Sage Dressing with Ground Beef and Crispy Bread
This savory sage dressing combines cubed bread with seasoned ground beef, sauteed aromatics, and rich chicken broth, then baked until golden. The dish features herbed bread cubes, beef providing umami depth, and a buttery broth that soaks into the stuffing. Serve warm as a side dish for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any occasion calling for comfort food. This version adds ground beef for extra protein and heartiness, setting it apart from traditional vegetarian dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, dicedgluten-free bread cubes (Aleia's or similar)1:1 ratiogluten-freeFull guide →
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 12 cups chicken brothvegetable broth1:1 ratiovegetarianFull guide →
- 2 sticks butter
- 3 bags sage and onion bread cubesgluten-free bread cubes (Aleia's or similar)1:1 ratiogluten-free
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350F.
- 2
Sauté diced onion and celery in a skillet over medium heat until softened.
- 3
Add ground beef to skillet and cook until browned, breaking apart as it cooks.
- 4
In a large pot, heat chicken broth and butter together until butter melts completely.
- 5
Place bread cubes in a roasting pan.
- 6
Pour hot broth mixture over bread cubes.
- 7
Add cooked beef and vegetable mixture to pan and stir to combine.
- 8
Bake until bread is golden brown, about 30-45 minutes. Avoid overstirring once baked.
Tips
Keep the oven door closed during baking to prevent the bread from drying out before it fully toasts.
Use freshly diced onion and celery for better flavor; frozen versions release excess moisture.
Stir the mixture gently once combined to keep bread cubes intact and ensure even broth distribution.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered in 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Assemble in roasting pan up to 12 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
Serve hot as a side dish alongside roasted poultry, ham, or turkey. Pairs well with gravy.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip browning the beef fully to avoid a greasy, undercooked texture in the final dish.
Do not overstir after baking to avoid breaking apart bread cubes and creating a mushy consistency.
Do not use cold broth to avoid uneven cooking and soggy bread on the bottom.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dish in the roasting pan up to 12 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time when starting from cold. Do not bake before refrigerating.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake covered at 350F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
What if I use gluten-free bread cubes?
Gluten-free bread cubes work well as a direct substitute. Brands like Aleia's are mentioned in the original recipe. Baking time may be slightly shorter, so start checking at 25 minutes.