Savory Herb and Sausage Thanksgiving Stuffing
Discover the delight of the ultimate Thanksgiving Stuffing! This beloved family recipe dates back to November 1978, when it transformed a stuffing skeptic into a devoted fan at a memorable wedding rehearsal dinner. Featuring a scrumptious blend of seasoned ground meat and vegetables, all enveloped in wholesome whole wheat bread, this stuffing captivates every palate. Our homemade herb blend enhances each bite, while the versatility of this dish allows for traditional turkey stuffing or a crispy baked casserole. With numerous variations, from earthy mushrooms to crunchy water chestnuts, there's something to please everyone. Perfect as a holiday side or a comforting dish any day of the year, it's no wonder that my seven children would love to savor it all year round!
12
Servings
183
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground meat
1 lb (Choose from beef, venison, turkey, pork, or Italian sausage.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped)
Celery
4 stalks (Diced)
Whole wheat bread
1 loaf (1 lb) (Cubed including crust)
Butter
1 cup (Melted)
Milk or water
1/2 cup (Optional for moisture)
Poultry seasoning
to taste (A combination of sage, pepper, thyme, and tarragon)
Salt & pepper
to taste (Adjust according to preference)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
2
While the meat is browning, cube the whole wheat bread and place it in a very large mixing bowl.
3
Drizzle the melted butter over the bread cubes and toss them gently until well coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and diced celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
5
Pour the meat and vegetable mixture over the buttered bread cubes, tossing well to ensure even distribution.
6
If you prefer a moister stuffing, add the milk or water and mix until combined. Omit this step for a drier stuffing.
7
Season the mixture generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, based on your preference. Toss again to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly.
8
To prepare for baking, decide if you’d like to stuff the turkey or bake separately. For stuffing, gently fill the rinsed and salted turkey cavity, cooking immediately as the turkey roasts.
9
If baking, spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-45 minutes or until edges are crisp and golden.
10
For any stuffing that doesn't fit into the turkey, place it in a small greased casserole dish and bake alongside the turkey.
11
Feel free to experiment with variations by adding mushrooms when browning the meat, sprinkling in cornmeal with the bread, or folding in chopped water chestnuts for added crunch.
12
For picky eaters, sauté the onions and celery in a separate pan until transparent, then blend them with the melted butter and pour this mixture over the bread and meat for a smooth incorporation of flavors.
13
For leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave and enjoy the rich flavors once more.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe?
This beloved family recipe dates back to November 1978, when it was first served at a wedding rehearsal dinner and transformed a stuffing skeptic into a fan.
What types of meat can be used in this stuffing?
You can use one pound of ground beef, venison, turkey, pork, or Italian sausage.
Can I use this recipe to stuff a turkey?
Yes, you can gently fill the rinsed and salted turkey cavity with the mixture and cook it immediately as the turkey roasts.
How do I bake this as a separate casserole?
Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 45 minutes until the edges are golden.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F.
How long does the stuffing take to bake in the oven?
It takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the stuffing to become crisp and golden.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one loaf (1 lb) of whole wheat bread, cubed including the crust.
How much butter is used in the stuffing?
The recipe requires one cup of melted butter.
How can I make the stuffing moister?
You can add 1/2 cup of milk or water to the mixture if you prefer a moister stuffing.
What specific herbs are in the poultry seasoning blend?
The homemade herb blend typically includes a combination of sage, pepper, thyme, and tarragon.
Are there any suggested variations for this recipe?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, sprinkle in cornmeal, or fold in chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch.
How can I prepare this for picky eaters who dislike vegetable chunks?
Sauté the onions and celery separately until transparent, then blend them with the melted butter before pouring over the bread and meat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This stuffing recipe yields 12 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 183 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
Can I use venison in this recipe?
Yes, ground venison is one of the suggested meat options for this savory stuffing.
Should I include the bread crusts when cubing the bread?
Yes, the recipe specifies cubing the whole loaf including the crusts.
What should I do with stuffing that doesn't fit inside the turkey?
Place any extra stuffing in a small greased casserole dish and bake it alongside the turkey.
When should I add mushrooms if I choose to use them?
Add the mushrooms to the skillet when you are browning the meat.
How do I add more crunch to the texture?
You can fold in chopped water chestnuts to provide an added crunch to the dish.
Can cornmeal be used in this stuffing?
Yes, you can sprinkle cornmeal in with the bread cubes for a unique variation.
When are the onions and celery added during the cooking process?
Add the chopped onions and diced celery to the skillet once the meat has been browned.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
The recipe requires 4 stalks of celery, diced.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave to enjoy the rich flavors again.
How much ground meat is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 pound of your choice of ground meat.
Is the addition of milk or water mandatory?
No, the milk or water is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a drier stuffing.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped.
How should the vegetables be cooked?
The onions and celery should be cooked in the skillet with the meat until they are soft and fragrant.