Easy Beef Sausage Recipe

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This juicy and flavorful beef sausage is easy to make at home with lean ground beef, spices, and olive oil. I like to make several of them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week! They reheat beautifully in the microwave.

Beef sausage is served on a white plate with fried eggs.

Savory breakfasts can be just as good as sweet ones, and this beef sausage is the proof! Served with eggs, these sausages are delicious and filling, and you can make them in advance and reheat them. To make them, simply mix ground beef with seasonings, shape the mixture into patties, and cook the patties in olive oil for a few minutes.

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Ground beef: I use lean ground beef (85% lean and 15% fat). A leaner mixture will be too dry. I experimented with a 90/10 mix, and it wasn't as good.
To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried sage, and red pepper flakes.
Olive oil: I use it to fry the patties.

Variations

You can cook the patties in butter instead of olive oil. It's delicious!
The spice combination I use, especially thyme and sage, is classic. But you can experiment with your favorite spices. Tasty options include dry mustard and oregano. You can add a teaspoon of each.
Add 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan to the mixture for added flavor.
You can form the mixture into eight small patties instead of four large ones. If you do, they'll be ready faster; cook them for about 3 minutes per side over medium heat.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Combine the beef with the spices, and use your hands to mix everything together.

Divide the mixture into four large patties or eight small ones.

Cook the patties in olive oil until cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side, over medium heat.

Cooking four beef sausages in a skillet.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four days in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

When combining the meat with spices, try not to over-mix, as over-mixing will result in dense sausage. However, you should make sure the mixture is uniform and the spices are distributed throughout.
You can double this recipe, cook the sausage in batches (or use a double-burner griddle), and keep the leftovers in the fridge for a few days. They also freeze well.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of meat is breakfast sausage made of?

It's typically made with ground pork. However, for people who prefer to avoid pork, beef is an excellent option that tastes great, just like beef bacon is a great alternative to oven bacon.

Can sausage be made from beef?

Yes, absolutely. Although it's typically made with pork, beef is a flavorful option that pairs well with typical sausage seasonings. Other options include ground chicken and ground turkey.

Is beef sausage the same as beef burger?

They are similar, but they are seasoned differently. A burger is often seasoned minimally with salt and pepper. Sausages are heavily seasoned and often contain spices like paprika, sage, and thyme.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve these sausages for breakfast with fluffy scrambled eggs, almond flour biscuits, and fresh berries. It's a wonderfully filling breakfast or brunch that keeps me full for hours.

Sometimes, I serve these sausages for dinner with just about any side dish, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or mashed cauliflower. They also pair well with salads like creamy cucumber salad or tomato salad.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They keep well, and you can reheat them in the microwave at 50% power.

I also enjoy them cold with Dijon mustard or sriracha mayo, fresh-cut veggies, and quick pickles or pickled red onions. Sometimes, I have one of these patties in a cloud bread sandwich and pretend I'm eating a burger!