Making the Dressing:

1. Tear the bread into small chunks, spread out on a baking sheet and let dry overnight.

2. Position a rack in the center of an oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

3. In a large fry pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a mix bowl.

4. In the same pan, sauté the sausage and beef, stirring and crumbling with a fork, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the bowl with the onion and celery.

5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread chunks with the milk until well blended and let, stirring occasionally, until the milk is absorbed and the bread is evenly moistened, 6 to 8 minutes.

6. Add the onion and celery, the meat mixture, the chestnuts, parsley and thyme to the bowl with the bread. Season with salt and pepper and stir to mix well. Transfer the dressing to the prepared baking dish and bake until browned and crispy, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.