Hamburger Stuffing

Ingredients:
(For a 12-15 lb turkey)
2 (1 1/2 pound) loaves white sandwich bread
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lg onion, finely chopped
2 cups chopped celery (with leaves)
3/4 cup shortening
2 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp rubbed sage
1 cup water

Break the bread into pieces (about the size of a silver dollar) and put in a large metal bowl.  Then, brown the ground beef in a large frying pan over medium heat.  While the beef is browning, chop the onion and celery.  When the meat is browned, add the onions, celery and shortening to the frying pan.  Cook over medium to low heat until the vegetables are tender, but not overdone.  Add salt, pepper, and sage.  The mixture should be very salty, but not overpowering. 

Pour the meat mixture into the bowl of bread pieces, distributing well.  Mix with two large wooden spoons.  After everything is well mixed, check the salt level by taste.  Add salt or bread if necessary to adjust.  Add the water slowly while stirring the stuffing. 

Follow turkey directions if using as a stuffing.  To cook alone, place in a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.