6 Smoked Sausage Recipes 2024: Easy & Delicious

Smoked sausage is a versatile ingredient with rich, smoky flavors that work well in many dishes. From Polish kielbasa to spicy andouille, there are plenty of variations to explore based on your taste preferences.

There are plenty of easy recipes that are perfect for family meals. I've found the best options that feature smoked sausage. Whether you’re making a comforting pasta dish, a hearty stew, or grilling for a BBQ, smoked sausage adds depth and flavor to any meal.

1. Cod & Spicy Sausage Stew

Ingredients 📃

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 200 g spicy sausage (such as andouille or hot Italian), chopped into small pieces

• 400 g can chopped tomatoes

• 4 cod filets (8 oz per filet)

• 400 g can cannellini beans, drained

• 1 tsp smoked paprika 

• 1 fresh red chili, chopped

• ½ small pack fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

2. Add the sausage to the pot and cook until browned – about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika and chopped red chili, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

3. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Add the butter beans and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes.

5. Lay the cod filets gently on top of the stew, cover, and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flaky.

6. Garnish with parsley just before serving.

Overview

Bold flavors take the spotlight in this stew. The spicy sausage adds smoky heat, while the cod provides a mild, flaky texture. Smoked paprika and chili boost the spiciness, and the cannellini beans create a hearty base that absorbs the rich flavors.

Chopping the sausage and onion takes the most time, but everything comes together fast in just 1 pot. The cod cooks gently on top, making the dish foolproof. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful meal.

I like to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition or swap the cod for another white fish if you prefer. You can also try different sausages and adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Our round-up of the best meat delivery services offers a range of services that can deliver top-quality ingredients, including sausages, to use in your cooking.

2. One-Pot Smoked Sausage & Rice

Ingredients 📃

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 300 g smoked sausage (such as andouille or hot Italian), sliced

• 1 tbsp Cajun spice blend

• 1 tsp hot smoked paprika

• ¾ cup long grain white rice

• 2 ½ cups chicken stock (or low-sodium vegetable stock)

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.

2. Add the celery and bell pepper to the pot, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

3. Brown the sausage. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until browned – about 4-5 minutes.

4. Add spices. Stir in the Cajun spice blend and hot smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, letting the spices release their flavors.

5. Add the rice. Stir the rice into the pot, coating it with the oil and spices.

6. Pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Mix in the peas. Stir in the thawed peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through.

8. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Overview

This dish is packed with bold, satisfying flavors. The smoked sausage adds richness, while the Cajun spice and paprika bring heat. The bell pepper, celery, and peas provide color and sweetness, balancing out the spices for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Minimal chopping and one-pot cooking make it hassle-free and ideal for busy weeknights. The rice soaks up the sausage’s smoky flavor, and the peas add a fresh touch at the end, all ready in under 40 minutes.

With protein from the sausage and a good dose of veggies, it’s a nutritionally complete meal. You can easily adjust it to suit dietary preferences with leaner or plant-based alternatives. 

3. Smokey Bangers ‘n’ Mash

Ingredients 📃

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil 

• 1 (1-lb.) pack smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), cut into 4 pieces and halved lengthwise

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• ½ tsp. kosher salt, divided

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• ½ cup dry red wine

• 1 ½ cups beef stock 

• 1 sprig fresh thyme

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp cold unsalted butter

• 1 tsp whole grain mustard

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté onions in the same skillet with a pinch of salt until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

3. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in beef stock, thyme, remaining salt, and black pepper.

4. Return the sausage to the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. Discard the thyme sprig.

5. Finish the sauce by stirring in cold butter and whole grain mustard until smooth and glossy.

Overview 

Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite root vegetable mash. It’s a smoky, flavorful twist on the classic English dish of bangers and mash. The thyme and whole grain mustard add depth and a subtle herbal note, elevating this classic comfort food.

The prep is quick and easy, perfect for weeknights. Browning the sausage and onions adds a smoky base, and the sauce comes together fast. The mashed potatoes are straightforward, and serving with peas adds color and a sweet balance to the dish.

4. Cheesy Sausage Skillet

Ingredients 📃

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14 oz) package smoked sausage, diagonally cut into 1/4-inch slices

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced thin

• 1 (10 oz) package frozen broccoli, thawed

• ½ cup chicken broth or water

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• 2 cups instant rice

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Seasoning to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides.

3. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in the broccoli, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Add the chicken broth and tomato sauce to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Stir in the instant rice, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot, garnished with extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Overview

This dish combines smoky sausage with a spicy kick. The sweet red bell peppers balance the warmth of cumin and paprika, while red pepper flakes add heat. Creamy mozzarella on top makes it a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly.

Browning the sausage and softening the veggies in 1 skillet saves time. Instant rice absorbs the rich flavors from the broth and sauce, and the melted cheese finishes it off for an easy family favorite.

5. Sausage & Sauerkraut

Ingredients 📃

• 1 ½ lb smoked Polska kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 3 cups sauerkraut, drained

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup yellow mustard

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Seasoning, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Sear the kielbasa. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and sear the sliced kielbasa until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the onions. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the sliced onion for about 5 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.

3. Add the sauerkraut. Stir in the sauerkraut, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, horseradish, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes until well combined and heated through.

4. Combine everything. Add the browned kielbasa back to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

5. Finish with parsley. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving for a pop of freshness.

Overview

Boiled potatoes make a perfect side for this dish. Their mild flavor balances the tangy sauerkraut and smoky sausage, offering a simple, hearty complement. Tossing them in a little butter and parsley adds a nice touch without overpowering the main dish.

For mustard lovers, extra is a must. While the recipe includes a honey mustard blend, serving additional Dijon or whole grain mustard on the side lets everyone customize their plate. The sharpness of mustard cuts through the richness of the sausage and enhances the sauerkraut’s flavor. If you want to learn more about sauerkraut and how to use it, check out our dedicated guide.

6. Spicy Smoked Sausage Pasta

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille for extra spice or turkey sausage), sliced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 14 oz chicken broth

• 10.5 oz diced tomatoes

• ½ cup low-fat sour cream

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach 

• 8 oz dry pasta 

• Seasoning, to taste

• 1 ½ cup shredded cheese

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the onions and garlic. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and broth. Stir in the diced tomatoes with chilies, roasted red bell peppers, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.

4. Cook the pasta. Add the dry pasta directly to the skillet, stir, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Stir in spinach. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

6. Finish with sour cream and cheese. Stir in the sour cream, salt, and pepper. Once combined, add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

7. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. 

Overview

This dish combines creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors. The smoked sausage pairs well with tomatoes and pasta, while roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness to balance the heat. It's a comforting, one-pan meal that's quick and perfect for weeknights.

Adding spinach brings both flavor and nutrition. The greens lighten the dish and blend into the creamy sauce, adding freshness without overwhelming the rich flavors. It’s an easy way to include veggies and balance the meal.

Use your preferred cheese, like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella, to melt smoothly into the sauce. For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cheese and low-fat sour cream, keeping it creamy without extra calories.

FAQ

What goes well with smoked sausage?

Smoked sausage pairs well with hearty sides like potatoes, sauerkraut, and pasta. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or in stews for a comforting meal. For lighter options, pair it with a fresh salad or sautéed greens.

What is the best way to cook smoked sausage?

Grill, pan-fry, or bake smoked sausage for the best flavor. You can also simmer it in stews or casseroles. Ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 160 °F for food safety.

How long will smoked sausage last in the refrigerator?

Smoked sausage lasts up to 7 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.