Once in a while a deal so good comes along that you just can’t pass it up. That’s how I felt when my local grocery store was running a buy 1 get 1 free promotion on Johnsonville Italian sausage. I was disappointed to find after trying 2 different stores that they were completely sold out!  But I had the presence of mind to get a rain check for 4 deals with which I was still able to use my coupons.  Making this a deal not to be missed!!

The following week I was able to find the Johnsonville sausage and use my coupons and rain check. Now I had 8 packages and only paid for 4, and the 4 I paid for were $1 off.  With my freezer stocked it was time to come up with some recipes for using my find.  Here’s the first one I came up with.

Pot of hot Italian sausage ragout simmering on the stove

Hot Italian Sausage Ragout:
In a heavy pot over medium heat add 1 small onion chopped and 3-4 cloves of garlic minced or grated in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.  Once the vegetables are soft add 1 pound of ground Johnsonville Italian Hot sausage and brown completely.  Season with salt and pepper.  Once the meat is browned add 1 large can of crushed tomatoes and let simmer.  The longer you let it simmer the richer the flavor will be.  If you like you can deglaze the pan before adding the tomatoes with red wine or beef broth and then simmer.  I would simmer the sauce for at least 2 hours, longer if possible.
I chose to serve the sauce over polenta but you can have it over pasta too.

Johnsonville Hot Italian sausage has just the right amount of heat to it so there is really no need for extra seasoning.  Crushed red pepper flakes and fennel seeds give the sausage a truly authentic flavor, and can be used for many dishes making this one versatile meat option!!  It can be used in a sauce or to top your pizza. Or you could make some kicking sloppy joes or Italian style meatballs.  Use your imagination, I’m sure you can come up with some way to use Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausage.
Have an idea already? Feel free to share it in the comments.

Even if you don’t have a great buy 1 get 1 free deal with added coupon savings Johnsonville sausage is always a great deal for a quick meal!