πππ πππ ππππ πππ ππππ Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf? π½οΈβ¨
Thereβs something wonderfully comforting about a hearty meatloaf. Itβs nostalgic, itβs easy, and best of allβitβs delicious! But what if we told you that you could take your traditional meatloaf to the next level with one surprising pantry staple? Say hello to Stove Top Stuffing Meatloafβa simple twist that turns this classic dinner into a moist, flavor-packed favorite the whole family will crave.
Whether you’re new to meatloaf or youβve been perfecting Grandmaβs recipe for years, using Stove Top stuffing mix not only saves time but adds built-in seasoning, texture, and taste in one easy step. Itβs budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and family-approved.
In this post, weβll walk you through everything from the ingredients to serving tips and even answer the most common meatloaf questions you might have. Letβs dig in!
π§Ύ Ingredients Youβll Need
Letβs keep it simple and flavorful. You only need a few ingredients for this moist and flavorful meatloaf recipe:
For the Meatloaf:
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π₯© 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
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π₯ 2 large eggs
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π 1 package (6 oz) Stove Top Stuffing Mix (any flavorβsavory herb is a fan favorite!)
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π 1 cup chicken broth (or water if you donβt have broth on hand)
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π 3/4 cup ketchup (divided: 1/4 cup for inside the meatloaf, 1/2 cup for the glaze)
For the Glaze:
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π― 2 tablespoons brown sugar
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π 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
π οΈ Step-by-Step Instructions
1οΈβ£ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). For easier cleanup and even baking, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. If you donβt have a wire rack, no problemβshape the loaf directly on the tray.
2οΈβ£ Prepare the Stuffing Mix
In a large bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix with chicken broth (or water).
Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully absorb the liquid. This creates a flavorful base that also holds everything together beautifully.
3οΈβ£ Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients
To the same bowl, add:
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Ground beef
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Eggs
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1/4 cup of ketchup
Mix everything together gently using clean hands or a spatula. Be careful not to overmixβyou want a tender, juicy loaf, not a dense one.
4οΈβ£ Shape the Meatloaf
Place the mixture on the prepared tray or rack and shape it into a neat loaf. Pat the sides and top gently to form a smooth surface. This helps it cook evenly and gives a nice shape for presentation.
5οΈβ£ Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together:
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1/2 cup ketchup
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon mustard
Spread the glaze generously over the meatloafβs top and sides. The sweet-savory combo caramelizes beautifully in the oven!
6οΈβ£ Bake
Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45β55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160Β°F (70Β°C).
π Pro Tip: During the last 10 minutes of baking, apply another thin layer of glaze for an extra glossy and flavorful finish!
7οΈβ£ Rest and Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after baking. This crucial step helps retain the juices, making for neater, more satisfying slices.
π§‘ Why This Recipe Works
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Stove Top stuffing mix provides built-in seasonings, herbs, and bread crumbs.
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Itβs a one-bowl recipe, making it super easy to prep and clean up.
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The glaze adds tangy sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
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You can make it ahead and freeze for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
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Ideal for family meals, potlucks, or Sunday suppers!
π Meal Prep Tips
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Make Ahead: Shape the meatloaf and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Glaze right before baking.
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Freeze It: Freeze the unbaked loaf (without glaze) in a foil pan wrapped in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
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Leftovers: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
π₯ What to Serve with Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
This classic comfort dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
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π₯ Mashed potatoes
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π½ Buttered corn
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π₯¦ Steamed green beans or broccoli
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π₯ Garden salad
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π Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Or, keep it casual with potato chips and a pickle spear on the side!
π₯ͺ Leftover Ideas
Donβt toss those leftovers! Here are some tasty ways to repurpose your meatloaf:
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Meatloaf Sandwiches β Toasted bread + a slice of cold meatloaf + extra glaze = heaven.
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Meatloaf Hash β Chop it up and fry with potatoes, onions, and eggs.
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Meatloaf Tacos β Crumble and reheat, then fill warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.
π FAQ: Common Questions About Meatloaf
β Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You may need to reduce the broth slightly if your meat is leaner.
β Can I use a different stuffing flavor?
Absolutely. Feel free to try savory herb, chicken, cornbread, or even turkey stuffing mix. They all add delicious character.
β What if I donβt have ketchup?
Try substituting ketchup with BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, or salsa for a fun twist.
β How do I know itβs fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160Β°F (70Β°C) at the thickest part of the loaf.
β My meatloaf fell apart. What happened?
Itβs usually due to overmixing, not letting it rest, or not enough binder. The stuffing mix usually does a great job holding everything together.
π Pro Tips for Perfect Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
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Use 80% lean beef β Itβs the sweet spot between juicy and not too greasy.
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Let the stuffing sit fully in broth before mixing with the meat.
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Donβt overwork the mixture β it can make the loaf tough.
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Rest before slicing β keeps your slices clean and juicy.
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Double the glaze if you like it extra saucy!
π΄ Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf for the Holidays?
Believe it or not, this recipe is amazing for the holidays when youβre tired of turkey or ham. Itβs easy, satisfying, and still fits into a comforting, festive meal.
Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a cranberry sauce drizzle for a cozy holiday alternative!
π Grocery List
Here’s a quick grocery list for your trip to the store:
Essentials:
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2 lbs ground beef
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1 box Stove Top stuffing
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2 large eggs
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Chicken broth (or bouillon)
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Ketchup
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Brown sugar
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Mustard
Optional Sides:
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Mashed potatoes
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Canned or frozen veggies
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Dinner rolls
π Pin & Save This Recipe!
Want to come back to this recipe later? Pin it or save it for your meal plan this week! π§‘
π Letβs Recap: Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf at a Glance
Step | Action |
---|---|
Prep | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 45β55 minutes |
Total Time | Around 1 hour 10 minutes |
Servings | 6β8 hearty slices |
Flavor | Savory, moist, slightly sweet glaze |
β¨ Final Thoughts
Whether youβre feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for tomorrowβs lunch, this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe checks every boxβflavorful, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. Using stuffing mix instead of plain breadcrumbs brings out a robust flavor profile and saves time in the kitchen. Plus, itβs a great way to clean out your pantry!
Add it to your dinner rotationβyouβll be glad you did. π
π¬ Share With Us!
Have you tried this recipe? Did you add your own twist? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram at @zacrecipes. We love seeing your creations!
And donβt forget to check out more cozy dinners on the blog π https://zacrecipes.online/