Easy Sausage Meat Stuffing Recipe (Sage & Onion)

This sausage meat stuffing is one of the most flavorful side dish options, made with fresh herbs, sausage, sage and onion stuffing mix, and apple. Since this herby sausage stuffing recipe is quick and easy, this versatile recipe can be served with a Sunday or holiday roast alongside my Roasted Turkey Legs.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Flavorful: Sage, parsley, and sausage help add a ton of flavour to this sausage meat stuffing!
• Moist: Besides flavour, sausage also helps keep the sausage meat stuffing recipe moist. Try this Easy Sausage Tray Bake with Vegetables to use any leftover sausage.
• Versatile: I’ve kept the ingredients fairly simple for this sausage stuffing. So it’s easy to add your own twist. For example, you can add mushroom pieces or potato bits, use a Paxo mix without onions, or try the variation in my Chicken Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust.
• Serve anytime: This homemade sausage stuffing recipe comes together easily and quickly, so it’s perfect for any occasion. Serve my take on classic sausage stuffing with holiday mains, or enjoy it for a weeknight dinner.

If you have leftover sausage, you can use it up by making Creamy Sausage and Fennel Pasta, Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers, or Healthy Crustless Pizza Bowls.

Ingredients

Here are the key elements needed for this sausage meat stuffing:

• Cumberland sausages: My favourite mix in for this recipe is Cumberland sausages; they’re a bit spicy and full of flavour! Other options that work well include spicy Italian sausage and turkey sausages. Learn how to cook chicken sausage for yet another option.
• Sage and onion stuffing mix: I always recommend a Paxo or Lidl mix for a Sausagemeat stuffing recipe, but you can use other brands. Feel free to use a mix that you enjoy, which can include no onion, cornbread chunks, other herbs, etc.
• Green apple: Using pieces of green apple will help add flavour and texture to this stuffing recipe. Any semi-tart apple will work for this recipe, like Piñata or Pink Lady which pairs beautifully with my Easy Braised Red Cabbage.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Try the following variations and adaptations to create an even more tasty sausage meat stuffing:

• Herb twist: Feel free to make this recipe without sage and use your own herbs of choice. Rosemary or thyme work beautifully if you want a different aromatic profile. Whatever herbs you choose would likely work in this Easy Caramelised Onion Gravy.
• Fruity & nutty: For holidays, I like tossing in dried fruit like apricot, apple, or cranberry (for Christmas) bits. Cranberries could then be used for The Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe as well. You can add fun texture to this stuffing recipe sausage variation by tossing in toasted chestnuts or pine nuts. 
• Binder swaps: Instead of using a store-bought pack, you can use oatmeal or panko breadcrumbs. This stuffing with sausage method requires adding extra seasoning since the crumbs don’t come pre-seasoned.

How to make an Easy Sausage Meat Stuffing

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Cut and peel sausage casings away from the sausage links and place the inner sausage meat into a bowl. Mash with a fork and then set aside (Image 1).
2. Peel the outside of a green apple and then grate the apple (Image 2).

3. In a separate bowl, add boiling water to the stuffing mix and stir together (Image 3).

4. Remove your butter from the freezer and grate the frozen butter directly into the bowl of sausage (Image 4).

5. Next, add the grated apple, dried sage, and chopped parsley to the bowl of sausage meat and grated butter (Image 5).

6. Add all the stuffing mixture in with the sausage, apple, butter and parsley ingredients and mix well (Image 6).

7. Place all the mixed ingredients into a baking dish and mash down using a fork (Image 7).

8. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is browned (Image 8).

Try these other sausage recipes: Easy Sausage and Peppers, Easy Creamy Chorizo Pasta, or Homemade Breakfast Burritos.

Guide to Perfect Sausage Meat Stuffing

What is sausage meat? Sausagemeat is a type of seasoned minced pork typically used for English sausage rolls, savoury pies, stuffings (like this sausage meat stuffing recipe), meat loaf, and meatballs. Usually, you’ll find sausage meat packed into casings. Depending on your local store, it may be available raw or cooked. Both types work well in a stuffing recipe with sausage.

Which stuffing mix should I use? You can use any stuffing mix for this sausage meat stuffing. However, I prefer using Paxo or Lidl mixes as these brands make this stuffing with sausage recipe even easier. I also recommend following the directions on the stuffing package to prep the sausage sage and onion stuffing. Once prepped, follow the rest of the directions noted below on how to make sausage meat stuffing.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious sausage meat stuffing can pair with quite a few dishes! Although some call it sausage dressing, serve it with any roast dinner, lamb, pork, beef, roast turkey, or chicken. It’s also yummy with other typical holiday sides, like gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, etc. Add this sausage meat stuffing to any meal to make it cosier.

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Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

To ensure this remains the best sausage stuffing recipe ever even as leftovers, follow these storage tips for your sausage meat stuffing:

Fridge: If you have leftover sausage meat stuffing, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let the leftover stuffing cool fully, then cover the top with foil or cling wrap. Reheat, and enjoy! 

Freezer: To freeze leftover sausage stuffing, let it cool all the way. Then, pack portions into airtight containers. Keep in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to defrost the portion (or portions) overnight in the fridge. For best results, let it come to room temperature for an hour before reheating.

Reheat: Zap stuffing in the microwave for about two minutes. For irresistible crispy golden edges, pop the traybake in the oven at 200°C/ 400°F for about 30 minutes. I recommend adding a little bit of butter or a small amount of chicken stock on top so it doesn’t dry out. You can also eat it cold – it makes a delicious topping on sandwiches with sliced turkey, chicken, or ham!

Recipe FAQs

Try this flavourful sausage meat stuffing with one of these mouthwatering mains: Slow Cooker Gammon Joint, The Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, or Creamy Tarragon Chicken.