Pork Sausage Couscous Bowls
Overview
Hearty Italian sausage simmers with springy pearl couscous, marinara, spinach, herbs, and a blend of melty Italian cheeses — all baked together in a single oven tray for a delicious, no-fuss meal. Topped with Parmesan and ready in just about 35 minutes, this cozy dish brings maximum comfort with minimal cleanup. Toss the empty tray when you’re done — dinner made easy!
This meal is inspired by Hello Fresh, which we originally used to make this in the past.
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: ~10 minutes
- Cook Time: ~40 minutes
Estimated Calories & Sources
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Pork Sausage | 27 oz (765 g) | ~2,430 kcal | FatSecret |
| Pearl Couscous | 7.5 oz (213 g) | ~750 kcal | FatSecret |
| Marinara Sauce | 42 oz (1.2 kg) | ~840 kcal | FatSecret |
| Spinach | 15 oz (425 g) | ~100 kcal | FatSecret |
| Parmesan Cheese | 9 tbsp (2.7 oz / 75 g) | ~285 kcal | FatSecret |
| Italian Cheese Blend | 1.5 cups (6 oz / 170 g) | ~480 kcal | Estimated (varies by brand) |
| Olive Oil | ~2 tbsp (28 g) | ~240 kcal | FatSecret |
| Vidalia Onion Spice | 1.5 oz (42 g) | ~120 kcal | Estimated (seasoning blend, varies by brand) |
| Tuscan Heat Spice | 3 tbsp (24 g) | ~40 kcal | Estimated |
Total (approx): 5,285 kcal
Per serving (6 servings): ~880 kcal
Ingredients
Produce
- 15 oz spinach
Pantry
- 42 oz marinara sauce
- 3 tbsp Tuscan Heat Spice
- 1.5 oz Vidalia Onion Spice (or paste)
- 7.5 oz Israeli (pearl) couscous
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 1 large oven-ready baking tray
Dairy
- 9 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups Italian cheese blend
Protein
- 27 oz Italian pork sausage
Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Assemble
- Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Wash and dry produce.
- Remove sausage from casing (if needed) and break into bite-size pieces directly in the oven-ready tray.
- Make Tuscan Heat Spice (if homemade) and measure out 3 tbsp.
- Add couscous, marinara sauce, Italian cheese blend, Tuscan Heat Spice, and Vidalia onion paste to the tray. Mix well to combine.
- Top evenly with spinach, pressing it down so no leaves hang over the edges.
Step 2: Bake Covered
- Cover the tray tightly with foil.
- Bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes, until couscous is tender and sausage is almost cooked through.
Step 3: Uncover & Stir
- Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam).
- Stir the mixture until spinach is fully combined.
Step 4: Finish Baking
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10–12 minutes, until sausage is fully cooked and cheese is melted and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Divide the sausage couscous bake between shallow bowls or plates.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Ground pork is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- For a zesty kick, squeeze fresh lemon over the finished bowls.
- Swap in chicken sausage for a lighter version.