Sausage with tomato-based sauce
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a savory, protein-rich dish of cooked sausage simmered in a vibrant, tangy tomato-based sauce. The sausage offers a firm, juicy bite, while the sauce is typically smooth, slightly sweet, and acidic, coating the meat in a glossy, flavorful layer. Nutritionally, it's a high-protein, high-fat option with minimal carbohydrates, making it a hearty, energy-dense meal.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore this dish for its deeply satisfying umami flavor profile—the savory, spiced sausage meat perfectly balanced by the bright, sweet acidity of the tomato sauce. It's a versatile comfort food that can be served over pasta, with rice, in a sandwich, or as a standalone main course.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and sodium content, common in processed sausages, can be a concern for heart health and blood pressure management. To counteract this, choose lower-sodium sausage varieties, drain excess fat after browning, and pair the dish with a large portion of steamed or roasted vegetables to increase fiber and volume without adding significant calories or sodium.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Provides dietary fat for satiety and energy.
- Contains lycopene from tomatoes, a potent antioxidant.
- Low in carbohydrates, suitable for low-carb dietary patterns.
- Quick and convenient source of calories and nutrients.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The classic French dish Cassoulet, a slow-cooked casserole of sausage, meat, and white beans, is a subject of fierce regional rivalry, with the towns of Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, and Toulouse each claiming to have the authentic recipe.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 62.1 g |
| Energy | 234 kcal |
| Protein | 13.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 19.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.40 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 16.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 112 mg |
| Potassium, K | 327 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 863 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.18 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.16 mg |
| Folate, total | 3.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 3.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 3.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 46.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.68 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 26.0 ug |
| Retinol | 20.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 74.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 3944 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 7.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.80 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.23 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.9 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.9 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 8.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.39 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.23 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 60.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is sausage with tomato sauce a healthy meal?
It can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein but also typically high in saturated fat and sodium. The tomato sauce adds lycopene. Balance it by serving with plenty of vegetables and choosing leaner sausage options when possible.
How can I reduce the fat content?
After browning the sausage, drain off the rendered fat before adding the tomato sauce. You can also opt for turkey or chicken sausage, which are generally lower in fat than traditional pork varieties.
What can I serve with it?
It pairs well with starchy sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it over zucchini noodles or alongside a large green salad or roasted vegetables.