What Are Beef Merguez Sausages? And 3 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Them

If you're a fan of bold flavours and hearty dishes, you've probably encountered merguez sausages. Traditionally made with lamb or beef, these spicy, red sausages hail from the Maghreb region of North Africa—encompassing countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They're renowned for their fiery kick, thanks to ingredients like harissa, cumin, and paprika.

At Copas Farm Shop, we offer premium beef merguez sausages crafted with care and quality ingredients. You might wonder, why choose beef merguez over a regular sausage? The difference comes down to the spices: beef merguez is packed with North African seasonings that give it a smoky, aromatic heat, making it far more flavourful than a standard sausage. Whether you're new to this flavourful sausage or a seasoned fan, here are three fantastic ways to enjoy them.

1. Classic Grilled Merguez with Couscous

Grilling is the traditional method for cooking merguez, allowing the spices to caramelise and infuse the meat with smoky goodness. Serve your grilled sausages with a side of couscous—its light, fluffy texture complements the rich, spicy flavours of the merguez.

Ingredients:

• Beef merguez sausages

• 200g couscous

• Olive oil

• Fresh coriander

• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Grill the sausages for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to package instructions.

4. Fluff the couscous with a fork, drizzle with olive oil, and stir in chopped fresh coriander.

5. Serve the grilled sausages atop the couscous with lemon wedges on the side.

2. Merguez and Vegetable Skewers

For a fun and interactive meal, thread chunks of beef merguez sausages and your favourite vegetables onto skewers. Grill them to perfection for a colourful and tasty dish that's perfect for sharing.

Ingredients:

• Beef merguez sausages

• Bell peppers, cut into chunks

• Red onions, cut into wedges

• Cherry tomatoes

• Olive oil

• Dried oregano

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.

3. Thread the sausage pieces and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between them.

4. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

5. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

You may ask, can these sausages be cooked indoors if you don’t have a grill? Absolutely. Pan-frying or baking them in the oven works just as well. The key is to cook them evenly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

3. Merguez Sausage Flatbread Pizza

For a quick and modern twist, why not try merguez sausages on a flatbread pizza? The spicy sausage pairs beautifully with creamy cheese and fresh vegetables for a flavour-packed meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Beef merguez sausages

• 1 flatbread or naan

• 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red pepper, sliced

• 50g cherry tomatoes, halved

• Handful of fresh rocket

• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F.

2. Slice the sausages and lightly fry in a pan for 3–4 minutes until just browned.

3. Place the flatbread on a baking tray and drizzle lightly with olive oil.

4. Spread the mozzarella evenly over the flatbread, then top with sausage slices, red onion, red pepper, and cherry tomatoes.

5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

6. Remove from the oven and top with fresh rocket before serving.

Sometimes people ask themselves, what makes merguez sausages so special in recipes? The answer is the combination of spices—they release a unique aroma when cooked and infuse everything around them with a rich, warm flavour, making even simple dishes taste extraordinary.

Beef merguez sausages are a versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal with their bold flavours. Light grains like couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement the sausages without overpowering their spicy, robust taste.

If you’re tempted to try beef merguez sausages for yourself, we stock them as part of our Regular and Premium Copas Beef Box. Each box includes a selection of premium cuts, including 600g of our juicy beef merguez sausages, perfect for grilling, skewers, or flatbread pizza. Take a look here to order your box and bring a taste of North Africa straight to your kitchen.

Whether grilled, skewered, or baked on a flatbread, beef merguez brings bold, exotic flavours to your table.

The Copas Farm Shop Team