Jazz up that boxed mix with my savory Stove Top stuffing with sausage recipe. This sausage stuffing comes together using a box of Stove Top stuffing, ground Italian sausage, veggies, and dried herbs in only 25 minutes. It's a Thanksgiving side dish with an easy shortcut that will steal the show-no oven, no stress, and no one will ever guess it came from a box.
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This stove top sausage stuffing is the recipe I make every single Thanksgiving. The inspiration came years ago when I was hosting Thanksgiving and grabbed a box of Stove Top stuffing, crossing my fingers it would taste like my grandma's. With a few flavor-packed upgrades, I discovered you can transform boxed stuffing into a holiday-worthy side dish that tastes completely homemade.
I've been making this recipe with stove top stuffing ever since, and it's become a must-have on our holiday menu. It all comes together on the stove, so you don't even need to touch the oven! Just like my jalapeño creamed corn, it's so good that my husband requests it all year long - holiday or not!
Recipe Highlights
Thanksgiving shortcut. All the cozy, homemade stuffing vibes without the fuss. Perfect when you want that nostalgic flavor fast! It's grandma-inspired, but modernized!
Made with pantry staples. Make this a no-stress holiday side dish with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Quick & easy. I love side dishes that don't slow me down. This one comes together in about 25 minutes start to finish.
Ground sausage: I like to use hot Italian sausage to give this stuffing a kick, but sweet or mild Italian sausage are best for a more mild taste.
Store-bought stuffing: The pre-made mix provides a quick and easy shortcut to achieving a flavorful stuffing while saving time. For this recipe, I use a box of Stove Top stuffing mix because that's what I grew up eating, but Pepperidge Farm stuffing works well too.
Vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic create a flavorful base for the stuffing, adding sweetness, depth, and texture.
Dried herbs like thyme and rosemary infuse the sausage stuffing with earthy flavors and complement the other ingredients.
Flavor Variations
Use a different protein like lean ground pork or ground turkey for a different flavor profile. Or, try it with leftover turkey!
Add some Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the meat with taco seasoning, stirring in a can of diced green chiles, and a handful of shredded cheddar.
Add fruit dried cranberries, chopped apples, or golden raisins for a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with sausage.
Use a cornbread stuffing mix to add a touch of Southern comfort and a slightly sweeter, heartier flavor.
Go nuts! Stir in toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds to add crunch and depth.
How to Make Stove Top Stuffing Sausage
If you're looking for how to make Stove Top stuffing better, my recipe with the addition of sausage and veggies will do just that!
Step 1: Brown ground Italian sausage in a large skillet.
Step 2: Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery along with garlic and seasonings.
Step 3: Sauté vegetables until they are tender and turning translucent.
Step 4: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Add dry stuffing mix to the skillet, stir to combine, cover with a lid, and remove from the heat.
Step 6: Remove the lid and fluff stuffing with a fork to separate.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can make stovetop sausage stuffing the night before. Keep the dish in the skillet and cover. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth restore moisture.
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until it's warmed through.
Yes! If you have excess stuffing or want to save leftovers for later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty side was made for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but honestly? We make it all year long because it's that good.
During the holidays, I serve this stovetop sausage stuffing with my juicy air fryer turkey tenderloin. Then I round out the table with cozy sides like bourbon sweet potato casserole, jalapeno corn casserole, or roasted carrots and mushrooms.
And of course, no holiday dinner is complete without a festive drink! Try my apple cider Thanksgiving margarita or a fruity Thanksgiving sangria with red wine to toast the season.
More Thanksgiving Sides
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Stove Top Stuffing with Sausage Recipe
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Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- ½ lb. ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion chopped
- ½ cup carrot chopped
- ½ cup celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 6 ounce box of store-bought stuffing mix I use Stove Top or Pepperidge Farm
Instructions
- In a large skillet on medium heat, sauté Italian sausage until browned.
- To the skillet add butter, chopped vegetables, garlic, and dried herbs. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables have softened.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Turn off heat and gently stir in stuffing mix. Remove from heat and cover skillet with a lid for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.
Notes
- I don't add any salt because the sausage, stuffing mix, and chicken broth already contain sodium. Season to taste based on your preference.
- If you're cooking for a larger crowd, use the '2x' or '3x' on the recipe card to multiply. I recommend making it in a Dutch oven or 2 large skillets if you plan to double or triple the recipe.
Anonymous
Super easy! Delicious! Not a single bite was left. Thank you for sharing.
Angela Lietzke
Thank you for letting me know! I'm happy you enjoyed my Stove Top stuffing with sausage recipe.