The start of a new school year often comes with a whirlwind of activity—early alarms, after-school practices, homework marathons, and a calendar that never seems to slow down. As parents know, one of the toughest weeknight challenges is getting a hearty, delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where southern meats and sausage from Stripling’s General Store can save the day, offering rich flavor, minimal prep, and meals that bring the family together, even on the busiest evenings.

For generations, families across the South have turned to Stripling’s General Store for southern meats and sausage that deliver rich, authentic flavor with minimal fuss. From our famous smoked sausage to ready-to-cook favorites, Stripling’s products make it easy to whip up satisfying meals that the whole family will love, fast.

Why Stripling’s General Store is a Weeknight Hero

When life is busy, you don’t want to sacrifice quality for convenience. Stripling’s General Store is known for its old-fashioned, slow-cured southern meats and sausage, prepared the same way we’ve been making them for decades. Our smoked sausage, bacon, and other meats come pre-seasoned with deep, smoky flavor, so you don’t have to spend hours marinating or slow-cooking. They also cook quickly—most items are ready in under 30 minutes—and are incredibly versatile. You can toss sausage into pasta, stir-fry it with fresh vegetables, or serve it alongside biscuits and gravy for a comforting breakfast-for-dinner. With products this flavorful and adaptable, dinner practically makes itself.

Recipe 1: Smoked Sausage & Veggie Sheet Pan Supper

If you can turn on the oven, you can make this meal. This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and lets the oven do all the work.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 lb Stripling’s smoked sausage links, sliced into 1-inch rounds
  
  
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  
  
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  
  
• 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
  
  
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
  
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
  
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   
   
2. On a large baking sheet, toss potatoes, peppers, and onion with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
   
3. Spread vegetables in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.
   
   
4. Add the sliced Stripling’s smoked sausage to the pan, stir, and roast for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
   
   
5. Serve hot, straight from the pan.
   
   

Why it works for busy nights: Minimal prep, one pan to wash, and it’s a complete meal with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one—thanks to the rich, smoky taste of southern meats and sausage from Stripling’s.

Recipe 2: Southern Sausage & Cheese Grits Bowls

This one is comfort food at its finest—perfect for a chilly evening or a “breakfast-for-dinner” night.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 lb Stripling’s fresh pan sausage (mild or hot)
  
  
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  
  
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
  
  
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  
  
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook Stripling’s fresh pork sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove from heat and keep warm.
   
   
2. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
   
3. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar until creamy.
   
   
4. Divide grits into bowls, top with sausage, and sprinkle with green onions.
   
   

Why it works for busy nights: Grits cook quickly, and the bold, savory flavor of southern meats and sausage from Stripling’s General Store turns this into a filling, crowd-pleasing dinner in under 20 minutes.

Lunchbox-Friendly Ideas with Stripling’s

Quick dinners are a lifesaver, but back-to-school season also means packing lunches five days a week. Stripling’s General Store products aren’t just great for dinner—they make lunchtime easier and tastier, too. You can create sausage and cheese skewers by alternating chunks of Stripling’s summer sausage with cheddar cubes and cherry tomatoes for a fun, finger-food lunch. Mini sausage wraps are another easy option—just roll slices of summer sausage with shredded cheese in a tortilla, then wrap in foil for a portable, mess-free meal. For something a little different, try a southern-style pasta salad by tossing cooked pasta with diced summer sausage, peas, cheddar, and a light ranch dressing. Or go for a breakfast-for-lunch box by packing bite-sized sausage patties, a boiled egg, fruit, and a mini muffin for a protein-packed midday meal. With southern meats and sausage from Stripling’s General Store, lunchboxes can have the same homemade flavor as your weeknight dinners.

Tips for Faster Weeknight Cooking

Cooking with Stripling’s General Store products already saves time, but there are even more ways to keep weeknights running smoothly. Prepping ahead on weekends—like slicing sausage, chopping onions, or portioning ingredients—can make weekday cooking a breeze. Keeping sides simple, such as pairing Stripling’s meats with pre-washed salad greens, instant mashed potatoes, or frozen vegetables, cuts down on time. One-pot or sheet-pan meals minimize cleanup, while batch cooking smoked sausage early in the week means you can easily add it to pasta, omelets, or wraps later. For families with kids, getting them involved—whether it’s assembling their own sausage wraps or helping make veggie-sausage skewers—can make mealtime fun and interactive. For the quickest meal ever, order our ready-to-serve smoked Boston butts or smoked ribs and have them delivered straight to your door.

Bringing Southern Flavor to the School Year

There’s something special about a meal that feels like home—one that brings everyone to the table, even if just for a quick 20 minutes before the next activity. Stripling’s General Store makes it possible to enjoy that kind of meal during the busiest season of the year, without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Whether you’re whipping up a sheet pan supper, serving warm cheese grits, packing a lunchbox full of kid-approved sausage snacks, or trying a new recipe with southern meats and sausage, you’ll be giving your family more than just dinner—you’ll be giving them comfort, tradition, and a taste of the South.

This back-to-school season, stock up on your favorites from Stripling’s General Store and turn those hectic weekdays into moments worth savoring—proof that with the right southern meats and sausage, good food can fit into even the busiest schedule.