Why Beef Breakfast Sausage Deserves a Spot on Your Plate

Beef breakfast sausage is a hearty, protein-packed option that often gets overlooked in favor of other traditional breakfast proteins.

However, it’s time to give this savory delight a place on your morning plate. Beef sausage offers a juicy texture, rich flavor, and versatility, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast.

Whether you’re aiming to fuel your day or just looking for a satisfying bite, beef breakfast sausage is a delicious choice that won’t disappoint.

Let’s dive into why it’s worth your consideration and how you can easily prepare it.

Ingredients List

Making beef breakfast sausage at home ensures you’re in control of the quality and flavor, while also keeping the process simple.

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up the perfect batch of beef sausage:

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  1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat for optimal juiciness)

  
  
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  1/4 cup finely chopped onion

  
  
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  2 cloves garlic, minced

  
  
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  1 tsp ground sage

  
  
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  1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

  
  
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  1 tsp salt

  
  
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  1/2 tsp black pepper

  
  
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  1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

  
  
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  1/4 tsp ground thyme

  
  
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  1 tbsp maple syrup (for sweetness)

  
  
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  1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

  
  

Suggested Substitutions:

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  Ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner version of the sausage.

  
  
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  Plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat for a vegetarian or vegan option.

  
  
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  Coconut sugar or honey as a natural sweetener alternative to maple syrup.

  
  

This blend of ingredients results in a savory, slightly sweet sausage with a perfect balance of spices and seasoning.

Timing

Here’s the good news: beef breakfast sausage takes very little time to prepare. This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy mornings.

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  Preparation Time: 10 minutes

  
  
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  Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

  
  
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  Total Time: 20 minutes

  
  

In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy homemade, fresh sausage that’s packed with flavor and protein, making it a great start to your day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this delicious beef breakfast sausage from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, sage, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, thyme, and maple syrup.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well-combined.

Tip: Using your hands to mix ensures the spices are evenly distributed, which enhances the sausage’s flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Once the mixture is well blended, take a portion of the meat and shape it into small patties, around 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Depending on your desired patty size, this recipe should yield about 8-10 patties.

Tip: Wetting your hands slightly helps prevent the mixture from sticking while shaping the patties.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet.

Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the patties in batches for even cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

After cooking, move the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.

Serve them hot, paired with your favorite breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, hash browns, or fresh fruit.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional overview for one standard 3-inch patty of beef breakfast sausage made with 80% lean ground beef:

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  Calories: 220 kcal

  
  
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  Protein: 14 g

  
  
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  Total Fat: 18 g

  
  
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  Saturated Fat: 7 g

  
  
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  Cholesterol: 50 mg

  
  
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  Sodium: 400 mg

  
  
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  Carbohydrates: 2 g

  
  
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  Fiber: 0 g

  
  
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  Sugar: 1 g

  
  
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  Iron: 10% DV

  
  

Beef sausage is a great source of protein and iron, perfect for giving your body the energy it needs to start the day.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, here are a few ways to make beef breakfast sausage healthier without sacrificing flavor:

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  Opt for leaner ground beef (like 90% lean) or switch to ground turkey to reduce fat content.

  
  
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  Skip the syrup or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener.

  
  
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  Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach into the sausage mixture for extra nutrients and fiber.

  
  

These modifications allow you to enjoy your favorite breakfast sausage while still keeping it on the healthier side.

Serving Suggestions

Beef breakfast sausage is versatile and can be paired with a wide range of breakfast sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

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  Classic Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, whole-grain toast, and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

  
  
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  Breakfast Wrap: Roll the sausages up in a tortilla with scrambled eggs, avocado, and salsa for a quick and delicious breakfast on the go.

  
  
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  Sausage & Veggie Skillet: Toss cooked sausage with sautéed vegetables for a hearty and nutritious one-pan breakfast.

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making beef breakfast sausage:

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   Overcooking the sausage: To avoid dry, tough sausages, always check the internal temperature and cook until it reaches 160°F.

   
   
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   Under-seasoning: Homemade sausage often lacks the intense flavor you get from store-bought varieties. Taste-test the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.

   
   
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   Overcrowding the pan: Make sure there’s enough space in the skillet for the patties to brown evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.

   
   

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

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  Refrigeration: Store cooked sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  
  
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  Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the cooked sausages for up to 3 months. Place a layer of parchment paper between the patties to keep them from sticking together.

  
  
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  Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the sausage mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

  
  

Conclusion

In conclusion, beef breakfast sausage is a fantastic, versatile breakfast option that deserves a spot on your morning table. With its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and nutritional benefits, it’s an easy way to upgrade your breakfast. Whether you prefer it classic or with a modern twist, this homemade sausage recipe is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

So, what are you waiting for? Try making beef breakfast sausage yourself, and let us know how it turns out! Be sure to share your creative breakfast ideas in the comments below.

FAQs