Jazz up boxed stuffing with my savory stovetop sausage stuffing recipe. This easy stuffing with sausage comes together using a box of Stove Top stuffing, ground Italian sausage, and veggies in under 30 minutes. It's a Thanksgiving side dish that will steal the show!
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Looking for more easy fall recipes? Thanksgiving sausage stuffing is the best holiday side dish. This recipe with stove top stuffing is quick and easy to make when those holiday cravings hit. Another one of my favorite holiday side dishes is this fall pasta salad recipe.
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About Stovetop Sausage Stuffing
When it comes to the best Thanksgiving sides, this Stove Top stuffing with sausage is my favorite. The inspiration for this dish came when I was trying to recreate the flavors of my grandma's stuffing recipe.
The first time I hosted Thanksgiving, I used a pre-made stuffing mix because it was quick and easy, but I still wanted to put my own spin on it. I thought about how to make boxed stuffing taste better and the answer was to add savory sausage and fresh vegetables.
This stove top sausage stuffing has been a part of our holiday meals ever since! It's so good, my husband asks me to make this recipe all year long!
Ingredients
- Ground sausage - The savory flavor and richness of the Italian sausage add depth and complexity to the stuffing, elevating its taste and making it more satisfying. I use spicy Italian sausage when making this recipe.
- Stuffing - This convenient mix provides a quick and easy way to achieve a flavorful and textured stuffing, saving time without compromising on taste. I use a box of Stove Top stuffing mix for this recipe.
- Vegetables - onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful base for the stuffing, adding sweetness, depth, and texture.
- Dried herbs - thyme and rosemary. These herbs infuse the sausage stuffing with earthy flavors, complementing the other ingredients.
- Chicken broth - Chicken broth is used to moisten the stuffing and impart flavor throughout.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Variations
Sausage. I use spicy Italian sausage, but mild and sweet Italian sausage will work great as well. You can also use lean ground pork or ground turkey for another variation.
Dry stuffing mix. I use the turkey flavor of Stove Top stuffing, but any flavor will work well. You can also use another brand, such as Pepperidge Farm classic stuffing or cornbread stuffing.
Fruit. Add a pop of freshness and more fall flavors by adding ยผ to ยฝ cup of dried cranberries, golden raisins, or diced green apple.
How to Make Stove Top Stuffing with Sausage
If you're looking for how to make stove top stuffing better, my recipe with the addition of sausage and vegetables 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.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty side dish was created to be enjoyed for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it's tasty enough to eat all year.
At Thanksgiving, I love to serve this stuffing with sausage alongside a juicy air fryer turkey tenderloin. Other delicious sides to include are southern sweet potato casserole, butternut squash and cranberries, or roasted carrots and mushrooms. And, don't forget to wash it down with an apple cider Thanksgiving margarita or delicious Thanksgiving sangria.
For a non-holiday meal, I serve this with panko crusted chicken and a side of air fryer fresh green beans.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can make stovetop sausage stuffing the night before. Reheat it in the oven, microwave, 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 sausage stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Yes! If you have excess stuffing or want to save leftovers for later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
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
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Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- ½ lb. ground Italian sausage
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion chopped
- ½ cup carrot chopped
- ½ cup celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 6 ounce box of Stove Top Stuffing mix flavor of choice
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 use spicy Italian sausage, but mild and sweet Italian sausage work great, if you don't want the added heat. You can also use ground pork or ground turkey.
- 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.