Juicy Beef Sausage - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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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.

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Savory breakfasts can be just as good as sweet ones, and this beef sausage is excellent proof. Served with eggs, these sausages are perfect for breakfast or brunch. They are delicious and filling, and you can make them in advance and reheat them.

To make these sausages, simply mix ground beef with seasonings, shape the mixture into patties, then cook the patties in olive oil for a few minutes.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Sausage Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Reviews

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this beef sausage 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 homemade beef sausage:

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

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

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

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

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Expert Tips

  1. When combining the meat with spices, try not to over-mix, as over-mixing will result in dense sausage. However, you should ensure the mixture is uniform and the spices are distributed throughout.
  2. You can double this recipe, cook the beef 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, some people prefer to avoid pork for various reasons, and for them, beef is an excellent option that tastes great, much 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.

What's the difference between a burger and a sausage patty?

There are two main differences. The first is the meat used - beef for burgers (like these grilled hamburgers) and pork or chicken for sausages. Although, as you can see here, sausage CAN be made with ground beef.

The second main difference is the seasoning. A burger is often seasoned very minimally, with just salt and pepper. Sausages are heavily seasoned and often contain spices such as paprika, sage, and thyme.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve beef sausage 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 the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. They keep well; 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 them in a cloud bread sandwich and pretend I'm eating a burger!

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More Sausage Recipes

  • Sausage Egg Muffins
  • Sausage Patties
  • Sausage Stuffing

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Recipe Card

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4.93 from 240 votes

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Juicy Beef Sausage

This juicy and flavorful beef sausage is so tasty and filling. You can make several of them ahead of time and quickly reheat them each morning.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 277kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Place the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried sage, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.

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  • Use clean hands to combine these ingredients into a uniform mixture. Don't over-mix.

    Juicy Beef Sausage - Healthy Recipes Blog (14)

  • Divide the mixture into four ½-inch thick patties. You can also divide it into eight small patties if you wish.

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  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook them until browned and cooked through, for about 4-5 minutes per side.

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  • Serve immediately. I like to serve them with fried eggs.

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Video

Notes

  • You can form the mixture into eight small patties instead of four larger ones. If you do, they'll be ready faster - you'll need to cook them for about 3 minutes per side over medium heat.
  • When combining the meat with the spices, try not to over-mix (over-mixing will result in dense sausage), but make sure the mixture is uniform and the spices are distributed throughout.
  • You can easily double the recipe, cook the patties in batches (or use a double-burner griddle), and keep the leftovers in the fridge for a few days. They also freeze well.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. They keep quite well; you can reheat them in the microwave at 50% power.

Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 1sausage patty | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.5g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 355mg | Fiber: 0.5g

Made this Recipe?

If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

About the Author

Juicy Beef Sausage - Healthy Recipes Blog (18) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Review this Recipe or Ask a Question:

  1. Brian Bostock

    Just wish to ask, when you say 'red pepper' do you mean chili? I intend to try this very soon but need to know for sure.
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Brian,
      Great question. I mean red pepper flakes. I went ahead and changed the recipe card to make it clearer. Thank you!

      Reply

  2. Danielle Thompson

    Why not over mix? I want to mix mine thoroughly so they stay together better. I do it for rissoles too in my thermomix. is there any reason aside from texture or aesthetics?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Danielle,
      Great question! Over-mixing makes the sausages dense. If you don't mind this, you can mix as much as you want.

      Reply

  3. Anna

    Juicy Beef Sausage - Healthy Recipes Blog (19)
    Love this recipe and use it often! I go easy on the red pepper but let me say that smoked paprika is absolutely the right choice for sausages! Thanks Vered!!!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Yay! I'm so glad you like this recipe, Anna! Smoked paprika is one of my favorite spices.

      Reply

  4. Steve Barth

    I would like to make 100 pounds of this sausage for an event. The spice ratio is noticeably high. Do you have a recipe for larger amounts you can share?
    Steve

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Wow. 100 pounds? I'm sorry, Steve, I only tested this recipe up to two pounds, and then I simply doubled the spices.

      Reply

  5. Katie

    Juicy Beef Sausage - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)
    I'm going to cut the salt in half for my next batch. flavor is great - highly recommend!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Glad you liked the flavor, Katie! Certainly, if you use any salt other than Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, you should use just 1/2 teaspoon. I edited the recipe to reflect that. Thanks for your feedback!

      Reply

Juicy Beef Sausage - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What makes sausage juicy? ›

Fat lubricates the meat, acts as a binder and will make the sausage tender and juicy. Sausages that do not contain enough fat are typically dry and tasteless. Sausages should contain 25-30% fat.

Are beef sausages healthy? ›

Sausages are a nutrient dense protein option for the family as part of a weekly meal plan with other high iron sources. Where possible aim for high quality ones that ideally have around 75-85% meat or higher. Watch for fillers and additives, especially if there are certain dietary requirements for the family.

How to cook beef sausage? ›

  1. PAN FRY. Cut Smoked Sausage sections in half lengthwise or into 1'2" slices. Add to non-stick skillet over medium heat. ...
  2. STOVE TOP. Add sausage to 2-3 inches of boiling water. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  3. GRILL. Grill over medium-high heat for 12-14 minutes, turning frequently.

What is beef sausage made of? ›

Ingredients. Beef, Water, Corn Syrup, Contains 2% or less: Dextrose, Dried Beef Broth, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Phosphates, Spice. Made with Beef Collagen Casing.

How do you cook sausage so it stays juicy? ›

Cook gently and only to a max 145-150ºF over a low to moderate heat or with the simmer then brown method. The main benefit from either of the methods we recommend is that you will lose only about half of the moisture when compared to a fast high cook approach and this means immeasurably better results, every time.

How do you add moisture to sausage? ›

Water is used in sausage making to add moisture to the meat, to add lubrication to the stuffing process and to help distribute the seasonings through out the meat. This water, called added water, will cook out of the meat before the natural moisture, called bound water, cooks out of the meat.

What is the healthiest sausage you can eat? ›

Extra-lean chicken or kangaroo sausages tend to be the healthiest sausage option. Leaner sausages are also often lower in calories and salt.

How to eat sausages healthy? ›

Sausages can be cooked in numerous ways. In general, boiling and baking are the healthiest methods, as they don't require much oil. However, pan- and stir-frying are good options as long as you choose a healthy oil. Conversely, deep frying is the least healthy way because of the fat and calories it adds.

What to avoid in sausage? ›

  1. It's generally a good idea to avoid sausages that are highly processed and contain a lot of additives and preservatives. ...
  2. Additionally, you may want to avoid sausages that are high in saturated fat and sodium, as these can contribute to a number of health issues if consumed in excess.
Dec 22, 2022

What is the healthiest way to cook sausages? ›

Sausages can be cooked in numerous ways. In general, boiling and baking are the healthiest methods, as they don't require much oil. However, pan- and stir-frying are good options as long as you choose a healthy oil. Conversely, deep frying is the least healthy way because of the fat and calories it adds.

Is it better to bake or pan fry sausage? ›

One of the healthiest ways to cook sausages is in the oven. It's super easy to do, and unlike frying or grilling, baking sausages doesn't require any extra oil.

Is it better to boil or bake sausage? ›

Instead, boiling is best for sausages that contain very finely ground meat. Be sure that the water is at a high boil before you add the sausages, otherwise, the sausages may get soggy if the water isn't hot enough yet. Then, reduce the heat so that the boil isn't as aggressive.

Are beef sausages healthier than pork? ›

Beef has 250 calories when compared to the 242 calories of pork. Beef has 23% fat when compared to pork which has 21% fat. Compared in grams it's 15g and 14g. Protein-wise, beef has 26g compared to 27g of pork.

Are beef sausages processed meat? ›

What do we mean by, “processed meat”? AICR/WCRF expert report defines processed meat as “meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or addition of chemical preservatives.” Ham, bacon, pastrami, sausages, hot dogs and luncheon meats are all considered processed meat.

What do butchers put in sausages? ›

"Sausages from specialty butchers use primal cuts like topside, chuck and brisket instead of trimmings. They're more expensive but they have a better flavour." "Cheaper sausages also contain filler known as sausage meal, usually made of wheat or rice flour," Puharich says.

How do you know if sausage is raw or just juicy? ›

Even though the sausage may be crispy on the outside, the inside may still be raw. To determine whether it's done, you can measure the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Sausages should reach 155–165°F (68–74°C).

How do you improve the texture of a sausage? ›

These are the three things we tell people when they ask us how to improve the funky texture of their homemade sausage:
  1. Start with the Third/Third/Third Grind. (courtesy Brad Lockwood) ...
  2. Use a Meat Mixer. (courtesy Hank Shaw) ...
  3. Add Non-Fat Milk Powder. (courtesy Brad Lockwood)

Why do you put baking soda in sausage? ›

Adding baking soda to the meat mixture yields a more cohesive, springier sausage. A small amount of onion, garlic, and paprika enhances but doesn't overpower the flavor of the meat.

Why do you put vinegar in sausage? ›

With dry sausages, vinegar does more than tenderize at the beginning and add flavor for enjoyment. It also may assist with preservation.

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