Minnesota Potato Sausage Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

Hearty, flavorful, and rooted in tradition, Minnesota Potato Sausage is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family meals or preserving through canning.

A blend of pork, beef, potatoes, and mild spices, this Scandinavian-inspired sausage is especially popular around the holidays—but it’s too good not to enjoy year-round.

How to Make Canned Minnesota Potato Sausage

This recipe brings together classic ingredients in a simple preparation process. Once cooked, the sausage can be canned and stored for future meals—ready to reheat and serve in minutes.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground pork

• 1 lb ground beef

• 2 cups raw potatoes, peeled and finely grated

• 1 medium onion, finely grated

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp allspice (optional, for traditional flavor)

• Natural sausage casings (optional, for traditional shape)

• 1/4 cup water (to moisten mixture)

For Canning (After Cooking):

• Sterilized pint or quart jars

• Pressure canner

• Lids and rings

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30–45 minutes

Canning Time: 75 minutes (pint jars), 90 minutes (quart jars)

Total Time: Around 2.5 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Peel and grate potatoes and onion.

• Combine grated veggies with ground pork, beef, salt, pepper, and allspice in a large bowl.

• Add water to help bind the mixture.

2. Form or Stuff the Sausage

• If using casings: soak them in warm water, rinse, and stuff them with the meat mixture using a sausage stuffer.

• If not using casings: shape into large sausage logs or patties by hand.

3. Cook the Sausage

• Place sausages in a large pot of simmering water. Do not boil. Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes until cooked through.

• Remove and let cool slightly.

4. Pack into Jars

• Cut the cooked sausage into pieces that fit inside your jars.

• Pack sausage into sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.

• Optional: add a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid to each jar.

5. Pressure Can

• Seal jars with lids and rings.

• Process in a pressure canner at 10 PSI:

  • 75 minutes for pint jars

  • 90 minutes for quart jars

• Let pressure release naturally, then remove jars and let cool.

Storage & Shelf Life

Pantry Storage:
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

After Opening:
Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 3–4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Reheating Instructions:
Gently reheat sausage in a skillet with a little water or butter, or microwave until warmed through.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam

• Pair with sauerkraut or roasted vegetables

• Add to breakfast plates with eggs and toast

Portion Guide:

• 1 pint jar = 2 servings

• 1 quart jar = 4 servings

Allergy Guide

Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Dairy-Free:
This dish contains no dairy ingredients.

Low-Sodium Tip:
You can reduce the salt to fit low-sodium diets.

Whether you’re embracing family traditions or simply craving something hearty and homemade, this Minnesota Potato Sausage recipe is a must-try. With canning, you’ll always have a comforting meal on hand—any time of year.