Combining savory sausage with lean turkey makes this stove top stuffing a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners. The blend of spices, herbs, and rich meat elevates classic stuffing mix into a satisfying comfort food that’s quick to prepare and packed with texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 box (6 ounces) stove top stuffing mix (traditional herb flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, dried sage, and thyme to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-9 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
- Stir in the cooked turkey pieces and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Meanwhile, bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a separate saucepan or in the microwave.
- Pour the stuffing mix into a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the hot chicken broth over the stuffing mix while stirring gently to moisten evenly. Let it sit for 2 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Combine the sausage and turkey mixture with the moistened stuffing mix. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the stuffing back to the skillet or a baking dish if you prefer. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes if you want a crispier top.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.
Tips
- Substitutions: You can swap ground breakfast sausage for Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken works well too.
- Adjusting Moisture: The amount of broth may vary slightly depending on the stuffing mix brand. Add broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage and turkey mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Assemble stuffing just before cooking for fresher flavor.
- Common Mistake: Avoid overcooking the sausage mixture or the stuffing will dry out. Keep heat moderate and add broth carefully to maintain moistness.
Serving Suggestions
This sausage and turkey stove top stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday plate. It also complements pork chops, baked ham, or grilled vegetables. Serve alongside cranberry sauce or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a cozy meal, ladle warm gravy over the stuffing and meat.
Variations
For a twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or chopped apples to introduce earthiness or sweetness. Swap fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic profile. For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage. Gluten-free stuffing mixes can be used to accommodate dietary needs, just ensure broth and sausage are gluten-free as well.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain food safety and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover turkey instead of fresh cooked turkey?
Yes, leftover cooked turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just dice or shred the turkey and add it during the sausage cooking step to warm through. Using leftover turkey is a great way to repurpose holiday meat.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
Yes, browning the sausage develops flavor and texture that enhances the stuffing. It also ensures the sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat before mixing with the stuffing.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
To keep the sausage and turkey flavor, this recipe isn’t vegetarian. However, you can substitute sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and omit turkey, then follow the same steps for a vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy?
Use broth sparingly and add it gradually to the stuffing mix. The mixture should be moist but not wet. Also, avoid overcooking once combined, and if baking, consider leaving the top uncovered to achieve a slight crisp.
Can I prepare this stuffing entirely ahead of time?
You can prepare the sausage and turkey mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Assemble the stuffing and cook it shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What if I don’t have stove top stuffing mix?
You can make your own by cubing and toasting bread, then seasoning it with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use the same broth quantities to moisten your homemade mix.
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