The Simple 20-Minute Stuffing Recipe I Always Make for Cozy Fall Nights

Fall is famous for its hibernation-mode recipes, the kinds of cooking projects that can take up an entire afternoon. Think sourdough bread from scratch , savory slow-cooker tomato-veggie soup , red wine-braised short ribs or a big pan of lasagna .

But let's be honest: On hectic days, you don't always want to wait an hour or more for those autumn flavors to hit your plate. And that's exactly why my quick sausage stuffingis one of my favorite fall go-tos.

While stuffing may be best known as a Thanksgiving side dish , I'm a firm believer that we also deserve to enjoy stuffing on random Tuesdays. My stovetop version makes the dream possible, coming together in just 20 minutes and going great with everything from roast chicken to hearty fall salads .

Consider this stuffing proof that even the busiest fall days can end with a cozy home-cooked meal. Read on for all the details you need to make this quick comfort food in your kitchen.

Related: 58 Butternut Squash Recipes to Make This Fall

Why You'll Love This Quick Stuffing

This streamlined stuffing is prepared right on the stovetop, leaving space in your oven for whatever else is on the menu. The finished dish is buttery with a perfectly fluffy consistency (rather than the crunchier texture you'd get from a baked stuffing).

On the flavor front, you'll enjoy savory–fruity depth that tastes "gourmet" even though it requires just seven basic ingredients: sweet Italian sausage, store-bought mirepoix (a combo of diced onion, celery and carrot ), dried cranberries, veggie or chicken broth, white sandwich bread, butter and garlic.

And a quick note on mirepoix: I like to use the pre-diced combo as a shortcut, but it's totally fine to dice your own onion, celery and carrots instead. The recipe below includes all the measurements you'll need.

Another selling point of this stuffing is its versatility. Feel free to get creative in the last step and toss in tasty extras, like chopped fresh parsley, some crisp diced apple or a handful of chopped, toasted walnuts.

Related: We Tried Martha Stewart's Classic Stuffing Recipe, and We Wish We'd Discovered It Years Ago

All the Ingredients I Use To Make My 20-Minute StuffingRecipe

As noted, you'll need just 20 minutes and seven ingredients to whip up this delightful fall side dish.

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• 14 oz. mirepoix (or 1 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped carrot)

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

• 5 cups cubed white bread

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• Optional: a handful of chopped fresh parsley, diced apple and/or chopped, toasted walnuts.

The recipe serves 6 to 8. After the instructions, keep reading for inspired ideas for using up any leftovers.

Related: We Tried 9 Different Stuffing Mixes, and the Winner Totally Surprised Us

How To Make My 20-Minute Stovetop Stuffing

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepa nover medium heat. Add the mirepoix and sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are medium tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the ground sausage to the pan. Cook, using a wooden spoon to break up any large chunks, until the meat is browned and no pink areas remain, 6 to 8 minutes.

Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the bread cubes and toss gently to coat. Stir in the dried cranberries, along with any optional add-ins.

Cook until any remaining liquid is absorbed and stuffing appears moist and fluffy, which should take another minute or two. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

And that's it! You've just made your fall meal that much more special.

Related: 61 Genius Recipes to Put Those Thanksgiving Leftovers to Good Use

How To Reheat Leftover Stuffing

Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to three days in an airtight container. Whether reheating on the stovetop or in a 350° oven, plan to add about 1 tablespoon of broth or a pat of butter for each cup of leftover stuffing to make sure it doesn't dry out.

And if you're looking for a fun way to reimagine leftovers, heat up your waffle iron, add a few scoops of leftover stuffing and cook until browned on the outside. Serve with fried or scrambled eggs for a fun breakfast for dinner (or serve for breakfast!).

Related: The Genius Crock-Pot Trick I Use All the Time

This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.