Cajun-Style Beef Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Ground Beef (93% or leaner)
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Cooking:

1. Combine all ingredients in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

2. To make patties, lightly shape sausage mixture into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add patties; cook 10 to 12 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.

3. To make crumbles, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add sausage mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.