Place 1 pound of ground beef in a large mixing bowl.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

If using, add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the sausage tough.

Once the meat is seasoned, divide the mixture into portions.

Shape the portions into either patties or sausage links, depending on your preference.

For patties: Flatten each portion into a round shape.

For links: Roll the mixture into logs and tie the ends with kitchen twine to form links.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the sausage patties or links to the skillet.

Cook for 7-10 minutes on each side, or until the sausages are golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Once cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.

Serve them hot, or store them in the fridge for later use. You can slice, crumble, or serve them whole depending on the dish you're preparing.