Pressure Cooker Savory Sausage Stuffing
Experience the delightful blend of Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and seasoned stuffing in this savory dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion, this stuffing is cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot for enhanced flavors and a tender texture. With the option to finish under a broiler for a tantalizing golden crust, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Italian sausage
1 lb (crumbled and browned)
yellow onion
1 (diced)
celery ribs
4 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh sage
1 teaspoon (chopped)
fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (mixed)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (mixed)
chicken or turkey stock
1 1/2 cups (measured)
cubed seasoned stuffing mix
20 ounces (cubed)
water chestnuts
2 ounces (drained and chopped)
water
1 cup (measured)
Instructions
1
Turn on the sauté function of a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot to high heat. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the pot.
2
Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the melted butter. Cook, stirring and breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3
Stir in 1 diced yellow onion, 4 diced celery ribs, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of chopped fresh sage and thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
4
Turn off the Instant Pot and transfer the cooked mixture to a large mixing bowl.
5
To the bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of chicken or turkey stock, 20 ounces of cubed seasoned stuffing mix, and 2 ounces of drained and chopped water chestnuts. Stir until everything is well combined.
6
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 7-inch round casserole or soufflé dish, pressing down slightly to compact the stuffing.
7
Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray and cover the stuffing dish tightly with the foil, greased side down.
8
Clean out the Instant Pot’s inner pot and return it to the machine. Place a wire steaming trivet into the pot.
9
Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot beneath the trivet. Then, place the covered stuffing dish on the trivet.
10
Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to 'seal'.
11
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. Allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
12
Carefully remove the lid, lift out the stuffing dish, and discard the foil.
13
For an optional crispy topping, place the dish under a preheated broiler for about a minute until the top is golden brown.
14
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful stuffing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this stuffing recipe?
The recipe uses one pound of Italian sausage, which is crumbled and browned.
Can I use turkey stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of chicken or turkey stock for this recipe.
How long does the stuffing cook in the Instant Pot?
The stuffing is pressure cooked on high for 12 minutes.
What size Instant Pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
What is the purpose of the water chestnuts?
The water chestnuts provide a unique texture to the stuffing; the recipe calls for 2 ounces, drained and chopped.
Do I need to use a trivet when cooking the stuffing?
Yes, you must place a wire steaming trivet into the pot to hold the casserole dish above the water.
How much water should be added to the bottom of the Instant Pot?
Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot beneath the trivet to create steam for pressure cooking.
How do I get a crispy top on the stuffing?
After pressure cooking, place the dish under a preheated broiler for about one minute until the top is golden brown.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon each of fresh chopped sage and fresh chopped thyme.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The yellow onion and 4 celery ribs should be diced, and the 2 garlic cloves should be minced.
What type of stuffing mix is needed?
You will need 20 ounces of cubed seasoned stuffing mix.
What size casserole dish fits inside the Instant Pot?
A 7-inch round casserole or soufflé dish is recommended.
How do I handle the pressure release?
Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 7-inch round casserole dish.
What should I do with the foil before covering the dish?
Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray and cover the dish tightly with the greased side facing down.
Can I use the sauté function on the Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function on high to melt the butter and brown the sausage and vegetables.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Cook the onions, celery, and garlic until softened, which takes about 5 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive holiday occasion.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Turn on the sauté function of the Instant Pot to high and melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
What do I do after browning the sausage and vegetables?
Turn off the Instant Pot and transfer the cooked mixture to a large mixing bowl.
How should I pack the stuffing into the dish?
Press down slightly on the mixture to compact the stuffing into the casserole dish.
Does the valve need to be set to a specific position?
Yes, ensure the pressure valve is set to the 'seal' position before cooking.
What should I do if the inner pot is dirty after sautéing?
Clean out the Instant Pot’s inner pot before returning it to the machine for the pressure cooking stage.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends fresh sage and fresh thyme for the best flavor.
How long does it take to brown the sausage?
It takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes to brown the Italian sausage while stirring.
Should the stuffing be served immediately?
Yes, serve the stuffing immediately after the pressure cooking or optional broiling step.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the stuffing cooked directly in the Instant Pot liner?
No, it is cooked inside a separate casserole dish that is placed on a trivet inside the pot.