Italian Sausage Recipe With Green Beans and Spinach is one of those simple meals that saves my weeknight again and again. It is hearty, colorful, and full of flavor, but it comes together in one pan with very little fuss. On busy evenings here in Carmel, when homework is spread across the table and I still have laundry waiting, this is the kind of dinner that feels doable. It is warm, filling, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This is one of my favorite ground sausage recipes for dinner because it checks all the right boxes.
- Quick and simple: You can have it on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Budget friendly: It uses basic ingredients, which makes it perfect for cheap dinners for a family.
- Healthy and balanced: You get protein and two green vegetables in one skillet, which makes it a great healthy dinner idea.
- One pan meal: Fewer dishes to wash at the end of a long day.
If you love easy sausage dinners, you might also enjoy my one pot Cajun sausage pasta or this cozy creamy Italian sausage tortellini recipe for another simple supper idea.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Italian sausage: The star of the dish. You can use mild or spicy, and ground sausage works best for quick cooking.
- Fresh green beans: They add a crisp bite and bright color.
- Fresh spinach: It wilts down and blends right into the sausage for extra nutrition.
- Olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly and adds flavor.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring warmth and depth.
- Onion: Adds sweetness as it softens in the pan.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need.
- Italian seasoning: Ties all the flavors together.
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the ground Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
- Add the trimmed green beans. Stir well, then cover the skillet. Let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they are tender but still bright.
- Add the fresh spinach. It will look like a lot, but it wilts quickly. Stir until it softens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust if needed. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- If you are looking for lazy dinners, use pre trimmed green beans to save time.
- You can turn this into one of your favorite dump and go crockpot dinners by browning the sausage first, then adding everything to the slow cooker on low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Swap spinach for kale if that is what you have on hand.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before serving for extra comfort.
- If you enjoy kielbasa recipes, you can slice smoked sausage instead of using ground sausage for a different texture.
- Serve it over rice or pasta to stretch it even further, like I do with my creamy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage on extra hungry nights.
Serving and Storage
Serve this Italian sausage recipe with green beans and spinach on its own for a low carb meal, or spoon it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. It makes wonderful quick dinner ideas for lunch the next day.
Italian Sausage Recipe With Green Beans and Spinach
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the trimmed green beans and stir well. Cover the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender but still bright.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans in this Italian sausage recipe with green beans and spinach?
Yes, you can. Frozen green beans work well if you are short on time. There is no need to thaw them first. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep the lid on the skillet so they soften properly. Drain off any extra liquid if needed before adding the spinach. It is a simple swap that still gives you a healthy dinner idea.
Is this a good option for cheap dinners for a family?
Absolutely. Ground sausage is often budget friendly, and green beans and spinach are easy to find year round. You can stretch the meal by serving it over rice or pasta. That makes it filling and affordable. It is one of those ground meat recipes that feels hearty without costing too much.
Can I make this ahead for busy weeknights?
Yes. You can cook everything earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. When dinner time comes, just reheat it in a skillet. It keeps its flavor and texture very well. This makes it perfect for quick dinner ideas when the evening feels rushed.
What other sausage recipes should I try next?
If your family enjoys this meal, you might like my easy corned beef recipe with Italian sausage or the comforting Cajun sausage with scalloped potatoes. They are both simple supper ideas that bring big flavor without complicated steps.
Final Thoughts from Ama
This Italian sausage recipe with green beans and spinach is proof that dinner does not have to be fancy to be good. A simple skillet, a few fresh ingredients, and a little time at the stove can bring everyone to the table. Even if your green beans are a little softer than planned, it will still taste wonderful. Around here, it is not about perfect plates. It is about feeding the people you love and knowing you did your best.