Chop the onion.

Heat shortening in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and lightly browned.

Add sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.

Soak breadcrumbs in milk until softened.

In a large bowl, combine the browned onion and sausage mixture, soaked breadcrumbs, cooked rice, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Mix all ingredients until well combined.

Stuff the turkey with the rice stuffing.

Bake the turkey according to your recipe until the turkey is cooked through and the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature.