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Savory Grilled Sausage Grinders with Easy Homemade Zesty Tomato Sauce

grilled sausage grinders - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for smoky grilled sausage sandwiches served with a vibrant, zesty homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings or a satisfying solo meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian pork sausage links (or your favorite variety)
  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns (about 6 inches each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • About 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves just before finishing the sauce.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Lightly oil the grill pan if using.
  5. Grill sausage links for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). Avoid piercing the casing.
  6. Toast hoagie rolls cut side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and warm.
  7. Assemble grinders by placing a grilled sausage in each roll, spooning generous amounts of tomato sauce over the sausage, and optionally sprinkling with grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Do not pierce sausage casings to retain juices. Toast rolls before assembling to prevent sogginess. Sauce can be made ahead and tastes better the next day. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled sausage, sausage grinders, homemade tomato sauce, easy sandwich, summer cookout, zesty sauce, hoagie rolls