Name: Stuffed Italian Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 Italian sausages (mild or hot, casings intact); 5 mozzarella cheese sticks or 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Juicy Italian sausages baked until golden and bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese, smothered in rich marinara sauce and finished with fresh herbs — a hearty, low-carb comfort dish. This recipe is bold, satisfying, and full of classic Italian flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Italian Sausage is the perfect blend of rich, cheesy indulgence and savory Italian herbs, all nestled in tender, seared sausage links. With no pasta or bread required, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for keto and gluten-free diets. It’s also quick to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausages (mild or hot, casings intact)
mozzarella cheese sticks or shredded mozzarella
marinara sauce
olive oil
dried basil
dried oregano
fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
With a sharp knife, carefully make a lengthwise slit in each sausage, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
Gently stuff each sausage with a mozzarella stick or about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the sausages for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the sausages in the skillet. Sprinkle with dried basil and oregano.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 410 kcal

Variations

Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Extra Cheesy: Top with additional mozzarella or parmesan before baking.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers to the skillet before baking.
Sauce Swap: Try pesto or a creamy tomato sauce for a twist.
Grilled Option: Grill the stuffed sausages, then finish in the oven with sauce for added smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave on medium power until heated through.
Freeze cooked sausages with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausages?

Yes, but reduce the oven baking time to about 10–15 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese and heat through.

What kind of mozzarella is best?

Low-moisture mozzarella sticks hold shape well, but shredded mozzarella offers a gooier texture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, suitable for most keto meal plans.

Can I make this without an oven-safe skillet?

Yes, sear sausages in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish to finish in the oven.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely — sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers complement the dish well.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Be careful not to overstuff the sausages and sear them gently to help seal the opening before baking.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Pair with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or low-carb bread for a complete meal.

Can I substitute sausage types?

Yes, try bratwurst, chicken sausage, or even spicy chorizo for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it fully cooked with sauce. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

Stuffed Italian Sausage is a quick and satisfying dish that brings bold flavor and hearty comfort to your dinner table. With its cheesy center, rich marinara sauce, and tender sausage, it’s an effortless meal that feels indulgent yet fits into low-carb or gluten-free lifestyles. Whether for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, this recipe delivers every time.

Stuffed Italian Sausage

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Juicy Italian sausages baked until golden and bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese, smothered in rich marinara sauce and finished with fresh herbs — a hearty, low-carb comfort dish.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Units Scale

5 Italian sausages (mild or hot, casings intact)
5 mozzarella cheese sticks or 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit in each sausage without cutting all the way through.
Carefully stuff each sausage with a mozzarella stick or a generous amount of shredded mozzarella.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear sausages for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Pour marinara sauce over the sausages in the skillet. Sprinkle with dried basil and oregano.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sausages are fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.