Craving the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly delicious and unbelievably easy to make? Look no further than this Easy Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe! Combining seasoned ground beef with the convenience of Stove Top Stuffing mix, this recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful meatloaf that will become an instant family favorite. Topped with a savory and sweet meatloaf glaze, every slice promises a taste of home. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf: A Weeknight Wonder for Your Family
For the past few months, our kitchen has been on a serious meatloaf kick, and for good reason! My husband and I have taken on the joyful task of preparing weekly pre-made meal kits for his wonderful mother and grandmother. Every weekend, I meticulously put together complete meals, each featuring a delicious main course and two complementary vegetable side dishes. This system allows them the flexibility to choose what they want to enjoy immediately and easily freeze the rest for later, taking the stress out of daily cooking, especially for his 93-year-old grandmother who isn’t up to much meal preparation these days.
It’s been a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to delve into making some of their favorite classic dishes, often with a little twist to keep things exciting. Though, I must admit, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons along the way. You haven’t truly experienced a “side-eye” until a 93-year-old gives you one for daring to serve peas instead of her beloved green beans! Who knew such strong opinions could exist over humble green vegetables?
Thankfully, this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf earned rave reviews this past week! I paired it with a classic favorite, Southern Style Green Beans. Alongside, we sent over our popular Ritz Chicken Casserole, perfectly complemented by a creamy Creamed Corn Casserole. And, of course, no meal kit is complete without a delightful dessert. Recent sweet treats have included Bisquick Peach Cobbler, our incredibly simple Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, and the ever-festive Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies. Rest assured, I made sure there were no peas in sight this time!
This versatile meatloaf also pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, a fresh garden salad, or any of your favorite meatloaf side dishes. Its comforting appeal makes it a fantastic centerpiece for any family meal, any day of the week.
The Magic Behind the Mix: Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
What truly elevates this particular meatloaf recipe to star status is its incredible simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can combine these pantry staples and have a delicious, homemade meal ready for the oven. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. All you need are a handful of core ingredients for the meatloaf itself, plus a few extra items for the irresistible homemade glaze, and you’re all set for a fantastic culinary experience.
The secret weapon here is undoubtedly the Stove Top Stuffing mix. It acts as a brilliant shortcut, infusing the meatloaf with a blend of herbs and spices that would typically require measuring out multiple seasonings. This means less prep work for you, but absolutely no compromise on flavor. Let’s take a closer look at the components that make this meatloaf so special.
Stove Top Meatloaf Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: For this recipe, I typically opt for lean ground beef, around 85-90% lean. This helps to reduce excess grease, resulting in a firmer, less oily meatloaf. However, you can certainly use regular ground beef if that’s what you have on hand; just be prepared to drain a bit more fat during cooking. For a lighter alternative, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutions, though they might require slight adjustments to cooking time as they tend to cook faster and be drier.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: This is the star of the show! You can use any variety of Stove Top Stuffing mix that your family enjoys. We often use the classic turkey or savory herb flavors, as they provide a wonderful, aromatic base. The beauty of the stuffing mix is that it comes pre-seasoned, eliminating the need to add extra salt, pepper, or other herbs. It also acts as a fantastic binder, giving the meatloaf a lovely texture and preventing it from becoming too dense.
- Eggs: Eggs are crucial binders in any meatloaf recipe. They help to hold the ground beef and stuffing mixture together, ensuring your meatloaf maintains its shape and doesn’t crumble when sliced.
- Water: Hot water is used to hydrate the Stove Top Stuffing mix before it’s combined with the meat. This step softens the breadcrumbs and seasonings, allowing them to fully incorporate into the meat mixture and distribute their flavor evenly.
Crafting the Perfect Meatloaf Glaze
A great meatloaf isn’t complete without an equally great glaze, and this one is a true winner! This simple, yet incredibly flavorful, ketchup-based glaze adds a beautiful sheen, a touch of sweetness, and a tangy counterpoint that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf. It’s the kind of glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a crust that everyone will fight over. Best of all, it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients:
- Ketchup: The classic base for many meatloaf glazes, ketchup provides a rich, tomatoey foundation with a hint of acidity and sweetness. It’s essential for that familiar comfort food flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely depth of sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize during baking, creating a delicious sticky exterior. Light or dark brown sugar will work equally well.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce introduces a complex, savory, and umami-rich flavor that adds incredible depth to the glaze. It’s a key ingredient for balancing the sweetness and tang.
- Yellow Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard provides a subtle tang and a slight peppery note that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference in the overall flavor profile.
- Onion Powder: For an aromatic kick without the texture of fresh onion, onion powder is perfect. It blends seamlessly into the glaze, contributing a savory, earthy warmth.
Essential Equipment for a Flawless Meatloaf
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience, and preparing a delicious meatloaf is no exception. While this recipe is straightforward, a few key pieces of kitchen equipment will ensure a smoother process and a perfectly cooked result. Investing in these items can elevate your meatloaf game from good to absolutely outstanding.
Equipment Needed:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is crucial for combining all the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly without making a mess. Trust me, I once tried to mix this much ground beef and stuffing in too small of a bowl, and ended up with ingredients “flying all over the place”! A generous bowl allows you to get your hands in there and properly incorporate everything.
- Loaf Pan/Meatloaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is perfect for this recipe. While I often use a glass loaf pan, I’ve been considering upgrading to a meatloaf pan with a built-in draining insert. These specialized pans help to lift the meatloaf above any rendered grease, resulting in a less greasy, lighter meatloaf with a perfectly browned bottom.
- Small/Medium Bowl: You’ll need a separate, smaller bowl specifically for whisking together the ingredients for your meatloaf glaze. Keeping it separate prevents flavors from mixing prematurely.
- Whisk: A whisk is ideal for smoothly combining the glaze ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps of brown sugar or mustard. If you don’t have a whisk readily available, a fork or spoon will also get the job done, just make sure to mix thoroughly.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: A quick spray of nonstick cooking spray in your loaf pan is a simple yet effective step to prevent the meatloaf from sticking. This makes for much easier removal and serving, especially when you’re eager to get that delicious meatloaf on the plate!
- Meat Thermometer: This is a non-negotiable tool for food safety and ensuring your meatloaf is perfectly cooked. A reliable meat thermometer will allow you to accurately check the internal temperature of the meatloaf. Ground meat, like beef, should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to be safely consumed. The center should no longer be pink.
Expert Tips for Your Best Stove Top Meatloaf Ever
While this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is incredibly easy, a few simple tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. Follow these pointers for a perfectly cooked, flavorful meatloaf every time, ensuring a delicious meal that your family will ask for again and again.
- Preheat Your Oven: Don’t skip this crucial step! Always make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) before placing the meatloaf inside. A consistently heated oven ensures even cooking and helps the meatloaf develop that desirable caramelized crust.
- Get Hands-On: The best way to combine the meatloaf mixture is with your hands. This allows you to feel when everything is thoroughly mixed without overworking the meat, which can lead to a tough meatloaf. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess – I always have a kitchen towel nearby and easy access to the sink for cleanup.
- Don’t Overmix: While you want ingredients well combined, resist the urge to overmix the ground beef. Overworking the meat can result in a dense, rubbery texture. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Double the Glaze: If you’re a fan of a generously glazed meatloaf (and who isn’t?), I highly recommend doubling the meatloaf glaze recipe. This ensures you have more than enough to coat the meatloaf both before and after baking, or even to serve extra on the side.
- Experiment with Pan Shapes: While a loaf pan is traditional, you can get creative! Some people like to make meatloaf in a Bundt pan, which can reduce cooking time due to increased surface area and gives it an impressive, ring-shaped presentation. You could also form it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet, which might also cook a bit faster and allow more fat to render away.
- Glaze Alternatives: If the classic ketchup-based glaze isn’t your preference, feel free to get creative! This Stove Top meatloaf tastes wonderful with your favorite BBQ sauce, a mushroom gravy, or even a simple brown gravy.
- Hydrate the Stuffing: Remember to allow the hot water and stuffing mix to sit for at least 5 minutes before combining with the meat. This crucial step ensures the stuffing fully hydrates and softens, integrating seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture. You only need 1 cup of water for this!
- Monitor Baking Time: Baking times can vary significantly depending on your specific oven and the type of pan you are using. While the recipe suggests 45-60 minutes, always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy. I usually start checking the internal temperature at the 45-minute mark, but with our oven, it often takes closer to 60 minutes to reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C).
- Resting is Key: Once your Stove Top Meatloaf is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring every slice is moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful.
- Leftover Creativity: Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Cold meatloaf makes for an incredible meatloaf sandwich (my personal favorite!). You can also gently reheat slices in the microwave or oven for another quick and satisfying meal.
- Easy Pan Removal: The trickiest part for many is removing the meatloaf from the pan without it breaking apart. If you don’t have a draining loaf pan, consider lining your loaf pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to create “handles.” Once baked, you can simply lift the entire meatloaf out of the pan with ease.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! You can easily double the recipe and prepare an extra meatloaf for freezing. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn before storing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Consider Mini Meatloaves: For faster cooking and individual portions, you can divide the mixture into muffin tins to create mini meatloaves. Adjust baking time down to about 20-30 minutes, checking for internal temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Stove Top Meatloaf
Here are some common questions we get about making this easy and delicious Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent, leaner alternatives. Keep in mind that poultry tends to be a bit drier, so you might want to ensure your mixture is well combined to maintain moisture. Cooking times might also be slightly shorter, so always rely on your meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Q: Do I need to add any other seasonings to the meatloaf mix?
A: Not with this recipe! The beauty of using Stove Top Stuffing mix is that it comes pre-seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that perfectly flavor the meatloaf. Adding extra seasonings might overdo it, so stick to the simplicity for best results.
- Q: How can I prevent my meatloaf from cracking on top?
A: Cracking can happen for a few reasons. Ensuring your meatloaf isn’t too dry by using the right amount of water and not overcooking it helps. Also, gently forming the loaf and not compacting it too tightly can reduce cracking. Some people also cover their meatloaf loosely with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from drying out too quickly.
- Q: Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep! You can assemble the entire meatloaf mixture (without baking), place it in the greased loaf pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to your baking time if starting from cold.
- Q: What are some other great side dishes to serve with Stove Top Meatloaf?
A: Beyond the Southern Style Green Beans and Creamed Corn Casserole we mentioned, this meatloaf is wonderful with classic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, a simple side salad, baked sweet potatoes, or even macaroni and cheese. It’s truly versatile!
- Q: How long does cooked meatloaf last in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked meatloaf, stored properly in an airtight container, will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It’s excellent for quick lunches or easy reheated dinners.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved the ease and flavor of this Stove Top Meatloaf, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our simple yet incredibly satisfying dinner recipes. We’re all about making delicious meals accessible for every home cook!
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Do you love discovering new recipes and culinary inspiration? Be sure to check out our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulge in our delightful dessert recipes, and simplify your meal planning with our incredible Crock Pot Recipes!
Stove Top Meatloaf Recipe
An easy meatloaf recipe made with Stove Top Stuffing and just a few other ingredients. This is the perfect comfort food dinner recipe that’s quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Stove Top Meatloaf
- 6 oz Stove Top Stuffing (Any Flavor)
- 1 cup Water (hot)
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 2 Eggs
Stove Top Meatloaf Sauce
- 1 cup Ketchup
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
Meatloaf Glaze
- Whisk together Ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard, and Onion Powder in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
Stovetop Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine hot water and Stove Top Stuffing mix. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the stuffing to hydrate.
- Add the ground beef, eggs, and the hydrated stuffing mix to the large bowl. Mix until well combined. Incorporate about half of the prepared meatloaf glaze into the meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Lightly grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press the meat and stuffing mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it is compacted evenly.
- Spread the remaining meatloaf glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Loaf Pan (or Bread Pan)
- Small/Medium Bowl
- Whisk (or fork)
- Meat Thermometer
- Nonstick cooking spray
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 234