Fire up your Traeger and dive into these delicious Tex-Mex Sausage Boats, a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a mouthwatering mix of cream cheese, cheddar, candied jalapeños, and leftover steak, these sausage boats are sure to become a family favorite.
A NEW IDEA WITH SAUSAGE
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both hearty and quick to prepare, these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats cooked on the Traeger grill are a must-try. As a dad and teacher in Colorado, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to whip up after a long day.
These sausage boats are not only packed with flavor but also paleo and keto-friendly, making them a guilt-free option for the whole family. Whether you’re grilling in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, this recipe is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round.
SAUSAGE INTO BOATS- BRILLIANT
Sausage boats have been making the rounds on social media lately, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a creative way to transform simple sausage links into a loaded, flavor-packed dish. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and savory steak brings a Tex-Mex flair that’s hard to resist.
Cooking these sausage boats on the Traeger grill adds that signature smoky flavor, taking them to the next level. Plus, the grill ensures that the sausages cook evenly, while the cheese melts to perfection. These boats are ideal for a quick dinner but can also be served as an appetizer or part of a more elaborate BBQ feast.
WHAT INSPIRED THIS DISH
The idea for these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats came from seeing variations of stuffed sausages on social media over the past few months. While the concept of stuffing sausages isn’t new, I wanted to put my own twist on it by incorporating a Tex-Mex theme.
Living in Colorado, where bold flavors and hearty meals are a staple, I decided to bring together ingredients like candied jalapeños and leftover steak to create a dish that’s both satisfying and unique. This recipe is perfect for busy families who want something tasty, quick, and compatible with paleo and keto diets.
FOUR STAPLE INGREDIENTS (+ A LEFTOVER)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Start with whole, uncooked sausage links—choose your favorite type, whether it’s pork, beef, or chicken. Cream cheese is the base for the stuffing, providing a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the shredded cheddar cheese.
The chopped candied jalapeños add a sweet and spicy kick, while the leftover steak brings a depth of flavor and makes good use of any extra meat you might have in the fridge. The combination of these ingredients results in a stuffed sausage that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
A BIG FAN OF LEFTOVERS
Using leftovers to create your next family meal is not only practical but also a fantastic way to reduce waste and save time in the kitchen. Leftovers often get a bad rap, but they can actually be the starting point for a whole new dish that’s just as satisfying as the original. By “upcycling” leftovers—like turning last night’s steak into a flavorful filling for these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats—you’re making the most of the food you have, stretching your grocery budget further, and ensuring nothing goes to waste. Plus, when you combine leftovers with fresh ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can transform them into something that feels brand new and exciting.
The idea that leftovers are just reheated, less tasty versions of their former selves couldn’t be further from the truth. Leftovers can be the secret ingredient in creating something truly special, like how leftover pulled pork or grilled chicken can bring a smoky depth to a dish that freshly cooked meat might not. Repurposing leftovers into new meals also means you can spend less time cooking from scratch and more time enjoying dinner with your family. It’s a win-win—better for your wallet, better for the planet, and better for bringing delicious, inventive meals to the table with minimal effort.
VARIATIONS TO CONSIDER
There are endless ways to customize these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats on the Traeger to suit your taste or to make use of whatever leftovers you have on hand. Instead of steak, you could easily swap in pulled pork for a smoky, tender filling that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, spicy elements. If you have leftover grilled chicken or ground beef, either would make an excellent addition, adding different textures and flavors that keep the dish exciting. For a leaner option, ground turkey or shredded chicken can lighten things up while still delivering on taste.
If you’re looking to add more veggies or make a vegetarian version, consider using a mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms as the filling. The veggies can be seasoned with your favorite Tex-Mex spices, such as cumin and chili powder, to enhance the flavor. Black beans or crumbled tofu could also be used for added protein. You can even get creative with the cheeses—try mixing in pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for extra heat and creaminess. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to adapt it based on what you have available or what you’re craving.
EASY STEPS AND QUICK COOKING
Making these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats is as easy as it gets. First, prepare the sausages by slicing them open on one side, making sure to keep the ends intact so they can hold the filling. Once you’ve created a canoe-like shape, it’s time to mix the filling. Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then combine it with the shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and leftover steak in a bowl. The mixture should be well-blended and easy to scoop. Fill each sausage with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture, making sure to pack it in tightly. Top each boat with a little extra shredded cheese for that gooey finish. Place the stuffed sausages on a wire rack and into your Traeger grill preheated to 350°F. After about 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked sausage boats with melted cheese and a slightly crispy exterior.
PRIMARY INGREDIENTS
- Whole uncooked sausages (we used mild Italian, but any kind would work)
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Candied jalapenos
- Chopped leftover steak
- Spicy BBQ sauce for serving
WHY COOKING TEX-MEX SAUSAGE BOATS ON THE TRAEGER WORKS
The Traeger grill is ideal for cooking these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats because of its ability to maintain consistent heat and impart a smoky flavor that complements the richness of the filling. The grill’s even cooking ensures that the sausages cook through without drying out, while the indirect heat melts the cheese perfectly, creating a gooey, delicious topping. Plus, grilling adds a subtle char to the sausage casing, enhancing the overall texture and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned Traeger user or just getting started, this recipe is a great way to showcase the versatility and ease of pellet grilling.
STEP-BY-STEP
- Prepare the Sausages: Take the uncooked sausage links and slice them open on one side, making sure to leave the ends intact to create a “boat” shape.
Insert an image of sliced sausages laid out on a cutting board. - Make the Filling: Soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for about 20 seconds. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped candied jalapeños, and chopped leftover steak. Mix until well combined.
Insert an image of the mixed filling in a bowl. - Stuff the Sausages: Using a spoon or your hands, stuff each sausage boat with the cream cheese mixture, pressing it in to fill the entire cavity. Top each one with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
Insert an image of the stuffed sausages ready to go on the grill. - Grill the Sausage Boats: Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F. Place the stuffed sausages on a wire rack and set them on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Insert an image of the sausage boats on the Traeger grill, with the cheese melting. - Serve: Once cooked, remove the sausage boats from the grill and allow them to cool slightly. Transfer to a plate and drizzle with spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. Serve with a green salad or as part of a larger BBQ spread.
Insert an image of the finished Tex-Mex Sausage Boats plated and ready to eat.
Cut and shape into boats 
Stuff boats generously 
Stuff and top with more cheese
ALTERNATE RECIPES/PRODUCT LINKS
If you enjoyed these Tex-Mex Sausage Boats, you might also like these recipes:
- Griddled Sausage and Ravioli on the Traeger
- Jambalaya on the Flatrock
- Smoky Sweet and Heat Cheese Ball
- Smoked Green Chile Shotgun Shells
Products used in this cook:
- Traeger Ironwood – The grill that makes consistent, flavorful cooking a breeze.
- ThermoWorks Thermapen One – To ensure your sausages are cooked to perfection.
These Tex-Mex Sausage Boats are a fantastic addition to your weeknight meal rotation. With minimal prep and cooking time, they offer maximum flavor with a Tex-Mex twist. Whether you’re following a paleo or keto diet, or just looking for a tasty, easy meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try on your Traeger grill, and don’t forget to share your results with me on social media. I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!
Tex-Mex Sausage Boats on the Traeger Grill
Equipment
- Knife & cutting board
- Bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
- Traeger grill
Ingredients
- 8 whole uncooked sausage links
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped candied jalapeños
- 1/2 cup chopped leftover steak
- Optional: Spicy BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Traeger: Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Prepare Sausages: Slice each uncooked sausage link lengthwise on one side, keeping the ends intact. Use a gloved hand to gently press the cut sausage open to form a canoe shape with a divot in the middle.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped candied jalapeños, and chopped leftover steak. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Sausages: Fill each sausage boat with a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Grill: Place the stuffed sausage boats on a wire rack and set them on the Traeger grill. Cook for approximately 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sausage is fully cooked.
- Serve: Allow the sausage boats to cool briefly. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with spicy BBQ sauce for an extra Tex-Mex kick.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Serve these sausage boats with a fresh green salad or as part of a more elaborate BBQ spread.
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