If you’re looking for a meatloaf recipe that is practically guaranteed to be juicy, tasty, and absurdly simple to make, this stove top stuffing meatloaf is the best. The secret is an unassuming box of stuffing mix, a genius hack to stand in for the traditional breadcrumbs. This one ingredient not only provides the perfect amount of seasoning to the meat, but it also ensures a tender, juicy result every time.
This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is ideal weeknight comfort food. It’s a comforting, satisfying classic with a simple, tangy glaze that everyone will love. Get ready for a sure-fire recipe that saves time and delivers a delicious dinner with no stress.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 box (6 oz) Stovetop Stuffing Mix, any variety
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup ketchup, divided
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Step 1: Preheat and PrepPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or a baking sheet with foil.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the stuffing mix, water, eggs, ¼ cup ketchup, onion flakes, and garlic powder. Let it sit for a minute until soft, then stir in the ground beef.
Step 3: Mix and Shape
Mix lightly by hand until just combined do not overmix the meat. Then put the mixture in your pan and shape into a loaf.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Spread the remaining ¼ cup ketchup on top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the meat thermometer is at 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before cutting it. This important step prevents it from becoming dry and allows it to retain its shape.
My Best Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Tips
Do Not Overmix the Meat
The key rule for a tender meatloaf is to just combine the ingredients. Overmixing the meat will make it tough and dense.
Form it on a Baking Sheet
For a crisper crust, dispense with the loaf pan. Form the meatloaf on a foil-lined baking sheet instead. This keeps the heat moving, browning the sides evenly.
Improve Your Glaze
Add some depth to the classic ketchup glaze by including one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. It adds a wonderful tangy flavor.
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Variations
This Stove top stuffing meatloaf recipe is easy to alter. For a cheesy twist, mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar into it or hide it in the center for a gooey center. Or make a healthier one by replacing the beef with 93/7 ground turkey. To sneak in more nutrients without being noticed, mix in finely grated carrot or zucchini (first squeeze as much liquid from the zucchini as possible).
If you love this recipe, check out this comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Yes, you can build the loaf (without the glaze) 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, and add the glaze when you’re ready to bake. You might need to add 10 minutes to the baking time.
How do I keep my meatloaf from breaking apart?
The eggs and stuffing mix act as binders. The most important step is that after baking, you should allow the meatloaf to set for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it will retain its shape.
How do I know if my meatloaf is done?
A meat thermometer is ideal. It is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I substitute a different stuffing mix?
Definitely. While chicken or herbs are the usual, cornbread or whole wheat stuffing blends can be substituted.
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the secret to a perfectly juicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple meatloaf! This recipe uses a box of stuffing mix instead of traditional breadcrumbs, a brilliant hack that guarantees a tender, well-seasoned result every time. Topped with a simple and tangy glaze, this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, delivering a classic, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 box (6 oz) Stovetop Stuffing Mix, any variety
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup, divided
1 cup water
1 tablespoon dried minced onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup and a crispier crust.
Combine Wet Ingredients and Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, water, large eggs, 1/4 cup of ketchup, dried minced onions, and garlic powder (if using). Stir everything together and let the mixture sit for one minute to allow the stuffing to soften.
Add Beef and Shape Loaf
Add the ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, mix gently until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan or baking sheet and shape it into a uniform loaf.
Glaze and Bake
Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake for 55-65 minutes. The meatloaf is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
Rest Before Serving
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist loaf that holds its shape.
Notes
Avoid Overmixing
For the most tender meatloaf, mix the ground beef with the other ingredients until they are just combined. Overworking the meat will result in a dense, tough texture.
Crispier Crust
For a better crust on all sides, shape the meatloaf and bake it on a foil-lined baking sheet instead of in a loaf pan.
Enhanced Glaze
For a tangier glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar into the ketchup before spreading it on top.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can assemble the loaf (without the glaze) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Just before baking, add the glaze and increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: meatloaf, stove top stuffing meatloaf, ground beef recipe, easy meatloaf, weeknight dinner, comfort food, simple meatloaf, juicy meatloaf
