Welcome to my cozy corner of the kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share my cherished recipe for meat stuffing, perfect for Thanksgiving. There’s something so special about this dish—it brings back warm memories of family gatherings, where the aroma of savory stuffing fills the air and everyone gathers around the table, eager to dig in. I’ll never forget the joy on my grandmother’s face as she served up her famous stuffing, and now I can’t wait to pass this tradition down. This meat stuffing is hearty, flavorful, and truly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish that makes your heart and belly feel full, and I know your loved ones will enjoy it just as much as mine do!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 2 cups bread cubes (day-old is best for texture!)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Prepare Meat Stuffing Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this savory meat stuffing! It’s simpler than you might think, and I promise, the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. You’ll want to start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and ready for that golden-brown goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground turkey and pork sausage. Cook them together until they’re beautifully browned, and the kitchen starts smelling heavenly—about 8-10 minutes should do the trick!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these until the veggies are tender, which usually takes another 5 minutes. You’ll love how vibrant and colorful everything looks!
- Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked meat mixture with the bread cubes. Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the thyme, sage, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated.
- Transfer this flavorful mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, until it turns golden brown and crispy on top. Just imagine that aroma wafting through your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just about 55 minutes!
- Delicious flavor profile that brings together savory turkey, pork, and fresh herbs.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Hearty and satisfying side dish that complements any festive meal.
Tips for Success
To make sure your meat stuffing turns out absolutely delicious, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, using day-old bread really makes a difference in texture—it helps the stuffing absorb all those wonderful flavors without getting mushy. If you can, let the bread cubes sit out overnight to dry out a bit. Also, don’t skip the fresh parsley; it brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color! When cooking the meat, be sure to break it up into small pieces, so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
If you find the stuffing a bit dry after baking, just drizzle a little extra chicken broth over the top before serving. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the spices to your liking—this is your stuffing, after all!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious meat stuffing. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
This hearty side dish not only satisfies your Thanksgiving cravings but also packs a good amount of protein to keep you feeling full and happy!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving to warm it up and get that lovely golden top.
What type of bread is best for stuffing?
I prefer using day-old bread, like sourdough or French bread, because it holds up better and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Fresh bread can get too mushy!
Can I substitute the meats?
Yes, feel free to mix it up! You can use ground beef or even a meatless sausage for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasonings to your taste!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your meat stuffing for days to come! First, let the stuffing cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure you seal it tightly to prevent any drying out.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, you have a couple of options for reheating. For the best results, pop the stuffing back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and those crispy edges are revived. If you’re short on time, the microwave works just fine too—heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, a splash of chicken broth can bring that moisture right back!
Serving Suggestions
This savory meat stuffing is a fantastic side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside a juicy roast turkey or a tender glazed ham. For a complete Thanksgiving experience, add some creamy mashed potatoes with gravy and a vibrant cranberry sauce to the table. And don’t forget a fresh green salad for a pop of color and crunch! Each bite is sure to complement the flavors of your holiday feast perfectly.
Print
Meat Stuffing Thanksgiving: 5 Heartwarming Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory meat stuffing perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook turkey and sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
- In a large bowl, combine meat mixture with bread cubes, broth, thyme, sage, pepper, and parsley.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: meat stuffing thanksgiving
