When I first made this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe, I wasn’t expecting such bold flavor with so little effort. But once that first slice hit the plate, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and held together with just the right balance of moisture and texture, it was clear this would become a weeknight favorite.
This recipe is ideal for when you need comfort food fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The trick? Using a box of Stove Top stuffing as both the seasoning and binder. No extra herbs, no breadcrumbs, no guesswork. Just mix, shape, and bake. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or any time you’re craving something hearty and homey.
What makes this version stand out is how the stuffing mix locks in flavor and moisture while adding a nostalgic, Thanksgiving-style taste to each bite. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Table of contents
Why This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of this Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe lies in its simplicity. Instead of juggling breadcrumbs, dried herbs, and other fillers, the stuffing mix does the heavy lifting. Each bite is perfectly seasoned thanks to the herbs and savory profile built into the stuffing blend.
Flavor Boost: Since Stove Top is already a seasoned bread mix, it infuses the meatloaf with onion, garlic, sage, and parsley, without extra steps. You’re getting maximum flavor with minimal ingredients.
Perfect Texture: The stuffing soaks up moisture from the eggs and broth, creating a juicy, cohesive meatloaf that holds together beautifully without being dry or crumbly.
Minimal Ingredients: Ground beef, eggs, broth (or water), Stove Top stuffing, and ketchup or barbecue sauce are the only essentials. Everything else is optional, which makes it highly customizable.
Time Saver: This recipe comes together in one bowl and bakes in under an hour, making it a lifesaver on hectic weeknights.
Recipe Card
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
6
servings10
minutes45
minutes280
kcalThis easy meatloaf with Stove Top stuffing recipe transforms a classic comfort dish into a flavorful masterpiece. Packed with seasoned breadcrumbs and savory spices, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping!
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Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 box Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavor)
1 cup water
2 large eggs
1/3 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine Stove Top stuffing mix and water. Let sit for 3 minutes to soften. Add ground beef, eggs, ketchup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until evenly combined.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it firmly to form an even loaf shape.
- Add the topping: Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Cool and serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Stuffing Flavor: You can use any flavor of Stove Top stuffing mix, such as savory herb or cornbread, to customize the meatloaf.
- Lean Beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef to ensure the meatloaf is moist but not overly greasy.
- Optional Glaze: For a sweeter topping, mix ketchup with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of mustard.
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Pro Tips for a Perfect Meatloaf Every Time
- Use the Right Pan: A loaf pan works best for shaping and cooking the meatloaf evenly. For a crispier exterior, bake it free-form on a lined baking sheet.
- Prevent Sticking: Grease your pan or use parchment paper to avoid any sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Even Baking: Pat the meatloaf mixture into an even shape to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Moisture Balance: If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk or water; if too wet, mix in a handful of breadcrumbs.
- Ketchup Topping Hack: For extra caramelization, brush the ketchup topping on halfway through baking instead of at the start.
Delicious Variants You’ll Want to Try
Cheddar-Stuffed Stove Top Meatloaf
This twist adds a generous layer of cheddar cheese to the center of the meatloaf. Just form half the mixture into a loaf, layer on shredded cheese, then cover with the remaining meat. It’s gooey, rich, and kid-approved.
Stove Top Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Glaze
Swap beef for ground turkey and top the loaf with a glaze made from whole cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard. It’s a nod to Thanksgiving dinner that’s light yet flavorful.
Mini Meatloaf Muffins
Instead of shaping one large loaf, divide the mixture into muffin tins. These bake faster, are great for portion control, and make lunch-packing a breeze. Top each with a bit of ketchup before baking.
Bacon-Wrapped Stove Top Meatloaf
Wrap the formed loaf in strips of bacon before baking. The bacon adds smoky flavor and keeps the meatloaf extra moist while forming a crispy exterior.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can use any stuffing mix flavor—herb, cornbread, or even turkey-flavored—for a customized taste.
The Stove Top stuffing mix already contains seasoning and binders, which help lock in moisture. Adding milk or broth and avoiding overbaking are also key.
Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
You can use barbecue sauce, tomato paste mixed with brown sugar, or even chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Health Benefits of the Stove Top stuffing meatloaf:
- High-Protein Content: With 16 grams of protein per serving, this meatloaf supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Energy-Boosting Carbs: The Stove Top stuffing provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Nutrient-Rich Comfort Food: This dish contains essential nutrients like iron, Vitamin B12, and zinc, which are vital for energy production and immunity.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: Easily modify the recipe to include leaner meats, lower-sodium stuffing, or additional vegetables for enhanced nutrition.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is ideal for batch cooking, providing a convenient, homemade alternative to processed meals.
Nutrition Information (per serving – 1 slice):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Sugar: 3g
Wrapping It Up
There’s just something wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about a warm slice of meatloaf, especially when it’s been made effortlessly with pantry staples. This Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf recipe hits all the right notes, it’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re serving it up for Sunday dinner or making it as a midweek pick-me-up, it delivers big comfort with minimal effort. The stuffing mix does double duty as a flavor booster and binder, while the rest of the ingredients are flexible and forgiving. Even beginner cooks can pull this off like a pro.
Love hearty, comforting recipes? Don’t miss our Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole! It’s the perfect side dish to pair with this Stove Top stuffing meatloaf recipe.
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