Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is a simple meatloaf recipe that uses stove top stuffing instead of breadcrumbs. An quick dinner recipe that the entire family enjoys and is ideal for hectic weeknights!
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Since I was a child, I have been preparing meatloaf, and my blog has several recipes for it. However, this recipe for stove top meatloaf is the simplest I've ever cooked.
Instead of using breadcrumbs like in a classic meatloaf recipe, you use stove top stuffing. This is a fairly simple recipe because the seasoned stuffing mix can also be used in place of additional ingredients that are used to flavor meatloaf.
This tasty meatloaf is a family favorite, and I love how easy it is to prepare this delectable meal! This is a fantastic Sunday dinner or evening main course.
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Ingredients
This Stove Top Stuffing meatloaf recipe requires only a few simple ingredients. They are available at supermarket stores.
- Lean ground beef – An 80/20 mix is ideal for meatloaf because it keeps the ground hamburger meat from drying out. Don't use very lean ground beef; moist meatloaf requires some fat.
- Box of Stove Top Stuffing Mix — I chose the chicken flavor because that's what we had, but any flavor will do. You can use any brand of boxed stuffing mix as long as it weighs around 6 oz.
- Eggs — Used to help bond the meat mixture. Larger eggs work better.
- Ketchup — For flavor and glazing.
- Water—To wet the filling, use 1 cup of water. It may seem like a lot, but it is rapidly absorbed.
- Seasoning: dried minced onion and garlic powder. These are optional, but I enjoy the extra flavor. If you want, you can substitute onion powder for the flakes or leave out the extra flavor altogether.
How to Make Meatloaf with Stove Top Stuffing
- Preheat your oven first. For easier cleanup, I also prefer to coat a baking pan with cooking spray and aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, gently beat the eggs. By doing this, you can avoid over mixing the meat, which might result in a dry meatloaf.
- In the same big mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Add the water, eggs, seasonings, half of the ketchup, and the dry stuffing mix.
- Gently combine the ingredients with your hands. It's finished when you can mold it into a loaf.
- After the baking sheet is ready, put the meat on it and shape it into a loaf that is between 1 ½ and 2 inches thick.
- To create a simple glaze, spread the remaining half of the ketchup over the bread.
- Although it's not required, I normally add a bit more ketchup a few minutes before the meatloaf is done.
Cooking Time
- After the oven has been warmed, put the meatloaf inside and bake it for an hour, or until a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meatloaf doesn't need to be covered unless the top begins to turn excessively dark.
- If necessary, drizzle a bit more glaze over the meatloaf.
What to Serve with Meatloaf
Since mashed potatoes and peas or green beans are our favorite sides, we practically always serve meatloaf at our place. Further supper ideas can be found by looking at the top meatloaf side dishes.
How to Store Leftover Meatloaf
Keep any leftover meatloaf in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. For food safety, keep leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of serving.
For optimal results, freeze meatloaf in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Make the greatest leftover meatloaf sandwich or reheat individual portions of this delectable meatloaf in the microwave!
Expert Tips
- Use 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat ground beef for moist meatloaf; avoid over mixing the meat.
- There's no need to prepare the stuffing in advance; just use the dry stuffing mix.
- Diced bell peppers, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth instead of water, and barbecue sauce instead of ketchup can all be used to add more flavor. Add a small amount of brown sugar to the ketchup glaze to make it sweeter.
- Replace the beef with ground chicken or turkey for less fat and calories.
- To ensure that the meatloaf cooks evenly, use a baking sheet with a rim.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
This is how I always prepare my meatloaf. If you use a baking dish other than a loaf pan, the excess grease can bake off the meatloaf instead of sitting in it like it would if you were using a loaf pan. Additionally, the recipe calls for two pounds of ground beef, which is likely too much for most loaf pans. If you have nothing else, you could even use a baking sheet.
Yes, once your loaf is put together, you can also use a Crock Pot Meatloaf recipe and adhere to the cooking directions.
You wager. I would follow this recipe's directions to put the loaf together, then follow the Instant Pot Meatloaf recipe's cooking instructions.
Of course, You could just cook it in the Air Fryer using that loaf recipe or this stuffing meatloaf recipe.
To keep any leftovers moist, reheat them in the oven while wrapped with aluminum foil and a little water or stock.
Your leftovers can be frozen for up to three months or stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
I prefer to serve my meatloaf slices over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, as you can see in the photos, with a simple side of peas or whatever vegetables I happen to have on hand. This is merely a comfort food meal, so anything fills your stomach will work, whether it's pasta or a mound of mashed sweet potatoes.
If you tried this Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup homemade Stove Top stuffing mix or store-bought if time is tight
- ½ cup water
- ½ small onion minced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ⅓ cup ketchup or more for topping, if you like that glaze
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it will be nice and hot by the time your meatloaf is ready to bake.
- Beat the eggs. Break the eggs into a small bowl, then beat lightly with a fork, this makes them easier to mix in and more evenly distributed.
- Mix the main ingredients. Place the ground beef into a large bowl along with the stuffing mix, minced onion, garlic powder, water, and ketchup. Mix well (with your hands or a spoon).
- Add the eggs. Add the beaten eggs and fold gently until everything is just combined — don’t overmix or your meatloaf can be tough.
- Shape and top with ketchup. Form the mixture into a loaf and transfer to a greased baking dish or loaf pan. Just smear some ketchup on top for that sweet and tangy glaze.
- Bake and serve. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until center registers 160°F. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve up with some mashed potatoes or your favorite veggie side!
NOTES
- Don’t overmix the meat. When you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing the meat can result in a denser, tougher meatloaf, and nobody wants that!
- Let it rest before slicing. Once your meatloaf is done baking, allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, so you don’t end up with a crumbly mess when you cut into it.
- Use a meat thermometer. To ensure that it’s done but not dried out, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. That’s the sweet spot for both juicy and safe meatloaf.
- Customize the flavor. You can absolutely switch up the seasonings or stir in extras like shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce or chopped herbs. This is a super forgiving recipe and easy to make your own!
Candace Nelson says
'Quick and easy' are exactly what I need for weeknight meals! This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe looks amazing and so adaptable too. I'll definitely try adding some veggies in there next time!
Georgia Phillips says
'Easy' is music to my ears when it comes to dinner prep! The idea of incorporating Stove Top stuffing into meatloaf sounds like a game changer. I'm excited about how much flavor that will add—thanks for sharing!
Felicity Parker says
I just adore meatloaf and the idea of using seasoned stuffing mix sounds fantastic! It makes me nostalgic for family dinners at home. I'm looking forward to sharing this dish with my loved ones very soon.
Carmen Rivera says
This looks so simple and delicious! I appreciate that you highlighted how to keep the meatloaf moist—that's always been my struggle. Can’t wait to gather everyone around the table for this comforting meal!
Hazel Green says
I remember my mom making meatloaf all the time, but I’ve never thought about using stuffing before. This idea is genius! I’m excited to whip this up for Sunday dinner with some mashed potatoes on the side.
Eva Powell says
This recipe sounds like a perfect fit for my family! I love that it simplifies the process without sacrificing taste. Plus, who doesn't love a good meatloaf for dinner? I'm definitely giving this one a go.
Christina Jenkins says
The best part about this recipe is how customizable it is! Whether you stick to classic ketchup or experiment with barbecue sauce, there's no wrong way to enjoy this meatloaf. Perfect comfort food for any night!
Dorothy Hart says
I love how you’ve made such an iconic dish even easier with just a few ingredients! The combination of ground beef and Stove Top sounds scrumptious. Can't wait to impress my family with this new take on an old favorite.
Hunter Ford says
I've always loved meatloaf, but using Stove Top stuffing really takes it to the next level! It adds such a delicious flavor and keeps everything so moist. Can't wait to try this on a busy weeknight.
Fiona Garcia says
Wow, using Stove Top stuffing instead of breadcrumbs is such a clever twist! I love how easy it is too; perfect for those hectic evenings when we need something quick yet satisfying. I'll definitely be trying this soon!