Get ready to fall in love with a true comfort classic! This French Meat Stuffing Recipe is a savory, aromatic staple at French-Canadian holiday tables, and definitely deserves a spot in your own kitchen. In every bite, you’ll taste a satisfying blend of tender pork and beef, subtle sweetness from onions, and a perfectly balanced hit of warm spices all brought together in a wonderfully moist and hearty dish. Whether you’re serving it for a special family feast or sneaking forkfuls right out of the skillet, this French Meat Stuffing Recipe is as cozy and delicious as it gets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something so deeply flavorful! Every item in this French Meat Stuffing Recipe plays an important part: from creating rich umami depth, to adding just the right hint of spice or texture. Here’s what makes this dish truly shine.
- Ground pork: Adds juiciness and that signature, old-world flavor to the stuffing. Go for a little fat for best taste!
- Ground beef: Brings hearty texture and savory notes that pair beautifully with the pork.
- Onion, finely chopped: Sautéed to sweet and soft perfection, it infuses the stuffing with subtle depth.
- Garlic, minced: For that irresistible aromatic lift—just a couple cloves and you’ll notice the difference.
- Butter: Offers creamy richness and helps everything sauté together beautifully.
- Ground cloves: A pinch introduces warmth and a hint of mystery—don’t skip it!
- Ground cinnamon: Adds gentle sweetness and that classic holiday touch.
- Dried savory or thyme: Delivers an earthy, herbal note; either herb works well, depending on what you have.
- Salt: Helps all the other flavors pop; adjust to your personal taste.
- Black pepper: For a touch of spice and brightness in each bite.
- Chicken broth: Moistens and binds the mixture, while adding deep savory flavor.
- Plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers: Acts as the filler, soaking up juices and creating a perfect, scoopable texture.
- Egg (optional, beaten): Helps bind the stuffing together for a slightly firmer result—helpful if you like your stuffing to slice!
How to Make French Meat Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and let it gently soften for about 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then until it turns fragrant and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—just until everything smells irresistible and golden.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Add both the ground pork and ground beef straight into the skillet with your aromatics. Use a sturdy spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally. You want everything nicely browned and cooked through, which takes about 8-10 minutes. If there’s an excess of fat in the pan, simply spoon it off to keep the stuffing light and luscious.
Step 3: Add Spices and Herbs
Next, it’s time to sprinkle in the ground cloves, cinnamon, dried savory or thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so those beautiful fragrances can mingle with the meat and onions. This step gives the French Meat Stuffing Recipe its signature warm, spiced flavor without overpowering the whole dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes—just enough for the flavors to deepen and the broth to slightly reduce. It should smell absolutely delicious by now!
Step 5: Stir in Breadcrumbs or Crackers
Add the breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers to the pan, mixing thoroughly until the mixture comes together and takes on that familiar stuffing feel. This is when the magic happens: the crumbs soak up all those good juices, giving the French Meat Stuffing Recipe its comforting, cohesive texture.
Step 6: Optional Binding with Egg
If you’d like your stuffing a bit more compact (especially great for stuffing poultry or serving as neat portions), stir in the beaten egg at this stage. Let everything cook for another minute or two until heated through and fully combined.
How to Serve French Meat Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme brings a lovely pop of color and a subtle freshness that lifts each serving. For a cozier holiday touch, try an extra pinch of black pepper or a few delicate thyme sprigs right on top.
Side Dishes
Pair this French Meat Stuffing Recipe with classic roast turkey, juicy rotisserie chicken, or festive glazed ham. It’s also fantastic alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roast vegetables—the ultimate holiday plate! Don’t be afraid to serve it beside lighter salads or even nestled alongside a bowl of homemade soup for a simple, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping twist, try scooping the stuffing into mini ramekins for individual servings, or use it to stuff roasted bell peppers for a colorful, crowd-pleasing main. Another favorite: roll it into golf-ball-sized croquettes, bake until golden, and serve as appetizers with zesty mustard or cranberry sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers (if you have them!) in an airtight container in the fridge. The French Meat Stuffing Recipe stays fresh for up to four days and often tastes even more flavorful the next day as the spices meld together.
Freezing
Want to save some for a future feast? This stuffing freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your French Meat Stuffing Recipe covered in a baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. A splash of chicken broth keeps it moist. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this French Meat Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire stuffing a day or two before, store it covered in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when ready to serve. The flavors actually improve as they sit.
What’s the best bread substitute if I need it gluten-free?
Using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers works perfectly and delivers a very similar texture, so everyone can enjoy this holiday classic.
Can I use different meats in the French Meat Stuffing Recipe?
Definitely! While pork and beef are traditional, feel free to experiment—ground turkey, chicken, or even a little sausage can add new flavor notes without straying too far from tradition.
Is the egg absolutely necessary?
Not at all! The egg is purely optional. It helps bind the stuffing if you want to slice or shape it, but you’ll still get delicious results if you leave it out for an even softer texture.
How do I get a smoother, almost pâté-like consistency?
Just grab a potato masher and lightly mash the mixture right in the skillet before serving. This gives a creamy, smooth texture that’s traditional in some French-Canadian households.
Final Thoughts
This French Meat Stuffing Recipe is pure comfort food made for sharing and celebrating. If you’re searching for a side that feels both easy and deeply special, there’s nothing quite like it. Give this recipe a try and let it bring a touch of old-world tradition—and pure deliciousness—to your table!
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French Meat Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Canadian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and classic French-Canadian meat stuffing recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. This savory dish combines ground pork and beef with aromatic spices and breadcrumbs for a delicious side dish or poultry stuffing.
Ingredients
Meat Stuffing Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried savory or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1 egg, beaten (optional for binding)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Cook Meat: Stir in the ground pork and beef, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season & Simmer: Add ground cloves, cinnamon, savory, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Binders: Stir in breadcrumbs or crackers. Optionally, mix in beaten egg for extra binding.
- Finish: Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Serve warm as a side dish or poultry stuffing.
Notes
- This French-Canadian-style stuffing, known as ‘pork dressing,’ is a holiday favorite that can be made ahead and reheated.
- For a smoother texture, lightly mash the stuffing with a potato masher.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
