Ground beef and sausage are two versatile meats that can be combined to make delicious meals, The flavored fattiness of sausage perfectly complements the lean protein of ground beef But is it safe to cook raw ground beef and sausage together? What are some recipe ideas? Let’s find out,
Can You Cook Raw Ground Beef and Sausage Together?
Yes, you can absolutely cook raw ground beef and sausage together safely. The keys are ensuring proper internal temperatures are reached for each meat and avoiding cross-contamination.
Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any harmful bacteria like E, coli or salmonella Sausage should reach 165°F internally Use a food thermometer to verify temperatures,
Be sure to use separate utensils and platters for the raw and cooked meat to prevent bacterial spread. Always wash hands, surfaces, and tools after handling raw meats.
Cooking the ground beef and sausage together allows their flavors to mingle deliciously. Browning the meats together gives a fond that enhances the taste.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef and Sausage
Follow these tips when cooking ground beef and sausage together:
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Choose ground beef and sausages that complement each other. Pair spicy Italian sausage with lean beef or breakfast sausage with 80/20 ground chuck.
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Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until completely browned and crumbled.
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Drain excess grease after cooking. Pour into a fine mesh strainer and let drip 5 minutes before using in recipes.
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Add aromatics like garlic, onions, herbs or spices once the meat is almost cooked. This prevents burning.
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For soup or stew recipes, brown the meat before adding to the slow cooker or stock pot. Searing enhances flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of both meats reaches 165°F. Test in a few spots.
Delicious Recipe Ideas for Ground Beef and Sausage
From casseroles to pasta sauce, the flavor pairing options are endless! Here are some delicious recipes for ground beef and sausage:
1. Cheesy Skillet Lasagna
Brown 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb Italian sausage with onions and garlic. Mix with marinara, cooked lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan. Top with more cheese and bake.
2. Hearty Chili
Cook ground chuck and spicy chorizo sausage with onions, chili powder and cumin. Add tomatoes, beans, corn and seasonings. Top with avocado, cheese and sour cream.
3. Shepherd’s Pie
Sauté ground beef, sausage, carrots, peas and onions. Add to gravy, top with mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. Bake until bubbling and brown.
4. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Combine ground beef, sausage, cheese cubes and crumbled bacon in meatloaf. Glaze with ketchup, mustard and brown sugar. Serve with potato tots.
5. Breakfast Casserole
In a casserole dish, combine scrambled eggs, cheese, cooked ground beef and breakfast sausage. Add hashbrowns or tater tots. Bake and serve for brunch.
6. Beef and Sausage Soup
Simmer browned ground beef and kielbasa sausage in beef broth with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and spinach. Season with garlic, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.
Quick Tips for Cooking Frozen Ground Beef and Sausage
For convenience, many people freeze raw ground beef and sausage for later use. Here are some tips for cooking them together from frozen:
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It’s safe to cook frozen ground beef and sausage directly in the crockpot or instant pot. Just add 20-30 minutes to the recipe cooking time.
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For stove-top cooking, thaw meats overnight in the fridge before sautéing or simmering to prevent uneven cooking.
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Microwave each meat separately to partially thaw, stopping and breaking up chunks every few minutes. Then cook together.
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If pan-frying frozen meat, use medium heat and cook in batches. Turn frequently and break up any clumps as it thaws.
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Add a small amount of liquid like broth or water to help thaw and cook evenly. Check temperature with a meat thermometer.
Cooking up flavorful meals is easy with the dynamic duo of ground beef and sausage. Follow proper safety precautions, get creative with globally inspired spices, and enjoy convenient recipes utilizing meat from the freezer. Bon appetit!
Ep 102: Ground Beef & Sausage Mix
How do you cook ground beef & sausage together?
Ground beef should be cooked to 155 degrees Fahrenheit, while sausage should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To cook them together, simply brown the sausage and ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Be sure to stir and break up the meat until it has lost its pinkness.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Can you cook Italian sausage and ground beef together?
Yes, you can absolutely cook Italian sausage and ground beef together. In fact, many recipes call for both meats to be used together for added flavor and texture. When cooking them together, it’s important to make sure that each meat reaches its proper internal cooking temperature.
Can you freeze pork sausage & ground beef?
Ground beef, pork sausage and onions simmer together for about 20 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion is fragrant. Once cooled, divide your seasoned meat mixture into 2-cup portions and freeze for up to two months. Having a freezer stocked with this meal-starter recipe will make you a dinnertime hero time and time again.