that gives a slightly woodsy, earthy note.
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder: Adds subtle pungency and depth without overpowering.
- 0.5 tsp brown sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the spices perfectly.
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper: For a mild kick that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming.
How to Make Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before diving in, measure out all your spices and get the ground turkey ready in a bowl. This makes mixing quick and hassle-free, ensuring the flavors spread evenly through the meat.
Step 2: Combine Turkey and Spices
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey followed by salt, pepper, dried sage, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything thoroughly until the spices are well incorporated into the turkey, making sure the mixture looks uniform.
Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil
Warm the tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This step is key for achieving a delicious golden crust on the sausage while preventing sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Turkey Sausage
Add the seasoned turkey mixture to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meat is browned completely and cooked through, with no pink remaining.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your sausage a quick taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if desired. Don’t be shy about tweaking it—the right balance is what makes this Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a lovely pop of color and brightness to your turkey sausage. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This sausage shines next to creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even folded into a fluffy scrambled egg breakfast. Its versatility means it complements a wide array of sides, making it a fantastic component for many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing this sausage into sweet bell peppers for a delicious twist or toss it with pasta and a light tomato sauce for a hearty dinner. You can also use it as a sandwich filling or top your favorite pizza for a quick upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, transfer any leftover turkey sausage into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it convenient for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to plan even further ahead, this quick turkey sausage freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will last for up to 3 months without losing that delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them until warm. Adding a splash of water or olive oil when reheating helps keep the sausage moist and delicious, just like when freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute that will bring a similar texture and mild flavor, though turkey offers a slightly leaner and more neutral base that pairs beautifully with the spices in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe and tasty option for anyone avoiding gluten in their diet.
Can I make this spicy or milder?
Definitely. Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference, or swap it out entirely for a milder paprika or smoked chili powder if you want less heat with more smoky flavor.
How do I know when the turkey sausage is fully cooked?
Turkey should always be cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When the sausage is browned all over and there’s no pink inside, it’s ready to enjoy.
Can I form this sausage mixture into patties or links?
Yes, you can shape the mixture into patties for breakfast-style sausage or roll into logs and wrap in casing if you want traditional links. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, making sure they’re cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Making this Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe is like giving your weeknight dinners a delicious upgrade without the fuss. It’s full of flavor, easy to whip up, and versatile enough for any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it out, enjoy the comforting spices, and have a new family favorite ready to go in your recipe box.
Print
Quick Ground Turkey Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Quick Ground Turkey Sausage recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make alternative to traditional pork sausage, perfect for a healthy breakfast or adding protein to any meal. Seasoned with a blend of sage, garlic, and spices, this ground turkey sausage cooks quickly in a skillet, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy days.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Sausage Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 0.75 tsp dried sage
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp brown sugar
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, dried sage, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly blend the spices.
- Mix with Ground Turkey: Place the ground turkey in a large bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the meat and use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until fully incorporated and the sausage has an even seasoning.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the seasoned ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully cooked through, browned in spots, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This sausage pairs well with eggs, breakfast potatoes, or can be used as a protein addition to various dishes.
Notes
- For spicier sausage, increase cayenne pepper to 0.5 tsp.
- Use lean ground turkey (93% lean) for best texture and fat content.
- Ensure the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
