German Dressing
A hearty German-style meat and bread dish featuring savory ground meats, tender vegetables, and soaked bread, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put butter in a skillet and melt, then cook chopped celery and onions until slightly brown.
- Add ground beef and ground pork to the skillet and cook until browned.
- While cooking or beforehand, toast the bread slices and soak them in nearly boiling milk.
- Pour the milk over the broken bread pieces and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or sage to the mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. When toasting the bread, use a hearty whole grain variety for added texture. You can also incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an earthy note that pairs beautifully with this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this German Dressing as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats or as a main course with a side salad. It pairs exceptionally well with a rich gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of green beans or roasted vegetables. You might also enjoy it with a warm bowl of French Style Onion Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dressing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This will help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Dressing contains roughly 2694 calories, with 68g protein, 452g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (135% of the Daily Value), calcium (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2338mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead. Simply complete the recipe up to the baking step, refrigerate it, and then bake it the next day. It may require a few extra minutes in the oven to heat thoroughly.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A crusty bread, like a sourdough or a rustic country loaf, works best as it holds up well when soaked in milk. Avoid using overly soft breads, as they may become mushy and affect the texture of the dressing.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and pork. You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers, and consider using vegetable broth mixed with the milk for a richer taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).