Homemade Italian Turkey Sausage (Low Fat) - Healthy & Flavorful Recipe
This Homemade Italian Turkey Sausage is a lean, healthy, and flavorful alternative to traditional sausage. Packed with aromatic spices like garlic, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes, this low-fat recipe delivers all the taste without the guilt. Perfect for pasta dishes, casseroles, or as a protein-packed addition to any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey extra lean works great, but any type will do!
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated garlic yes, the pre-grated stuff from the tube works too!
- 1 tablespoon homemade Italian seasoning blend
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 to 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds crush them yourself for an extra burst of flavor!
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste if you like it spicier!
- 2 teaspoons olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mix It Up: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, crushed fennel seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything until well combined. Don’t overwork it—you want the texture to stay light and airy.
- Pro Tip: Want to save time? Prep the mixture ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This lets the flavors meld together even more.
- Cook It Low and Slow: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the sausage mixture. Break it apart with a wooden spatula as it cooks, creating crumbles. Keep stirring occasionally until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor: Once the sausage is done, pour in a splash of broth, water, or white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up those golden brown bits stuck to the bottom—they’re packed with flavor! Trust me; this step makes all the difference.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage mixture a day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Deglazing Tip: After cooking, deglaze the pan with broth, water, or white wine to capture extra flavor from the browned bits at the bottom of the skillet.
- Customization: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes according to your preference.