A good Italian sausage sandwich is messy in the best way: a crusty roll, browned sausage, hot marinara, and cheese melted until it bubbles. This Italian sausage sandwich recipe takes about 30 minutes, uses one skillet and a broiler, and works for weeknights, game days, and feeding a hungry crowd.
A Note on the Name
This recipe was previously published on this site under a regional nickname that is also an ethnic slur, so we have renamed it. The sandwich itself is popular in parts of the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota: Italian sausage cooked with marinara, piled onto a crusty roll, and topped with melted cheese. It is also a close cousin of the sausage-and-peppers sandwiches sold at street fairs and delis across the US.
What Goes on the Roll
- 4 Italian sausages (or 1 lb ground beef): sweet or hot, whichever you like
- 1 cup marinara sauce: store-bought or homemade
- 4 hoagie rolls or French bread slices: choose a sturdy, crusty roll
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: sautéed onions, bell peppers, or pepperoni
Make It: Six Steps
- Cook the meat. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Slit the sausage casings and squeeze out the meat (or use ground beef), then crumble it into the pan and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain off the excess grease.
- Add the marinara. Stir in the marinara and Italian seasoning and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until thick and the flavors blend.
- Prep the rolls. Split the hoagie rolls or French bread lengthwise, pull out a little of the soft center, and toast them lightly in the oven or in a skillet.
- Assemble. Spoon the meat and sauce onto the bottom halves, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add any optional toppings, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or pepperoni.
- Melt the cheese. Set the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely.
- Serve. Top with the other half of the roll and serve right away, with plenty of napkins.
What to Serve With It
- A crisp salad with Italian vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Fries or potato wedges for a pub-style meal.
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or peppers.
- A bowl of soup, like minestrone or tomato. For game day, add a bowl of our spinach dip.
Sandwich Fixes
- Soggy roll: toast the cut sides first and scoop out a little of the soft center so the sauce has somewhere to go.
- Greasy filling: drain the sausage fat before adding the marinara, and blot the cooked meat on paper towels if needed.
- Undercooked sausage: cook it until it reaches 160°F (71°C), as the USDA’s safe temperature chart lists for ground meats. Poultry sausage needs 165°F.
- Watery cheese: use low-moisture mozzarella rather than fresh, which releases more liquid.
- Burnt cheese: broil about 6 inches from the element and watch it. It goes from bubbly to scorched in under a minute.
Make Ahead, Store, Freeze
- The filling: keep the cooked sausage and marinara in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, separate from the rolls. Reheat until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C).
- Freezing: the filling freezes well for 2 to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
- The sandwiches: assemble and broil them fresh. Assembled sandwiches turn soggy within the hour.
Mix and Match: Variations
The base is flexible. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Sausage and peppers: sauté sliced bell peppers and onion and pile them on top.
- Extra spicy: use hot Italian sausage, add red pepper flakes, and top with pickled hot cherry peppers.
- Meatball style: replace the sausage crumbles with meatballs simmered in the marinara.
- Lighter: use chicken or turkey Italian sausage and cook it to 165°F (74°C).
- Cheese swap: provolone gives a classic deli flavor, and fontina melts beautifully.
- Gluten-friendly: use gluten-free rolls, and check the sausage and marinara labels.
Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe Card
Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcalA Minnesota favorite, this Italian sausage sandwich recipe is a delicious Italian sausage patty served on crusty bread, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
4 Italian sausages (or 1 lb ground beef)
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 hoagie rolls or French bread slices
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional toppings: sautéed onions, bell peppers, or pepperoni
Directions
- Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
If using Italian sausages, remove the casings and cook the meat until browned and cooked through. If using ground beef, cook until fully browned.
Drain any excess grease. - Add Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat.
Stir in Italian seasoning and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Prepare the Buns
Slice the hoagie rolls or French bread in half lengthwise.
If desired, lightly toast the buns in the oven or on a skillet for extra crunch. - Assemble the Sandwiches
Spoon the meat and marinara mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Add optional toppings like sautéed onions or peppers if desired. - Melt the Cheese
Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, top with the other half of the bun, and serve immediately. 
Notes
- You can make this recipe spicier by using hot Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes.
Great served with a side of fries, salad, or roasted veggies.
Substitute gluten-free bread to make it gluten-friendly.
Seconds, Anyone?
Great sandwiches do not need much: crusty bread, a well-seasoned filling, and cheese melted until it bubbles. This Italian sausage sandwich recipe delivers all three in about 30 minutes, and the filling keeps well, so it is easy to make ahead. If you try it, leave a comment and tell me how you built yours.
More Hearty Dinners
- Indoor Grill Recipes, juicy burgers to serve on game day
- Spinach Dip: 5 Easy Recipes, a creamy starter for the same table
- Salisbury Steak Recipe With Ground Chicken, another comforting dinner
