Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsRocco's RestaurantHomemade Sausage Links Recipe

Homemade Sausage Links Recipe

Inspired by Rocco's Restaurant
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Served with homemade meat sauce (3)

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Ingredients

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Sausage Links

Method

  1. 1

    Soak the natural hog casings in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly and keep them in fresh water until ready to use.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine ground pork and ground beef. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Mix well until fully combined.

  3. 3

    Slowly add the ice water to the meat mixture, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined.

  4. 4

    Fit the sausage stuffer with one end of the soaked casing and tie a knot at the other end. Stuff the casing with the meat mixture, being careful not to overstuff. Twist sausages into 6-inch links and tie off the ends.

  5. 5

    Place the stuffed sausages on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cooking.

Meat Sauce

  1. 6

    Sauté the onions

    In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

  2. 7

    Add garlic

    Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 8

    Add tomatoes and seasonings

    Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

  4. 9

    Simmer the sauce

    Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. If using, add red wine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 10

    Combine with sausages

    Once the sausages are chilled, cook them in a skillet or grill until browned and cooked through. Serve hot with the homemade meat sauce on top.

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