Italian Sausage Recipe

Prepare and Brown Sausage

Remove sausage meat from casings and break into 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, spreading into a single layer. Brown without overcrowding, stirring occasionally, until well-browned and cooked through, about 7–9 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer browned sausage to a plate and reserve fat in the pan.

Sweat aromatics

In the same pan with reserved sausage fat, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil if pan looks dry. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.

Deglaze and build sauce

If using, pour 1 tablespoon dry red wine into the pan to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize slightly and deepen flavor.

Simmer with tomatoes and seasonings

Add the 28 oz crushed tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine. Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes to meld flavors, stirring occasionally.

Finish the sauce

Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning to taste (add more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed). Return the browned sausage and any collected juices to the sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer together on low for another 5–8 minutes so the sausage absorbs the sauce flavors and is fully heated through.

Taste the combined sausage and sauce and adjust seasonings. Spoon into a serving dish or keep in the pan. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan over the top before serving. Serve hot as an appetizer with grilled bread or crostini, or as a main alongside pasta, polenta, or a salad.