Italian sausage is usually flavored with garlic and fennel seed.  There are two kinds available:  hot Italian sausage and sweet Italian sausage.  Hot Italian sausage contain hot red peppers.  Sweet Italian sausage leaves them out.

Cooked link sausage can be frozen up to 2 months.  Make sure you defrost it before you use for cooking.

This is an easy to make slow cooker recipe that you can make in the morning and have for dinner!

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
1 (9 oz) package of refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini (or whatever flavor you’d like)
2 cups mozzarella cheese

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage and drain. Combine the ground meats, marinara sauce, and tomatoes in a slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 7-8 hours.

Stir in the tortellini and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook for 15 more minutes on low or until the tortellini is tender.

I’ve had two sick kids this week, and this easy to make recipe is a life saver for times like these.

1 bag (25 oz) frozen Italian style sausage filled ravioli, thawed
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1 jar roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce
1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

Heat over to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except cheese and Italian seasoning. Put into a 8 inch square (2qt) glass baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake 40 - 50 minutes until heated and bubbly.

This easy to make recipe is a big hit in my house!

1 lb Italian sausage
1/2 cup pepperoni
1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
1/2 cup water
1 bag frozen potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Cook sausage until no longer pink. Stir in pepperoni and cook for 2 minutes. Drain.

Stir in pizza sauce, water, and potatoes. Cover and cook 10 - 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Sprinkle cheese over the top. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.