Stuffed Italian Sausage with Cheesy Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you have a craving for something hearty, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavors, this Stuffed Italian Sausage with Cheesy Tomato Sauce Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy Italian sausages sliced open and filled with a luscious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbling perfection in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. It’s comfort food elevated with a touch of elegance, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to a meal that feels warm and satisfying down to your toes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture, from the savory sausage to the creamy cheeses and bright, slightly sweet tomato sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful recipe at home.

• 5 Italian sausage links (19 ounces/538 g total): Choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor; mild or spicy depending on your preference.
• 1 1/2 cups (153 g) shredded low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese, divided: This cheese melts beautifully and gives a gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup (117 g) ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the tang of the tomato sauce.
• 1/4 cup (19 g) finely shredded Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the overall flavor with a nutty, salty kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus more for sprinkling: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian charm.
• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) tomato sauce: Use a rich, flavorful sauce to complement the sausages and cheese without overpowering them.

How to Make Stuffed Italian Sausage with Cheesy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Getting your oven properly preheated ensures that the sausages will cook evenly and the cheese topping melts into a perfect golden layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended cheesy mixture. This filling will be the creamy heart inside each sausage.

Step 3: Create “Boats” from the Sausages

Take a small paring knife and cut a slit lengthwise down each sausage, about halfway through its thickness, leaving about half an inch intact at both ends. Gently press open these slits with your fingers to form a little boat-shaped cavity, the perfect home for the cheese stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff the Sausages

Using a spoon or your fingers, fill each sausage cavity with the prepared cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in so you get a melty, cheesy surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Arrange and Add the Tomato Sauce

Place the stuffed sausages neatly in the center of a 9 x 13-inch metal baking pan. Pour the tomato sauce all around them, letting the vibrant red sauce nestle the sausages for a flavorful bake.

Step 6: Top with the Remaining Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the sausages, then dust them with a little extra Italian seasoning. This step adds a beautiful, bubbly, and fragrant cheese crust that’s hard to resist.

Step 7: Bake Until Juicy and Perfectly Melted

Pop the pan into the oven and bake uncovered for 21 to 23 minutes, or until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71.1 degrees Celsius). Your kitchen will start to smell incredible, and the sauce will be bubbling happily around the sausages.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the sausages rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the juices redistribute and makes serving a little easier, so your cheesy sausage boats stay intact and gooey.

How to Serve Stuffed Italian Sausage with Cheesy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of green and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce. If you love a little heat, some red pepper flakes offer a gentle kick without stealing the spotlight.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread, which soaks up every last bit of cheesy tomato goodness, or a crisp mixed green salad to lighten the meal with refreshing crunch and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the stuffed sausages and serve them atop creamy polenta or buttered pasta. You can even stuff smaller sausages or use them as a hearty topping for a baked potato. The possibilities to impress your guests are endless with this versatile recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, preserving the juicy sausage and cheesy sauce flavors.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, place cooled stuffed sausages and sauce in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. For the best flavor, enjoy within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep the cheese creamy and the sausages juicy. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring sauce occasionally to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will give the dish an extra kick and a wonderful depth of flavor. Just be mindful of how much heat you want before adding extra seasoning.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Most Italian sausages and tomato sauces are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check labels to avoid any hidden gluten. This recipe itself contains no gluten ingredients.

Can I prepare this dish without ricotta cheese?

While ricotta adds creaminess, you can substitute it with cream cheese or omit it entirely, though the texture will be slightly different. Adding a little extra mozzarella can help maintain that cheesy richness.

How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

The safest and most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71.1 degrees Celsius) to ensure the sausages are cooked through and safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed sausages and arrange them in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just add the cheese topping and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like biting into a juicy sausage bursting with melty, cheesy filling and swimming in a vibrant tomato sauce to make your taste buds sing. This Stuffed Italian Sausage with Cheesy Tomato Sauce Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners and special gatherings alike. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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