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 | 2,430 kcal | FatSecret |
| Israeli Couscous (dry) | 7.5 oz | 750 kcal | FatSecret |
| Marinara Sauce | 42 oz | 672 kcal | Nutritionix |
| Parmesan Cheese | 9 tbsp (~4.5 oz) | 515 kcal | FatSecret |
| Italian Cheese Blend | 1.5 cups (~6 oz) | 672 kcal | FatSecret |
| Spinach | 15 oz | 100 kcal | FatSecret |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | 119 kcal | FatSecret |
| Tuscan Heat Spice | 3 tbsp | ~24 kcal | Estimated (varies slightly by brand) |
| Vidalia Onion Spice/Paste | 1.5 oz | ~30 kcal | Estimated |
| Total (for 6 servings) | 5,312 kcal | ||
| Per Serving | ~885 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 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
-
Prep and Assemble:
- Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Wash and dry produce.
- Remove sausage from casing if necessary and break into bite-size pieces in the oven-ready tray.
- Make the Tuscan Heat Spice and measure out 3 tbsp.
- Add couscous, marinara sauce, Italian cheese blend, stock concentrate (if using), Tuscan Heat Spice, and Vidalia onion paste. Mix well to combine.
- Top evenly with spinach, pressing it down slightly so no leaves hang over the edges.
-
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.
-
Uncover and Stir:
- Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and stir the mixture until spinach is fully combined.
-
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.
-
Serve:
- Divide the sausage couscous bake between shallow bowls or plates.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Ground pork is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 160°F.
💡 Notes
- Want a little extra zing? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished bowls.
- Substitute chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter version.